BOOKS
Japanese Demystified
by Eriko Sato
Summary:
Basic Japanese book taught entirely in English
Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros:
• Extremely easy for beginners who want to self-study to use as explanations are quite detailed.
Cons:
• Doesn’t cover much intermediate material, so you’d have to purchase other textbooks after finishing this one.
• A lot of reading required.
• The examples remain quite easy from the beginning to the end, so not much variety.
Nihongo Challenge Grammar and Reading
by Mariko Yamabe
Summary:
Specifically for Japanese learners of the N4 level.
Rated as 5 out of 5 on Amazon but the rating may not be reliable since there are only 2 reviewers.
Pros:
• Easy to use for those who wants to self-study.
• Have English notes and translation
• Many grammar examples to follow through that suit daily life.
Cons:
• Not many opportunities to practice writing for the grammar sections since most of the questions are multiple choices.
Nihongo Sou Matome Vocabulary
by Matsumoto Kiko
Summary:
Book series that caters for N3 to N1 learners.
Rated as 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon from 3 reviewers.
Pros:
• Easy to use for self-learner provides many useful words
• Organised the words in a specific theme so it makes it easier to learn.
Cons:
• As it is a vocabulary book, some explanations may be a bit vague and require you to further look up the words in a dictionary or online.
• Not many opportunities to practice writing so you may be able to recognize the Kanji after it being exposed to you in the book, but won’t be able to remember and write it.
Minna no Nihongo Series
by Surie Nettowaku and Kabushiki Kaisha
Summary:
Book series that caters for beginners till higher intermediate level.
Rated as 4 out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros:
• Covers a range of vocabulary and gets harder as you progress on
• Provides advance coverage of grammar.
• Has many practice exercises to keep you writing.
• Challenges you with harder exercises compared to many other textbooks.
Cons:
• A bit difficult to self study if you don’t have any background in learning Japanese at all (unless you purchase the other book that provides the English translations and grammar explanations).
An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese GENKI 1 and 2 (Textbook + Workbook)
by Eri Banno and various authors
Summary:
• Comes in form of a textbook and a workbook with various versions for different levels of Japanese learners.
• Provides different sections including vocabularies, grammar, speaking practice and kanji into 12 lessons.
• A CD is provided for listening practice.
Average rating of 4.65 out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros:
• Consists of English translation and notes
• Very insightful explanation on the grammar sections
• Contents are divided into 12 lessons, it allows the learner to find and refer to a specific topic more conveniently.
• Genki also provides different online learning tools on their website like Kanji and Vocab application to help students to learn more effectively. (http://genki.japantimes.co.jp/self_en)
Cons:
• Would be less effective if you study alone, as most of the practices in the book require a learning partner unless you skip the speaking practices!