Netflix has seriously been killing it with the Japanese content lately. Terrace House, Samurai Gourmet, and now Japanese Style Originator. Don't let the title scare you, it isn't a reality show about Japanese fashion trendsetters (but who am I kidding, we'd all watch that, right?).
Japanese Style Originator is a show about different aspects of Japanese culture. They talk about traditional food, occupations, and history, with a panel of Japanese people who give opinions and commentate on the content. The panel learns along with you and asks questions and comments the same way you would if you were there.
They speak in normal television Japanese, so it's the typical stuff you get if you're used to watching morning programs on Japanese TV. It's not too fast, does not have too much slang, and thanks to the premise, is always educational in some way. It reminded me a bit of the Japanology series by NHK World, but this is easier to access if you have a Netflix subscription.
I recommend trying to watch with Japanese subtitles first, and only switch to English to rewatch parts that give you trouble.
The show has Japanese, English, Spanish, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) subtitles. And as always, I recommend trying to watch with Japanese subtitles first, and only switch to English to rewatch parts that give you trouble.
Sadly, there are some episodes missing from Netflix here and there (if you're in the US), but each show is a one-off on a particular subject so you don't have to worry about missing out too much. You can learn about things like tempura, temples, shrines, blue-collar jobs in Tokyo, staying at a Buddhist temple, and seasonal festival foods. So what are you waiting for?