Note:This article introduces the official NHK Radio program “News in Modern English.”
No unauthorized reproduction of audio or text is included.
All copyrights belong to NHK and the respective rights holders.

The Strange but Addictive Method You’ll Want to Try Tonight”**

Hey everyone, Hideic here.
You probably know me as the guy who trains English like a headphone-wearing ninja,
but today I’m revealing one of the most bizarre, cozy, and surprisingly effective English-learning methods in Japan.

A method so strange that your first reaction will probably be:

“Wait… you study English WHERE?”

Yup.
In a wooden bathtub.

And yes — this is something a lot of Japanese people actually do.

But before you run your hot water, hear me out.

🔥 The Secret Weapon: A Japanese Radio Program That Feels Like a Global News Lounge

The core of this method is a beloved Japanese radio show:

“ニュースで学ぶ現代英語 (Contemporary English Through the News)”

A daily NHK (Japan’s BBC-like national broadcaster) program where:

Native speakers break down real global news
A Japanese instructor explains grammar & cultural nuance
University professors add political and social context
And the topic is always today’s real-world headlines

It’s not textbook English.
It’s the language of:

Tech layoffs
AI breakthroughs
Earthquake reports
Elections
Cyberattacks
Stock-market drama
International diplomacy

Real topics. Real English. Real-world intelligence.

Basically, it’s like CNN + an English teacher + a political science professor + a late-night talk show, all in one.

And Japanese learners LOVE it.

🛁💨 Step 1: Run a Hot Bath, Drop Your Phone on the Edge, and… Press Play

Here’s the unusual part.
A lot of Japanese listeners do this in the bath.

Especially those epic wooden Goemon-buro tubs (Google it—samurai used to bathe in these).

Why the bathtub?

Because:

It’s peaceful
No distractions
Perfect 15–20 minute session
Warm water = relaxed brain = better listening
Daily habit becomes effortless

You just sit in hot water, like a serene English-learning ninja,
while the news plays.

It feels weirdly luxurious.

Like a cross between:

a spa day
a TED Talk
and secret ninja training

Try it once and you’ll understand.

📱✨ Step 2: Review the Transcript (This Is Where the Magic Happens)

After the bath, Japanese learners open the NHK website:

ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」

週の前半２回は、英語ニュースを通じて「生きた英語」を学びます。週の後半３回は、ニュースや研究の現場で活躍している専門家が、「実際に現場で使っている英語」をニュースの背景とともに解説したり、ディスカッションで使える表現をいっしょに練習したりし...

full English transcript
full Japanese translation
key vocabulary
grammar breakdown
background explanations

It’s like the teacher hands you the world’s cleanest study notes every day.

This is why Japanese learners retain so much:

Listen → Relax → Review → Repeat

🤝 Step 3: Discuss the News With… ChatGPT

This is where I crank things up to “global elite” mode.

On weekends, I take one topic —
say, “ransomware attacks on Japanese companies” —
and ask ChatGPT:

“Let’s discuss this news topic like we’re coworkers in New York.”
“Correct my English as we go.”
“Make my sentences sound natural and native.”

Boom.

Instant international conversation practice.

You don’t need:

a study abroad trip
expensive conversation school
time zone matching
awkward small talk with strangers

Just you, your tea, and ChatGPT acting like your debate partner.

This combo (NHK + bath + transcript + ChatGPT) is honestly ridiculously powerful.

🧠⚡ Why This Method Is Addictive

Because it:

Trains listening
Improves pronunciation
Builds real vocabulary (tech, business, global issues)
Teaches cultural nuance
Feels like browsing world news with friends
Fits easily into daily life
And best of all… is FUN

Most English learners eventually burn out because:

the material is boring
the stakes feel too high
it becomes a chore

But learning global news in the comfort of your bathtub?

It’s warm, funny, relaxing, and strangely memorable.

🌏💬 But What If You’re Not Japanese?

Here’s the best part:

Even if you don’t speak Japanese…

Even if you’re learning Japanese instead of English…

Even if you just love Friends, Ted Lasso, or international pop culture…

This method STILL works for you.

Why?

Because:

You get structured news English
You learn how Japanese people study
You understand Japan’s view of world events
You can compare global perspectives
You can use ChatGPT to deepen any topic
You get a fun cultural experience
You get a bath
(…which honestly makes everything 50% better)

And for Japanese learners abroad:
This is the perfect window into real Japanese thinking.

🎯 Who This Method Is Guaranteed to Hit

People who want fun, low-pressure English
People who want to debate global issues with natives
People who love Japan
People who love “study hacks”
Expats in Japan
Japanese learners overseas
Anyone who wants “mental spa time” + learning

🥷🔥 Final Message From Ninja Hideic

If you’ve ever wanted:

an easy daily study routine
real-world English
global news intelligence
a warm bath
and a bit of Japanese culture

This is your sign.

Grab your phone.
Run the bath.
Turn on NHK.
And let yourself become the English-learning ninja soaking in the steam of world news.

Trust me.

Once you try this method,
you’ll never look at English study —
or bathtime —
the same way again.

にんにん 🥷💨

**“How Japanese Learners Master English in a Wooden Bathtub —