Learning Japanese opens doors to a rich culture, fascinating history, and vibrant modern society. Whether you’re drawn to anime, manga, Japanese cuisine, or the bustling streets of Tokyo, mastering the language is your first step. Choosing the right learning resources is crucial for your success. With a plethora of options available, finding the Best Books To Learn Japanese can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, the abundance of Japanese learning materials means there’s a wealth of high-quality textbooks designed to guide you on your language learning journey. Compared to resources for some other languages, Japanese textbooks stand out for their comprehensiveness and effectiveness.
Having explored countless Japanese language books over more than a decade of study, I understand the quest for the perfect textbook. While no single book is flawless, some are exceptionally well-structured and offer excellent value for your investment in Japanese studies.
This curated guide presents 12 of the best books to learn Japanese for self-study, catering to various learning styles and levels. Let’s dive in and discover the ideal resources to kickstart or enhance your Japanese learning experience.
The 12 Best Books to Learn Japanese
1. Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
If you’ve ever taken a Japanese course at university, chances are you’re familiar with Genki. Whether you loved it or had a mixed experience, Genki remains a top contender and arguably one of the best books to learn Japanese for beginners.
Published by The Japan Times, the Genki series, now in its 3rd edition (2020), has sold over 2 million copies globally. This comprehensive textbook demands dedication and consistent effort to absorb its material. However, diligently working through Genki I will equip you with a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji – essential building blocks for further Japanese study.
Genki I is thoughtfully divided into two complementary sections:
- Conversation / Grammar: This section focuses on vocabulary acquisition, understanding Japanese sentence structure, and learning culturally relevant expressions through engaging dialogues.
- Reading / Writing: This part introduces kanji and develops reading comprehension skills with lessons that directly correspond to the grammar and conversation topics.
While the Genki series isn’t without minor quirks (like teaching “Sayonara” as a common goodbye, which is less frequent in everyday Japanese conversation), it consistently ranks as a leading resource for starting your self-study journey and is considered one of the best books to learn Japanese for structured learning.
Pros:
- Includes an accompanying CD for pronunciation practice, crucial for mastering spoken Japanese.
- Offers numerous exercises at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning and solidify understanding.
- Completing Genki I provides a substantial vocabulary base, approximately 50 new words per chapter, expanding your Japanese lexicon effectively.
Cons:
- Employs an unusual romanization system (e.g., “kiree” instead of “kirei”), which might differ from other resources.
- Doesn’t include kanji stroke order diagrams, requiring supplementary resources for proper kanji writing practice.
- The presentation of certain topics can sometimes feel slightly illogical (e.g., introducing five color words but not the complete set), which might require learners to seek additional context.
Notes: Ideal for structured learners and those seeking a comprehensive beginner textbook among the best books to learn Japanese.
2. A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Affectionately known as the “Yellow Book” or “The Bible” among Japanese expats, “A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar” is arguably one of the most invaluable Japanese learning resources available. Its clear, thorough explanations and abundant example sentences make complex grammar points accessible. For intermediate and advanced learners, the series also includes the “Blue Book” (A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar) and “Red Book” (A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar) by the same authors, completing a comprehensive grammar reference set.
Pros:
- Comprehensive and meticulously detailed, covering a vast range of grammar points.
- Grammar explanations are exceptionally clear and supported by numerous helpful examples, aiding comprehension.
- Effectively clarifies the nuances and differences between similar and often confusing grammar structures, preventing common errors.
Cons:
- Not designed as a textbook for sequential learning. It functions primarily as a grammar reference dictionary, best used to supplement textbook studies or address specific grammar questions.
3. Remembering the Kana: A Guide to Reading and Writing the Japanese Syllabaries in 3 Hours Each
James Heisig’s “Remembering the Kana” employs a mnemonic method to accelerate the learning of hiragana and katakana, the foundational Japanese writing systems. This book can significantly shorten the initial hurdle of learning to read and write kana, making it a valuable resource for beginners.
Pros:
- Utilizes memorable mnemonics to associate each kana character with an image and story, greatly enhancing recall.
- Claims to teach recognition of hiragana and katakana within approximately 3 hours each, offering a rapid introduction to the scripts.
Notes:
- If you already have a solid grasp of kana, this book might not be necessary. Consider moving directly to Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji” for kanji learning.
- Learners who find kana relatively easy to memorize through conventional methods may find the mnemonic approach in this book somewhat overly complex.
4. Kodansha’s Furigana Japanese Dictionary
For a comprehensive and user-friendly print Japanese-English dictionary, Kodansha’s Furigana Japanese Dictionary stands out. Kodansha’s meticulous design and thoughtful layout make this dictionary exceptionally functional and accessible, making it a must-have for any serious Japanese learner, from beginner to advanced levels.
Pros:
- Includes a valuable section detailing the conjugation of regular and irregular Japanese verbs, simplifying verb form identification.
- Provides example sentences to illustrate common word usage, aiding in understanding context and practical application.
Cons:
- Some intermediate and advanced learners might find its scope slightly limited in terms of vocabulary breadth as their needs expand.
- Lacks information on Japanese word intonation, which is important for pronunciation nuances.
Notes:
- Organized alphabetically by kana, not romaji, requiring kana knowledge for efficient lookups.
- Features furigana (kana readings) for all kanji, eliminating romaji entirely and promoting kana literacy.
5. Remembering the Kanji, Volume 1: A Complete Course on How Not to Forget the Meaning and Writing of Japanese Characters
James Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji” is an indispensable resource for mastering kanji, often considered essential reading for dedicated Japanese learners. This book provides a unique and effective method for memorizing kanji meanings.
Personally, “Remembering the Kanji” dramatically improved my kanji learning experience. Before discovering this book, I struggled significantly with kanji memorization. While I may have forgotten some of the specific mnemonic stories over time, the book’s method helped me internalize the meanings of a vast number of kanji.
Pros:
- Breaks down kanji into their component parts (radicals), facilitating understanding of kanji structure and composition.
- Teaches a mnemonic system to effectively remember the meanings of hundreds of kanji, enhancing long-term retention.
Cons:
- Some keywords chosen for kanji meanings can be ambiguous or less common English words, potentially causing slight confusion.
- Focuses primarily on kanji meanings, not readings or vocabulary. Further study is necessary to learn kanji readings and use them in compound words and actual Japanese reading.
Notes:
- Some users have reported issues with kanji stroke order display in the Kindle version. Verify compatibility if purchasing the digital edition.
- “Remembering the Kanji” is highly effective when paired with Anki flashcard software for spaced repetition and reinforcement. This combination is strongly recommended for optimal learning.
6. Kanji in Context
“Kanji in Context” serves as a valuable follow-up to Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji,” helping you build a robust vocabulary based on your kanji knowledge. This book focuses on learning kanji within the context of actual Japanese writings and sentences.
Pros:
- Presents over 150 lessons that teach kanji within meaningful contexts of sentences and readings, moving beyond isolated kanji meanings.
Cons:
- May be less readily available or more expensive outside of Japan, potentially requiring online ordering.
Notes:
- Not suitable for absolute beginners. “Kanji in Context” is best utilized by intermediate to advanced learners who have already built a foundational kanji vocabulary.
7. The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary
The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary is a top-tier kanji reference dictionary, highly praised for its comprehensiveness and user-friendly design. The latest edition includes the 3000 most common kanji in a conveniently portable format. This dictionary is an invaluable resource for any serious student of Japanese.
Pros:
- Visually appealing and well-organized layout enhances ease of use and readability.
- Employs the innovative “SKIP” (System of Kanji Indexing by Patterns) method for kanji lookup, which many users find efficient and intuitive.
- Provides up-to-date and reliable definitions and example sentences, ensuring accuracy and practical application.
Notes:
- Some users initially find the SKIP lookup method unfamiliar or unintuitive, though most adapt quickly and appreciate its efficiency.
8. JLPT Study Guide: The Comprehensive Guide to the JLPT Level N5 Exam
Published in 2019 by Tuttle, the “JLPT Study Guide: The Comprehensive Guide to the JLPT Level N5 Exam,” authored by Clayton MacKnight of JLPT Bootcamp, is specifically designed for learners targeting the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 level.
If you are starting your Japanese learning journey and aiming for the N5 test, or even if you need a refresher of basic Japanese concepts, this book is highly recommended. Its easy-to-follow structure, helpful illustrations, and well-paced topic coverage make it an excellent study aid.
A key strength of this guide is its ample practice questions, simulating the actual JLPT format. The practice sections cover all question types encountered in the N5 test (kanji, grammar, reading, and listening), allowing you to identify your strengths and areas needing more focus.
Pros:
- Includes over 300 JLPT N5 practice questions to familiarize yourself with the test format and assess your preparedness.
- Provides 3 printable N5 practice tests for realistic exam simulation and timed practice.
- Features accompanying audio for listening comprehension practice, a crucial component of the JLPT.
- Offers printable flashcards for kana and N5 kanji, aiding vocabulary and character memorization.
- Incorporates fun illustrations and dialogues to make learning engaging and memorable.
Notes:
- Ideal for students aiming to progress from zero Japanese knowledge to the JLPT N5 level within a focused timeframe.
9. How to Sound Intelligent in Japanese: A Vocabulary Builder
“How to Sound Intelligent in Japanese: A Vocabulary Builder” is designed for students who already possess a solid foundation in Japanese and wish to elevate their vocabulary to sound more sophisticated and articulate. If you aim to impress native Japanese speakers with your nuanced language skills, this book is a valuable resource.
Pros:
- Well-structured with clear categorization of vocabulary themes, facilitating organized learning.
- Offers a fun and engaging learning experience for advanced students seeking to refine their expressive capabilities.
Cons:
- Vocabulary presented is often highly specialized and may be challenging to integrate into everyday conversation for some learners.
Notes:
- Recommended for learners at the N3 level and above, not suitable for beginners or lower intermediate students.
10. Read Real Japanese
“Read Real Japanese” serves as an excellent bridge for transitioning from textbook Japanese to authentic Japanese reading materials. While online access to “real” Japanese content is readily available, this book provides valuable explanations for unfamiliar expressions and writing styles encountered in authentic texts. It features eight diverse and engaging essays by renowned Japanese authors such as Haruki Murakami, Seiko Ito, and Banana Yoshimoto.
Despite enjoying the content of this book, the author’s inexplicable use of romaji in vocabulary explanations is a drawback. However, the book offers engaging reading material and can often be found used at affordable prices.
Pros:
- Effectively facilitates the challenging transition from textbook language to reading authentic “real” Japanese texts.
- Features a curated selection of contemporary writers, including Seiko Ito, Momoko Sakura, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Banana Yoshimoto, exposing learners to diverse writing styles.
Cons:
- The use of romaji in a book aimed at advanced learners is an questionable and unfortunate design choice, potentially hindering kana and kanji reading practice.
- Lacks sentence-by-sentence translations, which might be helpful for some learners navigating complex sentences.
11. Read Real Japanese Essays: Contemporary Writings by Popular Authors
“Read Real Japanese Essays,” the improved sequel to “Read Real Japanese,” addresses some of the drawbacks of its predecessor. It includes an audio CD and eliminates the use of romaji. The essays can be challenging in places, and new kanji readings are provided only once, making it suitable for intermediate learners and above.
Pros:
- Provides notes explaining cultural context and nuanced language usage, enhancing comprehension beyond literal translation.
- Includes a narrated CD, improving listening comprehension and providing audio support for the essays.
- Features interesting contemporary essays from popular authors like Murakami Haruki, Yoshimoto Banana, and Hirano Keiichiro, offering engaging and relevant content.
Notes:
- Intended for intermediate students (those who have completed series like Genki could find this book beneficial).
12. Read Real Japanese Fiction
Similar in concept to the previous two “Read Real Japanese” books, “Read Real Japanese Fiction” focuses on fiction. While I haven’t personally used this book, it has positive reviews and is likely of comparable quality to others in the series, offering a valuable resource for advanced learners interested in Japanese literature.
Pros:
- Features an excellent selection of stories from established and well-known authors, including Kawakami Hiromi, Otsuichi, Ishii Shinji, Yoshimoto Banana, Kitamura Kaoru, and Tawada Yoko, showcasing diverse fiction styles.
- Includes helpful notes at the back of the book to aid comprehension of literary nuances and cultural references.
- Comes with a narrated CD, enhancing the learning experience with audio support.
Cons:
- Does not include complete sentence-by-sentence translations, which may be preferred by some learners for in-depth analysis.
- Provides furigana (kana readings) for every new kanji, which might be considered redundant for advanced learners but helpful for others.
- Not organized by difficulty level; the first story might be more challenging than subsequent ones, requiring learners to be adaptable.
Honorable Mentions That Didn’t Quite Make the List
Nihongo Through Newspaper Articles
A solid resource from the Japan Times for expanding Japanese vocabulary, “Nihongo Through Newspaper Articles” presents newspaper articles as learning material. Each lesson includes an article with vocabulary lists and exercises. Two accompanying audio CDs are also included. Consistent study with this book can significantly improve reading comprehension skills for news and current events.
Pros:
- Comes with 2 audio CDs, enhancing listening comprehension and providing audio support for the articles.
- Excellent for building vocabulary specifically relevant to newspaper reading and understanding current events in Japanese.
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find and potentially expensive outside of Japan, often requiring secondhand purchase.
Notes:
- Best suited for intermediate to advanced learners aiming to develop reading fluency in journalistic Japanese.
Pimsleur Japanese
[
While not a traditional book, Pimsleur Japanese is a highly effective audio course, particularly beneficial for beginners starting their Japanese language journey. While the later levels of the series might feel somewhat formulaic to some, Pimsleur’s method helps learners internalize and readily use learned material in conversation. You can sample Pimsleur Japanese for free with an Audible 30-day trial.
Notes:
- Despite some criticism, Pimsleur is widely recognized for its effectiveness in getting beginners speaking Japanese quickly. Worth trying, especially if you prefer audio-based learning.
Making Out in Japanese
“Making Out in Japanese” is a lighthearted and entertaining phrasebook. While not a serious textbook, it can provide some laughs and potentially useful phrases for informal situations.
Pros:
- Fun and entertaining approach to learning casual Japanese phrases, making language learning more enjoyable.
- Potentially useful in informal social situations, especially if you find yourself navigating social interactions in Japan.
Cons:
- Some phrases might be considered outdated or too cliché for real-life use by some learners.
Notes:
- Contains language and themes not suitable for younger readers, intended for adult learners interested in informal Japanese.
Kanji Study Cards
These Kanji Study Cards are designed to accompany James Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji” book. This flashcard set includes all 2048 kanji from the book with their readings, saving learners the effort of creating their own cards. Convenient for visual learners and those following Heisig’s methodology.
Pros:
- Highly beneficial if you are using Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji” method, providing pre-made cards for efficient review.
Cons:
- Can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find, with availability fluctuating.
- Only useful in conjunction with the “Remembering the Kanji” book, not a standalone resource.
Notes:
- Cards are not laminated, allowing for personal notes to be written directly on them, but also making them prone to wear and tear over time.
So there you have it – a comprehensive overview of what I consider to be the best books to learn Japanese. This list represents years of exploring Japanese learning resources and aims to guide you towards effective and engaging materials. Happy learning, and enjoy your Japanese language journey!
By Michael
[learns.edu.vn] Education Expert
