Hiragana Pronunciation with Tomoyoshi Sensei

Can't see or master standard Japanese pronunciation? In this Hiragana Pronunciation video, Todaimae's popular YouTuber Tomoyoshi Sensei brings you close-up mouth-shape demonstrations!

Tomoyoshi Sensei breaks down correct hiragana pronunciation rules one by one, with practical everyday vocabulary. Beginners don't need to feel shy—practice in sync with the teacher's mouth shape and sound, and build a pure, authentic native Japanese accent from day one!

Many people learning the Japanese gojuon on their own only follow robotic app audio or recordings blindly—and end up with a non-native "Chinese-accented" Japanese.

The key to Japanese pronunciation lies in tiny changes in lip shape and tongue position. For example, among the five core vowels (あ、い、う、え、お), the 「う (u)」 sound is very different from Cantonese "烏" or English "too." When Japanese speakers say 「う」, the lips stay flat and do not push forward. Without a close-up of the teacher's mouth, beginners can hardly catch this trick by ear alone.

1. The "u" column sounds (く、す、つ、ぬ...)

Common mistake: Rounding the lips too much.

Tomoyoshi Sensei's tip: Watch the teacher's side and front mouth shapes in the video. Keep both lips naturally relaxed and slightly spread sideways—no need to purse them.

2. The 「つ (tsu)」 sound

Common mistake: Mixing it up with Cantonese "次 (ci)" or English "too."

Tomoyoshi Sensei's tip: This is an affricate—press the tongue tip against the upper gum ridge, then release suddenly so air bursts out. Watch the teacher's explosive mouth shape carefully when saying 「つ」.

3. The "ra" row (ら、り、る、れ、ろ)

Common mistake: Replacing it with a Cantonese L sound (like 喇、哩、嚕).

Tomoyoshi Sensei's tip: The Japanese "ra" row is a flap consonant—the tongue tip lightly flicks the roof of the mouth. When the teacher demonstrates related words in the video, listen for that crisp flap sound.