Learning Japanese Through Pop Culture (Idols, Ice Cream & Dreams)

In Episode 3 of Nihongo to English (No Show), Michelle and Michael chase the kind of everyday Japanese that textbooks forget—like how to talk about paying utilities (コーネツヒ)—and somehow end up building a whole philosophy around ice cream, idols, and enlightenment.

We look back at the early days of learning Japanese before Google Translate, when tiny paper dictionaries were basically pocket-sized lifelines (and accidental fashion accessories). From there, the conversation swerves into money and language: exchange rates (為替レート), Niigata senbei that “age like whiskey,” and the oddly specific mystery of 十八年もの (aged 18 years).

Then we hit peak chaos: the viral アイスクリーム (aisukurīmu) idol song—and a surprisingly helpful mini-lesson on comparisons like より vs. よりも / よりも. Finally, we zoom out into “Japanese-style” humility and what enlightenment might sound like if Buddha had to answer a compliment in Japan (“いやいや…そんなことないです…”).

It’s bilingual banter, cultural comedy, and practical language discovery—served with sprinkles of self-awareness.

Japanese words featured

• コーネツヒ — utilities
• 為替レート — exchange rate
• 十八年もの — aged 18 years
• より / よりも — comparisons (“more than”)
• アイドル / アンチアイドル — idol / anti-idol

Listener homework

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor—and what would your “idol self” say when fans shout 何が好き!? (nani ga suki!?) 🍨

Email: nihongotoenglishnoshow@gmail.com

Original Theme Jingle by Michelle MaliZaki