Music, food, customs, traditions, dance, language, and many more form a culture. The list can keep going, but new cultures can be overwhelming. That's why the cultural shocks. So? What do we do with all the information?

The Age of Humans

Episode 2: How to Process the Cultural Input

"Have you ever been told 'Chanto shite!' and thought, 'Specifically, what should I do?!' 🤯
In this episode, Maiko Sensei — a professional Japanese teacher with over 450 lessons experience — breaks down one of the most convenient yet confusing words in Japanese: CHANTO.
In this episode, you will learn:
The 3 Faces of Chanto: From holding chopsticks to stable jobs.
Maiko's Secret: Why it's okay to ask for specifics when someone says 'Chanto shite.'
The Strawberry Mystery 🍓: Why Maiko's mom says 'Chanto shita Ichigo' and why it's grammatically weird but okay!
Real Talk: How language is alive and why rare cases are fun.

Special Request:If you leveled up your Japanese today, please follow the show and give me a 5-star rating! ⭐ It helps more learners find my lessons.
Want to check if your Japanese is 'Chanto'?Book a private lesson with me on italki or Preply! I'd love to talk to you.[Your italki Link][Your Preply Link]
Let's master the 'Chanto' lifestyle together!"


HONTO NO NIHONGO with Maiko

Ep6: What does "CHANTO" actually mean? The most vague word in Japan 🧐

"Think 'Sumimasen' only means 'I’m sorry'? Think again! 🧐

In this episode, Maiko Sensei — a professional Japanese teacher with over 450 lessons experience — reveals the 9 different levels of this magic word. From calling a waiter to the 'Pro Level' of giving gifts, mastering 'Sumimasen' is the ultimate key to sounding natural in Japan.

What you will learn today:

Levels 1-3: The basics you need for survival in Japan.

Levels 5-7: How to use it for 'Thank you' and polite transitions.

Level 9: The 'Pro Level' usage for declining offers and giving gifts.

The Secret: Why Japanese people use this word even when they didn't do anything wrong!

Special Request: If you leveled up today, please follow the show and give me a 5-star rating! ⭐ It helps me reach more students around the world.

Let's study together! Want to practice 'Sumimasen' with me? Book a private lesson on italki or Preply! Links are right here: [Your italki Link] [Your Preply Link]

Don't just say it, feel it. Let's master 'Sumimasen' together!"

EP5: The 9 Levels of "SUMIMASEN": Are you using it right?

Stop confusing "Shitte-iru" and "Wakatta"! 💡
Have you ever said "Shitte-imasu" when you actually meant "I understand"? Or have you accidentally sounded a bit rude by saying "Shiranai"?
In this episode, Maiko Sensei — a professional Japanese teacher with over 450 lessons of experience — breaks down the tricky difference between "Knowing" and "Understanding."
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Data vs. Puzzle: The simple "Brain Hack" to choose the right word every time.
The "Make Sense" moment: Why "Wakatta" is your best friend when learning new things.
Interactive Quiz: Test your skills with two real-life scenarios!
Danger Zone: Why saying "Shiranai" to a friend (or a crush!) might cause a big misunderstanding. 💔

If you want to sound more natural and avoid awkward silences, this episode is for you. Let's make Japanese make sense together!


Ep4: Do you KNOW or do you UNDERSTAND?

Hello everyone! Welcome to Honto no Nihongo with Maiko! 💖
In this episode, we explore the magic of the number "3" (San) in Japan. 
Why is it so special? 
Maiko Sensei explains it all using simple Japanese!


[About Maiko Sensei]


I am a Japanese teacher with experience in over 450 online lessons on platforms like italki and Preply. 
I love sharing real, useful Japanese with all of you!


[What you will learn in this episode:]
​ The "-San" mystery: Why do we add "-san" to animals and even food?​ Mikka Bozu (3-day monk): A funny idiom for when we quit something too soon.​ Sandome no Shojiki: The Japanese version of "Third time's a charm."
