Lofi Japanese was created for learners who struggle with traditional language resources. Our goal was to remove obstacles from the learning process and create a Japanese course that would never feel like a chore. To this end, we focused on production quality, engaging examples, and a distinctly warm Japanese atmosphere. With Lofi Japanese, we aimed to make a resource learners would genuinely look forward to using.

No. The Lofi Japanese team—including Dogen—believes a solid foundation in Japanese requires constant native input. For that reason, every lesson is delivered by a native Japanese speaker. Lofi Japanese was directed by Dogen, filmed and edited by Skill Hunter, Inc., a small video production team based in Hiroshima, and presented by Karen Shidahara, a freelance model living in rural Hiroshima. The scripts were written by Skill Hunter with guidance from Dogen, revised by certified Japanese teacher Yotsuba Ikarashi for natural language and clarity, then finally refined to match the course’s lofi style.

In trying to create a practical, but also inviting, Japanese resource, the Lofi Japanese team drew inspiration from the popular YouTube channel Lofi Girl. Our editors graded footage to emphasize the natural hues and textures of Karen’s home, and carefully curated fonts, sound effects, and music to match the aesthetic. Additionally, Karen chose outfits, makeup, and hairstyles to convey a relaxed yet professional atmosphere.

Before her involvement with Lofi Japanese, Karen Shidahara worked as a freelance model and as a waitress at her family’s restaurant in Higashi-Hiroshima. She was chosen as the course presenter from more than 100 applicants for her presentation abilities, professional work ethic, strong screen presence, and clear voice. For more information about Karen, please watch her introduction video.

To create an authentic atmosphere, the team filmed at Karen’s traditional Japanese home in rural Hiroshima. The production relied mainly on natural light, using a Sony FX30 for video and an Azden SGM-3500 shotgun mic for audio.

Lessons are approximately 30 minutes long, though length varies depending on subject matter. At the start of each lesson, Karen acts out a Dogen skit at a normal speed, as well as a slower, more deliberate speed. She then thoroughly breaks down one key grammar structure and three essential vocabulary points from the skit. Each lesson concludes with a review and a preview of the next lesson’s content.

We highly encourage learners to learn hiragana and katakana before starting. Tofugu has a fantastic resource for this, available here.

Lofi Japanese is designed for beginners who want to learn through immersion. It can feel challenging at first, especially for learners not yet used to hearing natural Japanese, but the course is structured to provide step-by-step guidance throughout.

While it’s not focused on JLPT prep, the grammar covered aligns with roughly 80% of the key points from JLPT N5 and about 35% from N4, providing a solid foundation for learners aiming for those levels.

Enrollment during the launch period includes two bonuses:

Livestream walkthrough with Ayano Sensei — For 10 weeks beginning in January, native Japanese teacher Ayano Sensei will revisit the course material in live sessions held three times a week, for 30 sessions total. They begin on January 13th. Ayano Sensei will break down the lessons and answer questions as learners work through the material together.

Course kickoff livestream with Dōgen (completed) — Dōgen will host a live session to walk through how to approach the course, discuss immersion and repetition, and answer questions.

The launch sale ending on January 12 applies only to pricing. The livestreams are available to all course members regardless of when they enroll. Depending on enrollment date, some livestreams may already have taken place, but recordings of all sessions are available in the course.

The livestreams with Ayano Sensei are available to all course members, regardless of when they enroll. Three sessions are held each week for 10 weeks, walking through each of the 30 lessons. They begin on January 13th, 2026. Anyone who joins while the livestreams are ongoing can participate live; recordings of all sessions are available in the course for those who join later or can't attend live.

Lofi Japanese was created as an alternative to textbooks and more traditional video-based courses—it is not a shortcut to fluency. We encourage learners to consider their language goals and compare Lofi Japanese with other resources before making a purchase decision.

If you’re not happy with the course for any reason, let us know within 30 days and we will refund your payment. Please confirm our Refund Policy page for more information.