Are there many people who learn Japanese just for games?
- Thread starter 疏疏.
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miwette
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- Apr 29, 2026
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I started learning japanese so I could play games! I've been studying for a long time but I feel like I could learn some more as of now, but at the moment I don't struggle playing!
Although, I personally never felt I really 'studied' per se as I would try to learn the language with some sort of exposure therapy? Watching shows with subs and trying to learn the words while doing so!
I do believe it is a bit easier now thanks to all the dictionaries you can find online and with how much translation tools have progressed tho!
I personally really enjoyed, when I first started, watchig gameplays of games I liked so I could sort of figure out the meaning of a sentence remembering the translated ones!
Although, I personally never felt I really 'studied' per se as I would try to learn the language with some sort of exposure therapy? Watching shows with subs and trying to learn the words while doing so!
I do believe it is a bit easier now thanks to all the dictionaries you can find online and with how much translation tools have progressed tho!
I personally really enjoyed, when I first started, watchig gameplays of games I liked so I could sort of figure out the meaning of a sentence remembering the translated ones!
I wanted to learn Japanese for a while since I've been an otaku since I was a kid watching anime, and there are a lot of untranslated games I want to play. But the reality of my particular situation is that I ended up in the Japanese side of a game's community sometime late last year by chance, mostly on social medias like X. I mainly relied on the built-in translator to read what everyone was saying, and I used Google Translate on my end.. 
(I don't really recommend this! It may sometimes be quite inaccurate, and it's no good to rely on it and use it as a crutch as much as I did..) But after a few months, recurring phrases JP users around me use ended up sticking and I started to be able to read some of the kanji and romaji! I think I also picked up the specific tones my JP friends type (say?) things so it sounds a little more natural-ish..? I also romanize and translate the scripts of some situational voice I listen to and learn a little through that. I admit, my methods were unorthodox, so I don't think I'd honestly recommend following what I did.. Though now, I'm trying to learn it seriously when I have the time, since the elective is now available to me! Learning the basics and phonetic alphabet is important imo :] I'll definitely be checking out the sites and advice given by other users in this thread too~☆ Let's do our best and learn the language together!
(I don't really recommend this! It may sometimes be quite inaccurate, and it's no good to rely on it and use it as a crutch as much as I did..) But after a few months, recurring phrases JP users around me use ended up sticking and I started to be able to read some of the kanji and romaji! I think I also picked up the specific tones my JP friends type (say?) things so it sounds a little more natural-ish..? I also romanize and translate the scripts of some situational voice I listen to and learn a little through that. I admit, my methods were unorthodox, so I don't think I'd honestly recommend following what I did.. Though now, I'm trying to learn it seriously when I have the time, since the elective is now available to me! Learning the basics and phonetic alphabet is important imo :] I'll definitely be checking out the sites and advice given by other users in this thread too~☆ Let's do our best and learn the language together!
- Oct 23, 2023
- 33
- 16
I actually learned Japanese naturally through playing games.
At first, I couldn't understand anything at all. I just played by relying on context, intuition, and a lot of guessing. But because I kept doing it for years, I ended up creating an environment where I was constantly reading and listening to Japanese.
Over time, I gradually picked up the language without really realizing it. Nowadays, I can play games in Japanese and understand around 80% of the content. Of course, I still come across words and expressions I don't know, but it's usually enough for me to follow the story and enjoy the game without needing a translation.
At first, I couldn't understand anything at all. I just played by relying on context, intuition, and a lot of guessing. But because I kept doing it for years, I ended up creating an environment where I was constantly reading and listening to Japanese.
Over time, I gradually picked up the language without really realizing it. Nowadays, I can play games in Japanese and understand around 80% of the content. Of course, I still come across words and expressions I don't know, but it's usually enough for me to follow the story and enjoy the game without needing a translation.
- Sep 13, 2025
- 46
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I learned English just for games kinda! Of course I also wanted to have access to other translations like manga, anime, books, and to be part of online communities I couldn't otherwise, but my main motivator was definitely media consumption. Doing the same for Japanese now, except far more lax in comparison? There was a frantic energy I had in my teens I'm having trouble finding now, so it's at a pretty glacial speed...
I'm rooting for anyone and everyone learning other languages for whatever reason and motivation; in order to partake in art forms, connecting with other people, etc! I think it's a beautiful thing and it broadens your understanding and appreciation for the world, so, let's all do our best!
I'm rooting for anyone and everyone learning other languages for whatever reason and motivation; in order to partake in art forms, connecting with other people, etc! I think it's a beautiful thing and it broadens your understanding and appreciation for the world, so, let's all do our best!
- May 17, 2026
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snowmika55
New member
- May 29, 2026
- 17
- 20
I am also self-taught Japanese from japanese media. Not from otome games because it's too hard to read kanjis, so i gave up on otome game at first. then mostly i learnt from anime and idols. Then i started to watch TV shows and youtube because they usually put japanese subtitle too. that really helped me to memorize kanji until i'd be able to play otome games (sometimes translator app for unfamiliar kanjis tho).
- May 3, 2025
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I'm still studying Japanese even now — though it's been kind of on and off. A full online course could really help you.
I first got into anime, so learning Japanese just felt like a pretty cool thing to do.
Later, I started playing Japanese otome games.
Studying Japanese has also been really helpful for playing non-localized games. I can understand a lot more now. I think the biggest motivation for learning a language probably comes from genuine interest.
I usually use some dictionaries to look up words, learn grammar through lessons, and when I run into something I don't understand while playing a game, I end up asking AI — to the point where most of my chat history with it is just me asking Japanese questions…
I first got into anime, so learning Japanese just felt like a pretty cool thing to do.
Later, I started playing Japanese otome games.
Studying Japanese has also been really helpful for playing non-localized games. I can understand a lot more now. I think the biggest motivation for learning a language probably comes from genuine interest.
I usually use some dictionaries to look up words, learn grammar through lessons, and when I run into something I don't understand while playing a game, I end up asking AI — to the point where most of my chat history with it is just me asking Japanese questions…
- Jun 9, 2025
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- 2,131
Since Japanese is my native language, I'm really happy that people from all over the world are interested in Japanese otome games and content!
So if there's anything I can do to help, feel free to reach out<3
On the flip side, I play games in English, Chinese, and other languages on my trusty Steam Deck using Decky Translator.
So if there's anything I can do to help, feel free to reach out<3
On the flip side, I play games in English, Chinese, and other languages on my trusty Steam Deck using Decky Translator.
fasdfsda5235
New member
- Jun 7, 2026
- 62
- 68
In my case, I've been learning Japanese on and off for a couple of years. I had to drop it for personal reasons — not because I got bored or gave up on my own. This year I picked it back up, and I've been at it for around 4 months now.
Little by little, I've been adding more variety. I'm about halfway through Genki II, and I focus a lot on immersion. I started with easy news articles, then moved on to native content on YouTube for beginners, podcasts, anime, and so on. The latest thing I decided to try is VN, since I can listen and read at the same time, plus analyze sentences and grammar points at my own pace without feeling overwhelmed about losing the flow — which is what happens to me with anime.
I also use Anki. I finished the Tango N5 deck and I'm now on the Kaishi 1.5 deck. On top of that, I'm making my own deck to review stuff from Genki I and II that I didn't quite learn properly, just to reinforce it. After that, I'll just stick to adding new vocabulary I come across while doing immersion at a relaxed pace.
I have HelloTalk too. There was a time I used it quite a bit, but since my output is nonexistent, I've put it on standby for now. I saw someone recommend Gravity, so just in case, I installed it and I'll check it out. I always try to go for native material, so being able to practice reading with casual, natural speech from natives on their own social media really catches my interest. There's also another social platform for gamers — I saw a guy using it to play Apex Legends with native speakers, and I'm a huge fan of his videos. I'd love to get to that point, but for now I'll just spend a couple of years soaking up extensive input.
I think Satori Reader is a really good investment, but for now I'm sticking to free material. I learned English mostly by playing games and watching series, so I want to take the same route with Japanese. I was pretty dumb when I was younger and barely studied English for classes… it's one of my biggest regrets. But thanks to all the mistakes I made learning that language, I've been avoiding them with Japanese, and I'm really happy about that!
And well, to answer your question: I learned English to open doors for myself, and it's what I'm most grateful for. I learned how to draw, how to use Blender, I'm tech savvy, and I've picked up quite a few skills thanks to it. I want the same with Japanese, especially in the art aspect. There are so many Japanese artists I want to learn from — buying their books, reading or watching their tutorials and courses, etc. But honestly, my biggest goal is to be able to communicate with locals when I go to Japan and enjoy non-touristy spots without being afraid of the language barrier.
Little by little, I've been adding more variety. I'm about halfway through Genki II, and I focus a lot on immersion. I started with easy news articles, then moved on to native content on YouTube for beginners, podcasts, anime, and so on. The latest thing I decided to try is VN, since I can listen and read at the same time, plus analyze sentences and grammar points at my own pace without feeling overwhelmed about losing the flow — which is what happens to me with anime.
I also use Anki. I finished the Tango N5 deck and I'm now on the Kaishi 1.5 deck. On top of that, I'm making my own deck to review stuff from Genki I and II that I didn't quite learn properly, just to reinforce it. After that, I'll just stick to adding new vocabulary I come across while doing immersion at a relaxed pace.
I have HelloTalk too. There was a time I used it quite a bit, but since my output is nonexistent, I've put it on standby for now. I saw someone recommend Gravity, so just in case, I installed it and I'll check it out. I always try to go for native material, so being able to practice reading with casual, natural speech from natives on their own social media really catches my interest. There's also another social platform for gamers — I saw a guy using it to play Apex Legends with native speakers, and I'm a huge fan of his videos. I'd love to get to that point, but for now I'll just spend a couple of years soaking up extensive input.
I think Satori Reader is a really good investment, but for now I'm sticking to free material. I learned English mostly by playing games and watching series, so I want to take the same route with Japanese. I was pretty dumb when I was younger and barely studied English for classes… it's one of my biggest regrets. But thanks to all the mistakes I made learning that language, I've been avoiding them with Japanese, and I'm really happy about that!
And well, to answer your question: I learned English to open doors for myself, and it's what I'm most grateful for. I learned how to draw, how to use Blender, I'm tech savvy, and I've picked up quite a few skills thanks to it. I want the same with Japanese, especially in the art aspect. There are so many Japanese artists I want to learn from — buying their books, reading or watching their tutorials and courses, etc. But honestly, my biggest goal is to be able to communicate with locals when I go to Japan and enjoy non-touristy spots without being afraid of the language barrier.
- Sep 17, 2013
- 16
- 40
Well, I've liked Japanese culture since I was little, mainly because of anime. As for learning the language through gaming, I think it's a bit of everything... you're already familiar with hearing it, so maybe learning to read is the next step.
I've always played Japanese otome games without fully understanding the story, and I figured out a lot of things through intuition. Nowadays, it's much easier to understand thanks to translation tools.
The good thing is that I learned a lot of Japanese on my own just by playing.
I've always played Japanese otome games without fully understanding the story, and I figured out a lot of things through intuition. Nowadays, it's much easier to understand thanks to translation tools.
The good thing is that I learned a lot of Japanese on my own just by playing.
- Aug 19, 2025
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- May 3, 2020
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I started to understand a little Japanese after years of watching anime, listening to dramas, and playing games with subtitles.
Also, when I decided to analyze some of the characters' lines, I began to see how Japanese works at a beginner's level - all those kanji, katakana, and hiragana.
At some point, deciphering and translating Japanese text became less of a chore than writing in English. Simply because I found it so exciting to do.
I love discovering idioms
Also, when I decided to analyze some of the characters' lines, I began to see how Japanese works at a beginner's level - all those kanji, katakana, and hiragana.
At some point, deciphering and translating Japanese text became less of a chore than writing in English. Simply because I found it so exciting to do.
I love discovering idioms
- Sep 17, 2013
- 16
- 40
By the way, can anyone recommend any other Japanese learning tools? Or even translation software? I use Textractor.
- Jan 13, 2026
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I am mainly learning Japanese to play otomegames and plan to go to Japan in the future! Because many of the games I want to play are not localized, I learned them through online courses and textbooks!
My personal suggestion is to first learn the Fifty Pronunciation Chart, consolidate the foundation, and then gradually understand and master the rest according to your own preferences and learning methods! Japanese daily language is a bit better, but ancient language is difficult. I think mastering daily language is enough
My personal suggestion is to first learn the Fifty Pronunciation Chart, consolidate the foundation, and then gradually understand and master the rest according to your own preferences and learning methods! Japanese daily language is a bit better, but ancient language is difficult. I think mastering daily language is enough
- Sep 1, 2025
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A few were mentioned already but there is a discord server in the pins of the section which has a bunch of tools. However they dont offer translation tools.
check a few posts in here:
Yui_Tsurata
New member
- Dec 14, 2016
- 2
- 2
I actually chose Japanese linguistic major because I don't know what else can I study (since I'm not good at math or science subjects) and self study Japanese is really difficult (I had ulterior motive, I admit).
But before that, my listening skill is quite good since I mainly watch anime and listening to drama CD (with translation). I think effective language learning is always about things you interested in after covering the most basic knowledge (with Japanese is hiragana, katakana and the grammar in two Minna no Nihongo book). If you like anime, you can use jimaku to download Japanese subtitle, most of my vocabulary came from anime, before moving to visual novel (otome game more specifically).
Typing kanji (don't write, as you don't need to) can help a lot in remembering, in my experience.
But before that, my listening skill is quite good since I mainly watch anime and listening to drama CD (with translation). I think effective language learning is always about things you interested in after covering the most basic knowledge (with Japanese is hiragana, katakana and the grammar in two Minna no Nihongo book). If you like anime, you can use jimaku to download Japanese subtitle, most of my vocabulary came from anime, before moving to visual novel (otome game more specifically).
Typing kanji (don't write, as you don't need to) can help a lot in remembering, in my experience.
- Jun 4, 2026
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I would like to properly learn japanese so I can understand drama cds more but im unfortunately suuuch a slack. Ive downloaded the Renshuu app and gone through the basics, I learn a few words every now and then from listening to CDs and add them onto my StudyPad but imma be honest, I dont review them regularly at all 
Ive learnt enough that I can understand most of what's going on (as long as its not a historical/fantasy setting, because then im fucked) but I still have such a long way to go its not like im studying japanese for school so its hard to find the motivation to do it sometimes, and I prefer to learn japanese as a fun little hobby rather than making it out to be "studying" because im already dealing with enough of that from uni lmao, so just going at my own pace atm!
Ive learnt enough that I can understand most of what's going on (as long as its not a historical/fantasy setting, because then im fucked) but I still have such a long way to go
its not like im studying japanese for school so its hard to find the motivation to do it sometimes, and I prefer to learn japanese as a fun little hobby rather than making it out to be "studying" because im already dealing with enough of that from uni lmao, so just going at my own pace atm!
- Sep 1, 2025
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Just 10 minutes a day, thats all it takes. 10 minutes. Do it while you eat breakfast, or on the toilet. that will build a positive habit.I would like to learn japanese so I can understand drama cds more but im unfortunately suuuch a slack. Ive downloaded the Renshuu app and gone through the basics, I learn a few words every now and then from listening to CDs and add them onto my StudyPad but imma be honest, I dont review them regularly at all
Ive learnt enough that I can understand most of what's going on (as long as its not a historical/fantasy setting, because then im fucked) but I still have such a long way to go
- Jun 4, 2026
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Absolutely!! Thats such a good mindset to have and its good to set realistic goals like that! Hoping i can get my japanese game up there soon
