Fun Ways to Practice Outside of Class After Your Japanese Lessons in London

In a city as busy as London, fitting Japanese into your packed routine can be tough—but that’s where the fun begins. You've probably signed up for Japanese lessons London and started to wrap your head around hiragana, katakana, and maybe even a few tricky kanji. But what happens once class is over? That’s where the magic really begins. You see, the real secret to mastering a language is consistency—and having fun while you do it. So if you're wondering how to keep your Japanese sharp outside the classroom without turning it into another chore, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into some fun and practical ways to practice Japanese beyond your lessons.

1. Binge Japanese Shows (Guilt-Free)

Yes, seriously. Watching Japanese dramas, anime, or variety shows isn’t just entertainment—it’s learning in disguise. Shows like Terrace House, Midnight Diner, or even Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) help you hear how real Japanese sounds. You’ll pick up slang, tone, and natural sentence flow that textbooks just can’t teach. Pro tip: Start with English subtitles, but switch to Japanese subs once you feel a bit more confident. It’s a game-changer.

2. Use Japanese in Your Daily Life

Think about your everyday routine. You get up, make breakfast, commute, maybe hit the gym. Now, try narrating those activities in Japanese in your head. It could be as simple as saying: - おはよう！(Good morning!) - パンを食べます。 (I’m eating bread.) - 地下鉄に乗ります。 (I’m getting on the subway.) It might feel weird at first, but this kind of practice builds fluency faster than you’d think. It’s like building muscle memory, just for your brain.

3. Join a Japanese Language Meetup

There are tons of language meetups in London where you can casually practice with native speakers or fellow learners. These groups are often super friendly and welcoming—no one expects you to be perfect. It’s all about showing up, speaking, and having fun. And hey, you might even make a few friends along the way. Bonus!

4. Play Language Exchange Games

Got a language exchange partner? Spice things up with games. Try 20 Questions, word association, or describe-and-guess using only Japanese. It keeps things playful while reinforcing your vocab and speaking skills. Apps like HelloTalk and Tandem also connect you with Japanese speakers who are learning English. Think of it as digital pen pals—but better.

5. Sing Karaoke (and Join a Real-Life Event!)

Yes—karaoke counts as language practice! Singing Japanese songs sharpens your pronunciation, improves listening, and helps you lock in common phrases without even realizing it. Even better? You don’t have to do it alone. This summer, Dear Asia London is hosting the Karaoke Night on June 27th—and it's the perfect chance to practice your Japanese in a fun, low-pressure setting. There’ll be music, laughter, and zero judgment—just pure festival vibes and a whole lot of fun. Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a singing pro or a total newbie. And if you’re a Dear Asia student, you can attend for free! Just RSVP through the event page and get ready to grab the mic. Trust us, you’ll come away with more than just a sore throat—you’ll build confidence and connect with others on the same language-learning journey.

6. Make Japanese Part of Your Social Media Life

Follow Japanese content creators on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Your feed will naturally become a mini-lesson every time you scroll. You’ll see how words are used in context, catch new expressions, and even learn a few cultural tidbits along the way. And if you’re feeling brave, leave a comment in Japanese. Who knows? You might even get a reply!

7. Label Your Life in Japanese

Grab some sticky notes and label things around your home in Japanese—mirror, fridge, laptop, door. Every time you use those objects, you’ll see the word and reinforce it. It’s an old-school trick, but it works like a charm. You can even switch your phone or computer language settings to Japanese if you’re up for the challenge. It forces you to navigate tech using the language—and you’ll pick up new words naturally.

8. Read Manga or Easy Japanese Books

You don’t need to jump straight into Murakami novels. Start with simple manga or graded readers made for learners. Books like Yotsuba&! or Shirokuma Café are fun, lighthearted, and filled with useful, everyday language. Reading not only helps with vocabulary, but it also trains your brain to recognize grammar patterns naturally. Plus, the visual context helps you guess meaning even when you don’t understand every word.

9. Cook Japanese Recipes (In Japanese)

Cooking and language learning? Now that’s a win-win. Look up recipes on Japanese websites or YouTube channels and follow along. You’ll learn food-related vocabulary, imperative verb forms, and get a delicious meal out of it. Next time you whip up some okonomiyaki or miso soup, you’ll know exactly how to describe it in Japanese.

10. Create a Mini-Japan in Your Own World

Surround yourself with the language. Set reminders in Japanese. Change your Netflix language settings. Listen to Japanese podcasts during your commute. The more you integrate the language into your daily life, the more natural it becomes. Language learning doesn’t have to be limited to textbooks or classrooms. When you turn your environment into a Japanese-friendly space, you create constant, low-pressure opportunities to improve.

Why Trust Dear Asia London?

At Dear Asia London we believe learning should be exciting, immersive, and tailored to real life. We don’t just teach Japanese—we help you live it. Through expert-led classes, engaging cultural events, and a community that cheers you on, we make sure you stay inspired long after the lesson ends. Whether you’re learning your first kanji or prepping for JLPT, we’ve got your back—with experiences that make every step enjoyable.