Top 10+ Anime Websites to Learn Japanese – Don’t Miss Out!

Anime websites to learn Japanese are more than just a source of entertainment—they're your gateway to mastering the language while having fun! If you're an anime fan dreaming of understanding your favorite shows in their original language, read on to discover the best websites to learn Japanese with Todaii Japanese!

Why should we learn Japanese through anime websites instead of other resources? 

Anime websites are better than short videos, language apps, or traditional tools. Here’s why they are the best choice:

Full Episodes for Better Learning
Anime websites give you full episodes or series, not just short clips. This gives you more time to hear real conversations, like casual chats or formal talks. The stories help you understand how grammar and vocabulary work in a natural way. Repeating words and phrases in the shows makes it easier to improve your listening, vocabulary, and even understand Japanese culture.

Flexible Learning Options

Most anime websites let you choose subtitles in Japanese, English, or none, depending on your level. Some platforms, like Animelon, even include tools like replay buttons, bilingual subtitles, and vocabulary lists to help you practice and learn at your own speed.

High-Quality Content
Anime websites offer clear audio, accurate subtitles, and licensed shows, so you can trust what you’re watching. There are no ads or distractions, so you can stay focused on learning while enjoying your favorite shows.

Top Anime Websites to Learn Japanese

Here’s a detailed look at some of the best anime websites to learn Japanese that make learning Japanese fun and effective. These platforms offer high-quality content, useful features, and flexibility to help learners at every level:

Crunchyroll 

Crunchyroll is an anime website to learn Japanese, offering a vast library of shows across genres. Many of these include subtitles in multiple languages, including Japanese and English. 

Crunchyroll is an anime website to learn Japanese

Strengths:

• Big library with over 1,300 anime series, including popular ones.
• New episodes come out quickly after airing in Japan.
• Streams in HD for all users.
• Has dubbed anime from Funimation for more variety.
• Lets premium users download shows to watch offline.

Weaknesses:

• The layout can be messy and hard to use.
• Few subtitle choices, which may not suit everyone.
• Prices went up, with the Mega Fan plan now $11.99/month.
• Some shows can also be found on other platforms.

Best for: Intermediate learners who want exposure to everyday language and cultural contexts.

Link: https://crunchyroll.com

Netflix 

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms globally, offering a variety of anime titles alongside movies and TV series. Its combination of high-quality content, user-friendly features, and accessibility makes it an excellent choice for people who want to learn Japanese from anime website. 

Netflix is anime website to learn Japanese

Strengths:

• Large library with a variety of anime, including exclusive titles.
• Offers customizable subtitles (Japanese, English, or none).
• Streams in high-definition quality for all users.
• Dual audio options allow switching between Japanese and dubbed versions.
• Playback speed control helps learners slow down dialogue for better understanding.
• Premium users can download episodes for offline viewing.
• Available in most regions worldwide.

Weaknesses:

• No option to display Japanese and English subtitles simultaneously.
• Smaller anime selection compared to platforms like Crunchyroll.
• Some anime may not be available in all regions due to licensing restrictions.
• Lacks built-in tools like vocabulary lists or grammar explanations.
• Requires a subscription, which may be expensive for some users.

Best for: All levels, especially those looking for a mix of casual learning and entertainment.

Link: https://netflix.com

Animelon

Animelon is a website to watch anime and learn Japanese which is designed specifically for Japanese language learners, combining anime streaming with interactive learning tools.

Strengths:

• Interactive subtitles in Kanji, Hiragana, Romaji, and English for all skill levels.
• Instant word lookup by hovering over subtitles to learn vocabulary quickly.
• Active learning tools like replay buttons, vocabulary lists, and quizzes.
• Supportive community on Reddit for sharing tips and experiences.
• Designed specifically for Japanese language learners.

Weaknesses:

• Limited anime library compared to platforms like Netflix or Crunchyroll.
• Reports of platform stability issues and an uncertain future.
• No structured grammar lessons, which can be challenging for beginners.
• Content availability depends on licensing, with some titles removed over time.

Best for: Serious learners who want to actively study while watching anime.

Link: https://animelon.com 

Anime-Planet 

Anime-Planet is a free website that offers a variety of anime, manga, and community features. It’s a great platform for fans who want to explore new shows, track their watchlists, learn Japanese through anime website, and even stream select anime legally.

Strengths:

• Legal and free anime streaming through industry partnerships.
• Includes subbed (Japanese with English subtitles) and dubbed (English audio) versions.
• Offers tools for tracking anime and manga progress and creating custom lists.
• Features a vibrant community with forums and reviews for discussions and recommendations.
• Works on multiple devices, making it convenient to use anywhere.

Weaknesses:

• Smaller streaming library compared to Crunchyroll or Netflix.
• Some titles are restricted in certain regions due to licensing.
• No interactive tools like vocabulary tracking or grammar breakdowns.
• Ads in the free version can disrupt viewing.
• Not specifically focused on Japanese language learning.

Best for:
Beginner to advanced learners who want to explore legal anime options, track their learning progress, and engage with a community of anime fans.

Link: https://anime-planet.com

YouTube 

YouTube is one of the best anime websites to learn Japanese. It is a free platform with endless content, including anime episodes, clips, and language-focused channels. 

Learn Japanese with anime in Youtube

Advantages:

• Free access to a huge library of anime and learning videos.
• Some channels teach Japanese using anime as examples.
• Many videos offer subtitles and have both short and long options.
• You can join the comments to share tips and connect with other learners.

Disadvantages:

• Subtitles and translations are not always accurate.
• Full episodes may be uploaded without permission and could get removed.
• Ads and unrelated videos can be distracting.
• No built-in tools for learning grammar or saving vocabulary.
• Finding good videos can take a lot of time.

Best for: Beginners looking for free resources or learners with limited budgets.

Link: https://youtube.com 

Hulu 

Hulu is a paid streaming platform with a variety of anime, movies, and TV shows. It’s a good option for people who enjoy anime and other types of entertainment.

Hulu is a website to watch anime and learn Japanese

Pros:

• Big library with popular anime like Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer.
• Both subbed (Japanese with English subtitles) and dubbed (English audio) versions are available.
• High-quality streaming with an easy-to-use interface.
• Some new anime episodes are available soon after release in Japan.
• A mix of anime and other TV shows and movies for more variety.

Cons:

• Requires a subscription, which may not suit everyone.
• Smaller anime library compared to platforms like Crunchyroll.
• Some anime may not be available outside the U.S. because of licensing.
• No extra tools for learning Japanese, like grammar lessons or vocabulary lists.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced Japanese learners who are looking to improve their listening and comprehension skills through exposure to authentic Japanese anime content.

Link: https://hulu.com 

HIDIVE

HIDIVE is a paid streaming service focused entirely on anime content which is one of the vital anime websites to learn Japanese. It offers a variety of anime series and films, including popular titles, simulcasts, and exclusive shows.

Good:

• Large library of anime with a mix of popular and exclusive titles.
• Offers both subbed (Japanese with English subtitles) and dubbed (English audio) versions.
• Includes uncensored and niche titles that are harder to find on other platforms.
• Provides simulcasts of new anime episodes shortly after they air in Japan.
• High-quality streaming with a user-friendly interface.

Bad:

• Requires a subscription, which may not suit users on a budget.
• Smaller library compared to platforms like Crunchyroll.
• Limited availability in some regions due to licensing restrictions.
• No built-in tools for learning Japanese, such as vocabulary tracking or grammar explanations.

Best for: People learning Japanese at an intermediate level and anime fans who like rare or exclusive shows, uncensored content, and unique genres.

Link: https://hidive.com

tubi 

tubi is a free streaming platform with a variety of anime, movies, and TV shows. It’s not focused only on anime but has a good collection for fans who want to watch without paying and learn Japanese through anime website.

Pros:

• Free access to a variety of anime, including popular titles like Naruto and One Punch Man.
• Includes both subbed (Japanese with English subtitles) and dubbed (English audio) versions.
• Wide range of genres to suit different tastes and learning goals.
• High-quality streaming available on multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
• Easy-to-use interface for browsing and finding shows.

Cons:

• Anime libraries are smaller than dedicated platforms like Crunchyroll or HIDIVE.
• Some titles are region-locked and may not be available everywhere due to licensing.
• Contains ads, which can interrupt viewing.
• No tools for language learners, such as vocabulary tracking or grammar explanations.
• Not specifically designed for Japanese language learning, making it more suitable for casual practice.

Best for: Beginners and intermediate Japanese learners who want free anime to practice with, and fans looking for a simple, cost-free way to watch popular shows.

Link: https://tubi.tv

RetroCrush 

RetroCrush is a streaming platform that focuses on classic anime from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. It’s great for fans who love older anime and want to watch for free with ads or choose an ad-free option with a subscription.

Anime websites to learn japanese

Pros:

• Free to use with a collection of classic anime shows and movies.
• Offers both subbed (Japanese with English subtitles) and dubbed (English audio) versions.
• Focuses on rare and old-school anime that can be hard to find elsewhere.
• Works on many devices, like phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
• Perfect for fans who enjoy vintage anime or want to explore older shows.

Cons:

• It only has older anime, so not good for fans of modern shows.
• Smaller library compared to bigger platforms like Crunchyroll.
• The free version has ads, which can interrupt your watching.
• Some shows may not be available in certain countries.
• No extra tools for learning Japanese, like vocabulary lists or special subtitles.

Best for: Japanese learners of all levels, with content that can match different learning goals and skill levels. It is one of the best anime websites to learn Japanese. 

Link: https://www.retrocrush.tv

9anime

9anime is a free anime websites to learn Japanese which is a streaming platform that provides a large collection of anime series and movies. It’s popular among fans for its easy access, high-quality streaming, and broad selection of both subbed and dubbed titles.

Learn japanese anime website

Good:

• Large library of anime, from popular to niche titles.
• Offers both subbed (Japanese with English subtitles) and dubbed (English audio) versions.
• High-quality streaming in HD for a great viewing experience.
• Regular updates with new episodes and series.
• Free to use with no subscription required.
• User-friendly interface for easy browsing by genre or title.

Bad:

• Unofficial platform with no licensing, raising copyright concerns.
• Pop-up ads can disrupt viewing and pose security risks.
• No tools for learning Japanese, such as grammar explanations or customizable subtitles.
• Domains may change frequently, affecting site accessibility.

Best for: Advanced Japanese learners who can understand the language without relying on subtitles.

Link: https://9animetv.to

Conclusion 

Using the best anime websites to learn Japanese is a fun and easy way to improve your skills while enjoying your favorite shows. Whether you’re a beginner or already know some Japanese, these websites, along with tools like Todaii Japanese, can help you learn new words, understand real conversations, and explore Japanese culture. Finding the right learn Japanese anime website makes practicing the language more enjoyable. Don’t miss the chance to learn Japanese through anime and tools like Todaii Japanese!