Disney+ Immersion: Master Japanese Through Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and More!

With its rich culture, ancient history, and unique script, Japanese is one of the most enticing languages and cultures on the planet. If you want to get fluent in the language, immersing yourself in Japanese is the best way to go. But the good news is that immersion no longer requires getting on an airplane!

With streaming services like Disney+, you can give your brain the exposure it needs to quickly expand your Japanese vocabulary, naturally acquire Japanese grammar, pick up native-like Japanese pronunciation, and learn to talk like real Japanese people.

In this post, I share exactly why and how to immerse yourself in Japanese through the magic of Disney+, including recommended shows and movies available on the platform with Japanese dubbing and subtitles.

Why Use Disney+ to Learn Japanese?

World-Class Content

Disney+ offers titles from some of the most iconic franchises, including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and more. Watching such engaging stories helps retain more of what you watch and keeps you motivated longer. From timeless classics to modern hits, Disney+ has something for every taste.

💡 The Disney+ Bundle gives you access to Hulu titles, too. For recommended Japanese content on Hulu, see my post Hulu Immersion: Level Up Your Japanese Listening Skills Watching Anime, TV & Movies.

Contextual Learning

Watching movies and shows in Japanese helps you learn vocabulary and grammar in context, which is more effective than the rote memorization found in most Japanese textbooks, courses, and classes. And it is a heck of a lot more fun, too!

Effective Listening Practice

Listening is a foundational language skill upon which the other three skills—speaking, reading, and writing—all rest. But learning to understand Japanese spoken aloud at a natural speed takes A LOT of practice! Exposure to native speakers through shows and movies is one of the best ways to improve your Japanese listening skills.

Subtitles & Dubbing Options

Many titles on Disney+ include options for both Japanese dubbing and subtitles/captions. This way, you can tailor your learning experience to better fit your level and learning goals. For example, you can watch a movie you know well dubbed in Japanese to practice listening, or turn on Japanese subs to practice reading.

How to Use Disney+ to Learn Japanese

Start with Familiar Content

Begin with shows and films that you’re already familiar with. We learn best when we understand, and knowing the basic storyline helps you focus on the language without getting lost in the plot.

Adjust Audio & Subtitle Settings

You can choose from a number of audio and subtitle/caption options based on your level, learning goals, or familiarity with the content:

• English audio + Japanese subtitles: Helps you acquire Japanese vocabulary and learn the Japanese equivalent of set phrases and idioms in English.

• Japanese audio + English subtitles: Helps you practice listening and builds a clear context, especially for original Japanese content you've never watched before.

• Japanese audio + Japanese subtitles: A useful exercise for more advanced learners who want to reinforce their kanji readings and fill in gaps. Note that the audio and subs don't always match up 100%.

• Japanese audio only: Allows you to focus on building your listening skills without any textual clues. This is the closest to real-life communication, and should form the bulk of your immersion time when you're ready.

To turn on Japanese audio and / or subtitles:

1. Select Settings in the upper-right of the screen (the subtitle icon).

2. To turn on Japanese audio, select 日本語 near the bottom of the Audio list.

3. To display Japanese subtitles, select 日本語 in the Subtitles list. For English, choose English [CC].

4. Click the X on the left to close the Settings pane.

Pause and Repeat

Don’t be afraid to pause and rewind to catch words or phrases you've missed. Repetition is an essential ingredient of learning and retention. That said, try not to pause too often lest you lose the plot and get bored.

Take Notes & Create Flashcards

Keep a notebook handy to jot down any new vocabulary and phrases that come up as you watch. Review these notes later to reinforce your learning, or better yet, create spaced repetition flashcards in Anki.

💡 For more about creating effective flashcards in Anki, see my post: Rapidly Expand Your Foreign Language Vocabulary with These 7 Expert Anki Tips

Practice Speaking & Writing

While watching Japanese content is great for your listening skills (and subtitles can boost your reading comprehension), don't forget that you can use shows and movies to practice speaking and writing, too!

• Discuss a specific episode or film with a Japanese tutor on italki.

• Write a brief plot summary in Japanese and have it corrected for mistakes in ChatGPT.

Recommended Shows & Movies on Disney+

The following series and films:

• Are arranged in alphabetical order.

• All include both Japanese-language audio and subtitles.

• Are good for language learning due to their popularity and/or relatively simple plots.

• Cover a range of genres, topics, and age groups to provide a diverse immersion experience.

• Are available in the U.S. version of Disney+ as of writing (some titles may not be available in other countries).

Big Hero 6

Set in the fictional city of San Fransokyo (サンフランソウキョウ), Big Hero 6 blends elements of American and Japanese culture, making it a fantastic learning tool for Japanese-language learners. The story centers on the robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada (ヒロ・ハマダ), his robot Baymax (ベイマックス), and a band of unlikely heroes who team up to save the city and combat the masked villain who killed Hiro's brother Tadashi (タダシ).

💡 In Japanese, Big Hero 6 is called Beimakkusu (ベイマックス).

Rating: PG | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy |  Release Date: 2014 | IMDB: 7.8/10

Frozen

Disney's telling of the classic Danish tale "The Snow Queen" has quickly become a modern classic for all ages. The story follows the journey of Anna to find her estranged sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in perpetual winter. Along the way, she teams up with an ice seller named Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a snowman named Olaf who provides plenty of comedic relief.

💡 In Japanese, Frozen is called Ana to Yuki no Jou (アナと雪の女王, "Ana & The Snow Queen").

Rating: PG | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy |  Release Date: 2013 | IMDB: 7.4/10

Moana

With its inspiring story, beautiful animation, and catchy songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Moana is one of my all-time favorite Disney films and an excellent choice for learners at any level. The movie tells the story of a young Polynesian girl named Moana who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her island. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui, the giant treasure-obsessed coconut crab Tamatoa, and the lava demon Te Kā.

💡 In Japanese, Moana is called Moana to Densetsu no Umi (モアナと伝説の海, "Moana and the Legend of the Sea").

Rating: PG | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy |  Release Date: 2016 | IMDB: 7.6/10

One Strange Rock

One of the underappreciated benefits of Disney+ is that it unlocks access to National Geographic's wide range of series and documentaries. One of my favorites is One Strange Rock, a cinematic masterpiece that explores Earth's extraordinary story from the perspectives of astronauts. Hosted by Will Smith, it combines stunning visuals and unique insights to reveal how life and nature intertwine on our planet.

Rating: TV-PG | Genre: Documentary |  Release Date: 2018 | IMDB: 8.7/10

The Emperor's New Groove

The Emperor's New Groove just might be my favorite animated Disney comedy. The story follows Kuzco, a self-centered emperor who is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor Yzma, and the kind-hearted llama herder Pacha who embarks on a journey to help Kuzco reclaim his throne. Patrick Warburton's voicing of the character Kronk is legend, and voice actor Horiuchi Ken-yū (堀内賢雄) does a great job in the Japanese dub.

Rating: G | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy |  Release Date: 2000 | IMDB: 7.4/10

The Lion King

The Lion King (or "Hamlet with Fur" as some call it! 🤣) follows the journey of Simba, a young lion prince who flees his kingdom after the death of his father, Mufasa. Guided by his new friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba gains the skills and courage he will need to reclaim his rightful place as king. The 2019 version also has Japanese audio and subs, but I much prefer the original 1994 version for nostalgia's sake.

💡 In Japanese, The Lion King is simply Raion Kingu (ライオン・キング, "Lion King").

Rating: G | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Drama |  Release Date: 1994 | IMDB: 8.5/10

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian follows the adventures of Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy five years after the fall of the Galactic Empire (i.e. after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi). He navigates a dangerous world while protecting a mysterious and powerful child, Grogu, known affectionately as "The Child" or "Baby Yoda." So far, this "Space Western" is my favorite new Star Wars franchise.

💡 In Japanese, The Mandalorian is called Mandarorian (マンダロリアン).

Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi |  Release Date: 2019 | IMDB: 8.6/10

The Simpsons

With the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, all 35 seasons of The Simpsons are now available on Disney+! And best of all, the episodes include both Japanese dubbing and subtitles! It may take a while to get used to new voices for Bart, Lisa, Homer, Marge, Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Krusty, Chief Wiggum, Moe, etc., but the Japanese voice actors do a great job maintaining the vibe of each character.

💡 In Japanese, The Simpsons is simply Za Shinpusonzu (ザ・シンプソンズ).

Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Animation / Comedy / Sitcom |  Release Date: 1987 - Present | IMDB: 8.7/10

Toy Story

The original Toy Story movie set a new bar for what is possible with computer animation. Nearly 30 years have passed, but the beloved classic still holds up! Since you likely already know the story well, why not learn Japanese as you enjoy the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex, Hamm, and more? The sequels are also great, and all include Japanese dubbing and subtitles.

💡 In Japanese, Toy Story is simply Toi Sutōrī (トイ・ストーリー).

Rating: G | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy |  Release Date: 1995 | IMDB: 8.3/10

WandaVision

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they attempt to live an idyllic suburban life in Westview, New Jersey. They mysteriously progress through different sitcom eras, from the classic black-and-white 1950s (à la I Love Lucy), through the colorful 1960s and 70s (think Bewitched), into 80s family sitcoms (like Full House), and mockumentary-style sitcoms of the 2000s to 2010s (e.g. Modern Family). But as they navigate various TV eras and tropes, Wanda's reality-bending powers begin to crack...

💡 In Japanese, WandaVision is simply Uwanda Bijon (ワンダヴィジョン).

Rating: TV-PG | Genre: Action / Comedy / Drama |  Release Date: 2021 | IMDB: 7.9/10

Zootopia

Zootopia follows Judy Hopps, an optimistic rookie bunny cop (played by Ginnifer Goodwin), and Nick Wilde, a sly fox con artist (played by Jason Bateman), as they team up to uncover a conspiracy threatening the harmony of their diverse metropolis. The film blends humor, adventure, and social commentary, addressing themes of prejudice and inclusion through the lens of anthropomorphic animals.

💡 In Japanese, Zootopia is simply Zūtopia (ズートピア).

Rating: PG | Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy |  Release Date: 2016 | IMDB: 8.0/10

Learning Japanese through Disney+ is a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the language anywhere, anytime. By watching your favorite movies and shows in Japanese, you can enhance your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and improve your overall fluency. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and let the magic of Disney+ transport you into the world of Japanese language and culture. Happy diving!

Do you use other streaming services, too? Check out my Japanese immersion posts for:

• Amazon Prime Video

• HBO Max

• Hulu

• Netflix

Hungry for more Japanese resources?

My book Master Japanese: How to Learn Japanese Anywhere in the World shows you exactly how to learn Japanese using my Anywhere Immersion Method, and includes hundreds of John-tested, John-approved Japanese learning resources.