NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese

At a glance

• Editor score
  5.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Beginners seeking free Japanese audio and video lessons
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Study focus
  Balanced
• Facts checked
  22 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • 48 lessons pair practical conversation skits with grammar and key phrases
  • Audio, video, listening drills and repeat-after-audio speaking practice
  • Downloadable scripts and audio, plus hiragana and katakana materials

• Where it doesn't

  • The course focuses on beginner-level Japanese rather than broader study needs
  • Web-only access limits platform choice
  • Support is centered on documentation

Our verdict on NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese

For learners starting Japanese for travel, everyday situations or initial communication, NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese offers a free, structured course. Its 48 beginner lessons progress from very basic exchanges toward simple A2-level communication. Conversation skits introduce practical phrases, while grammar explanations, key-phrase instruction and pronunciation guidance give learners context for the language. Cultural and travel information adds useful context alongside the core lessons.

The course’s strongest fit is its combination of listening and speaking practice. Lessons include audio and video playback, listening drills, and opportunities to repeat lines after the audio or practice them individually. Downloadable lesson text, scripts and audio support review, and the site also provides materials for studying hiragana and katakana. This makes the course a good starting point for learners who want guided audio and video lessons rather than a resource focused only on written explanations. The website supports multiple languages and is designed for smartphone use.

Access is free, and the course’s defined beginner scope makes it straightforward to assess: learners can work through practical material without choosing among paid plans. It is available on the web, with downloadable materials supporting study beyond simply replaying lessons online. The published support channel is documentation. Choose it for a no-cost foundation in everyday Japanese, especially if conversation, listening and basic scripts are priorities. Learners seeking study beyond beginner communication or a choice of platforms should look for a broader course.

Your product? Our editors can test NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese pricing

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese fact sheet

Alternatives to NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese

• DuolingoA broad free Japanese course with placement, personalized review, stories, and mobile access.9.4
• IRODORI Japanese Online CourseA free, self-paced Japanese course focused on everyday life and work in Japan.9.3
• MJMarugoto Japanese Online CourseInteractive Japanese self-study with tutor-supported courses, live lessons, and assignment correction.9.2

See all NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 29 Oct 2026 · How we research and update