The exact input ladder that got my Japanese ears working

For the Japanese folks asking what to actually watch, here's the order that worked for me, easiest to hardest: 1. Comprehensible Japanese (absolute beginner playlist) 2. Easy slice-of-life anime with dual subs 3. Same anime, target subs only 4. Podcasts for learners, then podcasts for natives Don't rush the ladder. Stay where you understand ~80%. That's the whole secret.