This video from Speak Japanese Naturally guides learners through Japanese listening practice, featuring themes from Fukuyama and the Shimanami Kaido area. Instructor Fumi presents techniques to help Japanese language students sound more natural by focusing on pronunciation, rhythm, pitch accent, and intonation. The lesson encourages viewers to finely tune their listening and speaking abilities, building confidence in everyday conversations.

Fumi discusses her comprehensive online course that offers a structured learning path, including 34 video lessons on Japanese phonetics, 17 conversation practice videos, and 12 targeted listening practice sessions. A special feature is the Monthly Pronunciation Challenge, which grants students personalized feedback—an excellent opportunity for those committed to improving their spoken Japanese. The course emphasizes step-by-step progress and natural speech patterns, whether you opt for a monthly Standard Plan or a Premium Yearly Plan.

The video also mentions a homestay program in Japan, giving learners a chance for immersive cultural and language exchange experiences. For those interested in Fukuyama, it’s a significant city in Hiroshima Prefecture, renowned for Fukuyama Castle and as a gateway to the famed Shimanami Kaido cycling route. The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic 70-kilometer expressway that connects Japan’s main island of Honshu with Shikoku, offering vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and opportunities to experience local towns along the route. Such locations provide valuable context for language learners hoping to connect classroom skills with real-world interactions.