Japanese Hobby: Learning

Is Wanikani worth the effort for learning Kanji? A re-evaluation

<div> 
 Learning Japanese is a time-intensive task and you often have to re-evaluate where you want to focus on. Do you want to improve your conversational skills, build a good vocab foundation or work on your reading skills and Kanji knowledge. I’ve written about <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/getting-back-learning-japanese-wanikani/">WaniKani</a> on more than a few instances and use it since 2012. It’s even part of my <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/how-i-learn-japanese-my-essentials/">Japanese self-study guide</a>. But lately, I began to question the website and their way of teaching the Kanji.
Everything began with WaniKani’s introduction of new radicals. For those who don’t know: A Kanji is made up out of several (or just one) little symbols. You think about a fitting image for each radical and make a story for yourself that you can easily relate to. The further you go the more complex are the Kanji you’re learning and the stories as well.
The whole idea with that radical approach isn’t new and was first introduced by James Heisig’s fantastic book “Remembering the Kanji”. The one I actually started with myself. Just that book and my Anki deck. WaniKani is doing everything for you. The radical names, the stories and because everybody has such a different background I never really liked most of their radical names. And that’s where the convenience of WaniKani becomes a problem.
I don’t like their radical names. You can always change the stories about each Kanji and just write them as a little note under each card but you can’t change the radical names. And even writing your own stories on the note section is not really convenient because it’s just barely visible when doing your reviews. And it’s not intended to be used like this as well. I may work for many but it didn’t really work for me because the stories just became more and more abstruse the further I came.
Now on to the second problem: The time it takes to finish WaniKani. Like I previously wrote you have to be wary about how you spend your study time. You can’t do everything at once and of course, you want to see some results. If you don’t have the feeling of making real progress you’ll quickly lose interest and will probably quit.
Good things take time and it’s always better to study slowly and consistently instead of just rushing through the content. But WaniKani is taking hours over hours to teach you words which you probably won’t use. And when you actually encounter them in the wild you’ll probably have more than a few instances where you can remember the basic meaning you learned but it just doesn’t make any sense in that sentence.

<h3>My problems with WaniKani</h3>
WaniKani is full of Japanese vocab consisting of the newly taught Kanji. A good idea so that you can instantly practice what you just learned.
But how useful is learning vocabulary out of context? Not very much in my opinion. Yes, WaniKani has some sample sentences in the notes but I would really prefer to learn whole sentences instead. Or maybe an idea: Be presented with a whole sentence and you just have to input (that’s how WK works) the underlined word.
The vocab you learn is not always the most useful. Its main purpose is to improve your Kanji reading so that you can instantly use that newly learned Kanji and put your reading skills to the test. And while you’re at it you can learn the different readings as well. But never forget that this is all part of your study time. Which is limited. So maybe doing the Heisig approach where you just learn a meaning for each Kanji so that you can safely recognize it and in a second step when you’re studying vocab you learn the readings automatically.
After spending a good amount of time with WaniKani I have a few problems with it:
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li> You need lots of time because you’re learning lots of Kanji and even more vocab of dubious practicality (which is more or less intended, I know).</li>
<li>The second quarrel is with their whole system: It works for many, yes, but I still think that making your own radicals and stories is the way to go. Because of triceratops, grain and yeah geoduck.</li>
<li>And the third one about time: I feel their SRS intervals are too intense. Something like 4h, 8h 23h, 47h. Answering the same item correctly four times in a row until you hit a two-day space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Tofugu is a great website and taking the idea behind Remembering the Kanji and wrapping it up into a neat little pre-made package for the Internet-generation was a great idea. But for someone who has to be time efficient it’s not the best choice.
There is just way too much filler around your core incentive. Which is to learn the Kanji. I’m not working with a computer and my work days don’t allow me to check WaniKani in between. I need something which allows me to just study for 20 minutes in the morning with a coffee next to me and maybe dedicate a few minutes in the evening as well. But that has to be enough.
<h3>What I’ll do after graduating in the summer</h3>
I’ll start with Heisig’s Remembering the Kanji again. That book I bought 7 years ago and a new Anki deck. I want to start fresh, from the ground up. With my own mnemonics and stories. Maybe I’ll use it alongside The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Course which is another great way to learn the Kanji and is offering example sentences as well (which really is a must). More about all that in the summer when I’ll start again from scratch but I know for sure that WaniKani is just not perfect for me.
I want a simple approach where I’m making all the cards myself Just checking the deck each morning and then be finished with it. No silly vocab but real-world immersion afterward. With a manga here and there, Japanese magazines, <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/my-favorite-podcasts-to-listen-to-for-learning-japanese/">Japanese podcasts</a>, and Twitter accounts.
What’s your approach to learning Kanji? I know not everybody is using WaniKani and I’d love to get some tips. Maybe there are even some great pre-made Anki decks which you can then customize to your liking. 
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Is Wanikani worth the effort for learning Kanji? A re-evaluation

Learning Japanese is a time-intensive task and you often have to re-evaluate where you want to focus on. D...

How to stay motivated to learn Japanese

<div> 
 The biggest obstacle when trying to learn Japanese or trying to learn anything is motivation. I know it sounds obvious that you need the proper motivation to achieve something. But in reality, we always find a good reason to stop. To stop learning, to stop going for a three-weekly run, going to the gym or meditating daily (what I’m trying to do with the <a href="https://www.headspace.com/">headspace</a> app but more on that later). No matter what it is, if you want to be successful in doing it you need to be consistent and have the willpower and devotion to pull through. To make it short, you always have the time, you just need the right motivation to use it properly.
I’m an iOS user (which you probably noticed as a long time reader) and have been using an app called <a href="https://inthemoment.io/">Moment</a> for almost a year now. Unfortunately, they don’t have an Android version available as of now (but there may be some alternatives I’m not aware of, please share them if you know something). What this app does is basically giving you an overview of the time spent on your device. I’m using it on my phone and my tablet. I’m using the latter one a lot for my studies as well so 1k hours a year with my iPad isn’t as scary as it sounds. You can set up push notifications which remind you every 15,30,45 minutes (and so on) that you’re using your phone. You can even set a total time limit for each day.
What Moment does is giving you an overview of the whole time you’re practically wasting on your phone. Time spent browsing pictures on Instagram, writing endless chats with friends and reading Japanese Tease. So all in all time not well spent. I always notice this during my holidays when I’m away and practically don’t use my phone at all. I’m not missing anything. If there is something to talk about I just make a short call. All the social media nonsense is practically always wasted time and a quick look into the news is day is more than sufficient to get the gist of what’s going on in the world.
<h4>What to make with all the newfound time?</h4>
Every week I get a push notification from Moment with my statistic and time spent on my phone. It’s usually something around 10 hours. That’s nearly 90 minutes a day. Not counting my iPad time, mind you.
And now I’m the one telling myself that I don’t have 15 minutes a day to spend on my Japanese studies. I know it’s ridiculous. The time is obviously there but I choose to spend it otherwise. And it’s just because I clearly lack the motivation that keeps my studying each day no matter what.
Wanting to read manga in Japanese or watching Anime is just not enough to keep you studying regularly. You need something bigger to keep you motivated and on top of your Japanese studies. After all not finding the time is clearly not the reason why we stopped studying. The time is there only the motivation is lacking.
<h4>Dig deep and think about the reasons that made you start studying in the first place</h4>
Always remind yourself about your key motivation. The one that finally pushed you to buy Genki and make a subscription to WaniKani. What was the one thing you wanted to accomplish with learning that new language. Get this reason straight for yourself.
I know it sounds like all these new-age learning techniques but having a clear goal present is the best motivational tool one can have.  At first, learning Japanese will be a breeze and you can’t imagine a slowdown. But after a couple of weeks, you’ll notice things slowing down significantly. With life getting in the way and all your other responsibilities pushing down on you.
This is the time when you need that reason, that reminder why you started out in the first place.
<h4>The problem with high difficulty spikes</h4>
You don’t want to read <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/japanese-graded-readers/">Japanese Graded Readers</a> forever no matter how charming and rewarding these can be in the beginning. The goal would be to enjoy things in Japanese that you can’t find anywhere else. I was pretty bad in my English classes but when I started to watch films in English (with English subtitles) things picked up rapidly for me.
Because I had a reason to stay invested in the language. Watching films where I just couldn’t find a German release for (and this was long before getting into the Criterion Collection) helped me to surround myself with English and ultimately helped me a lot to learn and enjoy the language.
The problem with Japanese is that this is kind of immersion is not really possible in the early stages. And the early stages are not just a few when trying to learn Japanese. What I can recommend though is following a few Japanese accounts on Twitter or Instagram. The texts are short and manageable and it’s nice to read some real-world stuff you actually care about and is not too overwhelming.
If you don’t understand something, just scroll down. If you really want to get into it and conquer that sentence that just didn’t make any sense, you can do it. The length of the texts is manageable and with that, you can also decipher it (if necessary) in a short period of time. Just a little Japanese quickie in between your normal life.

What are you doing to stay immersed in Japanese and what are your tips to stay motivated? 
</div>

How to stay motivated to learn Japanese

The biggest obstacle when trying to learn Japanese or trying to learn anything is motivation. I know it so...

Easy to read manga Vol. 04 – A mixed bag

<div>When I started to read manga I was always looking for the ones which contain furigana to make picking up new vocab easier. On top of that, I was under the impression that manga with furigana support generally was a little more on the easy side with their content. Don’t ask me why I thought that because when young Japanese boys and girls still may have some problems with their Kanji reading skills, they, of course, are speaking Japanese perfectly. There is no limitation in vocab or grammar and why should there be any. These kids are already going to high school. I was obviously thinking about manga which were aimed at kids, young kids. Nevertheless, there actually are some manga out there which are more easy than other and contain furigana, which really makes picking up new vocab much more comfortable. But now that we cleared that little misbelief we can continue with some great manga recommendations for Japanese learners.If you haven’t read my previous manga recommendations:– <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-01/">Easy to read manga for Japanese beginners Vol.01</a>, <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-02/">Vol.02</a>, <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-03-without-furigana/">Vol.03</a>And if you’re not sure how ordering manga from Japan works check my guide about <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/guide-where-to-buy-japanese-manga-and-books/">how to order books from Japan</a>.<h3>This time content only, no furigana restrictions</h3>I probably made my point clear why you shouldn’t give two cents about if a manga has furigana or not to judge about its difficulty. Especially if you already started with <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/getting-back-learning-japanese-wanikani/">WaniKani</a>. Read something without furigana and be amazed that you probably don’t recognize some Kanji you always seemed to ace at your daily WaniKani practice. That’s why I’ll just have some recommendations in here which are not too challenging and all have one thing in common: They are good fun and worth your time (and money).<h3>1.) Yawara</h3>I’m a sucker for everything by Naoki Urasawa. he’s just the most brilliant contemporary mangaka. Pluto is a futuristic, philosophical masterpiece and his epic stories are yet to find a true challenge. The Yawara 完全版 (complete edition) was released at the beginning of 2014 end gets two new volumes every month. Only bought the <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/new-japanese-manga-arrived/">first two</a> for now but will probably buy some more with my next honto order. Yawara is a manga about Judo and a young girl who is forced by her strict grandfather to keep on practicing. Just because she is so good at it. I’m still at the very beginning but the manga has all the ingredients I like about Urasawa’s works in general. It’s mainly a comedy manga but always manages to be serious enough to introduce more mature themes without being off.When I bought the first edition there was a DVD with some episodes of the anime attached. Unfortunately, this wasn’t for free and did cost 1000¥ on top.Buy the manga: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1585106" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Yawara 完全版</a><img alt="leran to read japanese-16" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4339" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-16" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4339" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-16.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-17" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4340" height="767" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-17" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4340" height="767" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-17.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="yawara complete edition" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4343" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="yawara complete edition" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4343" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-20.jpg" width="1200"><h3>2.) Hikaru no go</h3>If it wasn’t for Great Teacher Onizuka this would probably be my favorite Jump manga. Forget about Bakuman and its ridiculous love story, this is definitely the best work by Takeshi Obata and a manga classic that you should definitely give a try. The 12-year-old Hikaru discovers an old go table in their attic and when he touches it, the soul of a Go teacher from the Edo period appears. But only he is able to see him. What’s following is the story of how Hikaru wants to become the GOAT Go player. The drawings are fantastic and the story has a unique vibe that just sucks you in. When I received the manga I made a couple of pictures and wrote some more about the series. Give it a look, because the <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/hikaru-go-%E5%AE%8C%E5%85%A8%E7%89%88-looks-just-amazing/">Hikaru no go 完全版</a> really does look stunning.The manga contains furigana and is relatively easy to understand. If you’re comfortable with Yotsuba you should give Hikaru a try. I found it the most approachable Jump Manga so far and story-wise it’s above everything I have read from Jump. Except GTO, of course.Buy the manga: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-534075" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hikaru no Go 完全版</a><img alt="leran to read japanese-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4325" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4325" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-2.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-3" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4326" height="648" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-3" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4326" height="648" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-3.jpg" width="1200"><h3>3.) 聖☆おにいさん (Saint Oniisan)</h3>Jesus and Buddha are roommates in modern Tokyo while taking some time off on earth. Each chapter shows the two living their daily lives as tourists with frequent puns on each other’s religion. Awesome idea and for this worth buying alone. Just got the first two volumes and it’s something of a long time goal for me. One day I can read this comfortably in Japanese. At least I hope so. I understand bits and pieces but when the two boys are talking about philosophical stuff, my <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/how-i-learn-japanese-my-essentials/">Kanji reading ability</a> is not on my side. Still, worth a look, even if it’s something you’ll tackle later on.I just had to include this title here, because it’s the most awesome idea for a manga I’ve come across in a long time. There is also an Anime out there but I haven’t watched it yet. If it’s any good, please let me know.Buy the manga: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-50510" rel="noopener" target="_blank">聖☆おにいさん (Saint Oniisan)</a><img alt="leran to read japanese-21" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4344" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-21" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4344" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-21.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-22" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4345" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-22" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4345" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-22.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-24" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4347" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-24" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4347" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-24.jpg" width="1200"><h3>4.) 東京旅さんぽ (Tokyo Tabi Sanpo)</h3>Two girls are taking a trip to Tokyo because they can’t afford to go abroad. Each chapter takes place in a different area in Tokyo, with lots of realistic drawings and everyday story charm. If you’d like to discover Tokyo through manga, this is the one for you. There are only two books and I highly recommend buying both at once. After finishing the first one you’d be angry if you couldn’t continue reading immediately. Not because these two girls were especially funny or interesting. It’s all about the city – and Tokyo is awesome. Nuff’ said.There are no furigana but with basic skills, it’s really doable. Everday stuff, nothing too fancy and actually quite good practice for your Japanese.Buy the manga: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1261801" rel="noopener" target="_blank">東京旅さんぽ (Tokyo Tabi Sanpo)</a><img alt="leran to read japanese-33" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4356" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-33" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4356" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-33.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-34" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4357" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-34" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4357" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-34.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-36" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4359" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-36" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4359" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-36.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-37" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4360" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-37" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4360" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-37.jpg" width="1200"><h3>5.) Nisekoi</h3>I discovered this one over at <a href="http://chringle.wordpress.com">chringle</a> and just thought I would give it a try. A boy from a gangster family is supposed to date a girl from a Yakuza family so that there will remain peace between the two families. Reads as ridiculous as it sounds. I read the first volume some time ago and even started with the Anime which recently began airing but suddenly lost interest while waiting for the next episode to arrive. Should really pick this one up again. It was actually the Yakuza element which got me interested in the title in the first place, unfortunately, it’s only a minor element, at least in the first chapters.It’s a Jump manga, so it contains furigana but (like I wrote above) this is one of the more difficult ones and the partway yakuza setting doesn’t make it any more simple. But if you have a knack for these very Japanese love stories where the two lovers overthink everything and make a huge deal out of it, this is right up your alley.Buy the manga: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1225887" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Nisekoi</a><img alt="leran to read japanese-25" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4348" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-25" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4348" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-25.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-26" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4349" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-26" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4349" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-26.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-28" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4351" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-28" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4351" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-28.jpg" width="1200"><h3>6.) ハンツー x トラッシュ</h3>This is one for the boys, who are into water ball. The story is about a first-year high school student who has to decide on a school-club to join and because of his interests, he picks the water-ball club. Guess what his interests are. ハンツー x トラッシュ is actually much more decent then one would expect from the cover. The story is well written (with the essential dose of love story) and it’s highly entertaining (if you are into water ball – and girls).It doesn’t contain furigana but is one the easy side. This one would actually one to recommend if you want to get rid of furigana and try yourself with an all Kanji manga for the first time. I’m currently reading the third volume. It’s the perfect stuff when you don’t want anything too difficult or complex in story. Just a very straightforward manga with the right amount of ecchi.Buy the manga: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1392638" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ハンツー x トラッシュ</a><img alt="leran to read japanese-29" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4352" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-29" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4352" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-29.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-30" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4353" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-30" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4353" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-30.jpg" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-32" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4355" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="leran to read japanese-32" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4355" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/leran-to-read-japanese-32.jpg" width="1200">I’m probably done now with my easy to read manga recommendations. From now on I’ll have articles about Japanese manga again but probably not in the same manner.More like, some recommendations with good stuff for you to read. The last one here was compiled with this in mind so there is some (hopefully) good stuff for everybody in it. At least I hope so.We all knew it but I just had to do another entry in the series. <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-05/">Continue reading Vol.05</a>.</div>

Easy to read manga Vol. 04 – A mixed bag

When I started to read manga I was always looking for the ones which contain furigana to make picking up new vocab easier. On top of that, I...

Give your listening comprehension a boost with Japanesepod101

<div>Studying Japanese as a self-learner is a long journey. Especially when you have a full-time job or full-time studies which demand your full attention. I’m learning for two and a half years now. On and off with very busy months learning Japanese (and completely burning myself out over this) and months where I can’t even keep up with my <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/getting-back-learning-japanese-wanikani/">Wani Kani</a> studies. But it’s probably the same for most of us. Learning Japanese is a hobby which can be a pretty time consuming one. Which is frustrating at times when you don’t notice any real progress but which can be super sweet when you’re finally able to get a couple pages of Yotsuba& without any interruption.But for me, it’s still a hobby and I set my expectations reflecting this. My main aim was to<a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-01/"> read manga in Japanese</a>, to read some magazines and to get through in Japan when I’m visiting. I never had any illusions of becoming fluent or anything like that and didn’t even try to get better at my speaking/listening comprehension.That was a mistake I noticed pretty early on and it’s quite obvious if you think about it. The main reason a language exists is to communicate and if you don’t absorb the unique “rhythm” of the language you’re learning, you will have a pretty hard time to understand written texts as well. At least that’s been the case for me. It’s all about the rhythm.When I tried to brush up on my grammar skills I used TextFugu a while back. I’m not too enthusiastic about the website itself (even if the motivational part is awesome and always seems neglected by Japanese study books) but when I signed up I got <a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0">a 25% off coupon</a> for Japanesepod101. A website I already heard a lot about but never really looked into. After browsing their site I pretty quickly decided to give it a try. Not only because I really trust the tofugu team and their recommendations. These guys were exactly offering what I needed to complement my rather stale Wani Kani + Genki routine. Some good old-fashioned listening comprehension. (And the 14days free trial gave me the final push)Update August 2017:I’m studying Japanese on and off for about 6 years now and just started again after a long hiatus for a couple of months (due to my exams). Mixing up your study routine a little is always a good thing especially if you want to clearly start fresh. Haven’t used Japanesepod for quite a while but just re-subscribed a couple of weeks ago and am still amazed by their great content. The hosts are doing their job really well and every lesson is perfectly scripted with a nice mix of grammar, new vocab and a rather interesting storyline that continues through each season. I don’t always read the lesson notes but it’s already enough for me to just listen to one or episodes when I’m on the go and get some quick Japanese lessons while driving to university or going for a walk.It was always my aim to update articles on this blog to keep them up to date, nothing changed much for J-pod but I still wholeheartedly recommend them to every Japanese learner. If not only for little tidbits like “おーい” which I read over and over again in よつばと the other day and just heard an explanation for it in a Japanesepod101 episode.<h3>The website, the app and tons of content</h3>When I first clicked the link to head over to Japanesepod I was a bit skeptical. The website somehow looked a little sketchy to me especially because of all these different languages to learn which are advertised in the lower right half of the landing page. Reminded me a little too much of Rosetta Stone and we all know how great their Japanese “training” is. All this “learn Japanese fast” talk didn’t sound very trustworthy to me and the “polished” subscription prices did the rest. When they are talking about 4$/month for their basic subscription this only applies if you instantly pay the whole amount for one year. If you want to get a monthly payment, the price doubles. 8$ is still alright and a good price for the huge amount of content they’re offering but still. Make the prices more transparent. Otherwise, it gives most people a bad feeling right from the start even if the actual product is pretty awesome.When. I first signed up for Japanesepod101 about 1,5 years ago you could only use <a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0">their podcasts</a> and notes on a computer or tablet. Or let’s say comfortably use. Nobody really wants to handle a clunky website on their phones, not when trying to learn as well. Another negative point in this regard was that I love listening to podcasts on the go which wasn’t possible without an internet connection before.But all that changed with the “recent” release of their App. You were now able to comfortably download the podcasts on your phone so you wouldn’t require a steady internet connection to listen to them.<a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0"><img alt="_" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5341" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="_" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5341" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/jpg" width="1200"></a>The different podcasts are categorized after the difficulty of content and for every learning stage, there is already a huge amount of material available. I’m still listening to the Beginner podcasts but I’d say there are a couple hundred podcasts in total.  I just received my new Phone and am downloading two Beginner levels. 5 and 5 to be precise. Both consist of 25 episodes but earlier levels contained much more than that and occasionally surpass the 100 episode mark per level.<a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0"><img alt="_-3" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5340" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="_-3" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5340" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/3.jpg" width="1200"></a>And that’s how it looks inside an “episode”. When you’re feeling super diligent you can read along the dialog with the lesson notes. I’m just paying for the basic subscription (which is more than enough for me. Just want the podcasts)  that’s why I can’t comment on the review and dialog track features which are still locked.<a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0"><img alt="_-2" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5339" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="_-2" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5339" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2.jpg" width="1200"></a><h3>But now, let’s finally talk about the most important part. The podcast itself</h3>And hands down. It’s awesome. Each episode is around the 15 minutes mark and very well scripted. It’s always a small dialog with two different speakers which is discussed afterward. There is usually a specific grammar point used in the dialog which will be explained in the discussion as well as the vocabulary of each lesson. And that’s what I really like about Japanesepod101 that they’re talking about the small Japanese dialog as if a Japanese newbie would be in the room with them but without trying too hard.The speakers for the dialogues are always Japanese natives so their pronunciation is flawless but the discussion is led by the man behind the podcast, Peter Galante. He is fluent in Japanese and as a big bonus, as an English speaking native, you will get perfect explanations of all the different grammar points and vocabs.I’m currently listening to the Beginner level where he is usually having the discussion part with Natsuko Kawamoto. It’s great to have her giving explanations of Japanese words and grammar points and to make things perfectly clear Peter sums things up in between. <a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0">Every speaker so far</a> has done an incredible job. What’s so great about this mixture is that you get some “inside knowledge” about the Japanese language and learn how you would really express something but also why another expression wouldn’t be used in a specific context in Japan. It’s the same in every language. You can learn a lot of vocab but without having any experience how people are talking in the country you couldn’t possibly know which term to use casually and what’s been “the shit” five centuries ago.Really, consider me a Japanesepod fan. The episodes are scripted throughout, there are no holes in the conversations but nonetheless, it’s still a very “light” conversation with an occasional joke in-between. I just feel comfortable listening to the podcast and virtually hang in’ out with the team.Using <a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp;i=b0">Japanesepod101</a> alone and expecting to learn Japanese from it would be a little naive but as a supplement to have among Wani Kani and Genki, I can absolutely recommend it. And you should know by now that I only recommend the stuff that I absolutely love and really use on a daily basis. Or better: Would love to use on a daily basis<a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&i=b0"><img alt="Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs="><img alt="Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.japanesepod101.com/images/aff_banners/C1_468_60.gif"></a>Coupon Codes February 2018 (links attached)<a href="https://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&l=uggcf%3A%2F%2Fjjj.wncnarfrcbq101.pbz%2Foernxguebhtu">28% OFF BASIC, PREMIUM & PREMIUM PLUS</a>The link above contains an affiliate link, so if you want to support the site just make your subscription using the link. It’s always highly appreciated and really helps to keep the site running.Subscribe <a href="https://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&l=uggcf%3A%2F%2Fjjj.wncnarfrcbq101.pbz%2Foernxguebhtu">here</a>Please let me know your thoughts about the podcast. Are you using it as well?</div>

Give your listening comprehension a boost with Japanesepod101

Studying Japanese as a self-learner is a long journey. Especially when you have a full-time job or full-time studies which demand your full ...

My guide to self-studying Japanese

<div>It’s time to contribute my little share to all the websites out there telling you how to learn Japanese, which textbooks to buy and which resources to use. I’m just a beginner myself but tried a lot of stuff, gave up twice and then started again with a different approach. There are a couple of things I want to make clear from the beginning which really got on my nerves reading different blogs trying to teach you how to learn Japanese – There are multiple ways to achieve your goal – There are many different sources which offer great ways to learn Japanese – If you like something, stick with it – I’m nowhere near the point where I would say that the stuff I’m doing and using for my Japanese studies is the perfect way to go. But it’s the right stuff for me and maybe for you too. Just some friendly tips from one Nerd to another which may save you a lot of time and money!Revisited: 24.12.2013 I thought the time was right to update this page a little. Since then the ways and tools which I use to learn Japanese have changed and why not share the good stuff with you.Revisited: 20.08.2014 It’s a time again for a little update. Included <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/japanesepod101-give-your-listening-comprehension-a-boost/">Japanesepod101</a> and Japanese the manga way<img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1381747" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1381747" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=a09240294b374e622247841960fc6d20&_cb=1431563027679" width="0">. Will re-structure the article and give you my personal laid out plan how I would start learning Japanese.Revisited: 13.02.2015 Small update to the layout. Added my favorite Japanese dictionary App.Revisited: 29.09.2015 Added a section on productivity and how to stay motivated for long-term learning (and with this, success).Revisited: 16.08.2017 Added a study routine.If you buy the books through my links, I’ll get a small referral fee which will be used to buy even more awesome books for review.In the beginning, it’s always comfortable when you have a list you can go through. A numerical one at best with all the steps you should take in an orderly fashion. The tips in this posts aren’t random but for a beginner, it may be a little confusing with what to start nonetheless. That’s why I decided to break my Japanese learning process down. Let’s begin:<h4>1. Learn Hiragana and Katakana</h4>The two Japanese syllabaries are essential for every book and tool in this list. Hiragana is used for everything that’s not written in  Kanji (the complex Chinese characters), Katakana, on the other hand, is used for “imported” English words or when Japanese want to stylise a word. I found the <a href="http://drmoku.com/">Dr. Moku Apps</a> the absolute best for this purpose. It’s available for iOS, Android and on your Desktop so there should be a way for everyone to learn from the Doctor. If you prefer a physical version you should <a class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" href="https://shop.whiterabbitjapan.com/collections/japanese-kana-kanji-flashcards/products/kana-flashcards?rfsn=27572.9913d" id="amznPsBmLink_5816315" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">check out these here</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5816315" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5816315" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3e17b0f5e4552076c80a1373927d0181&_cb=1439903701776" width="0">.<h4>2. Get a textbook. My favorite: Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)</h4>An awesome textbook which teaches you the basics of Japanese grammar in two volumes and 25 lessons. Everything is very well explained with lots of example sentences, recurring characters who take part in various short stories and the exact right amount of vocabulary for each section. The MP3 Cd contains the text and vocabulary read out loud which is crucial to work on your listening comprehension at an early stage. It won’t get more easy when you wait with this step, trust me. There is also a corresponding workbook available but there is more than enough stuff to practice within the main book itself.Still, I got both <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-929369">workbooks</a> and went through them as well. Each one is accompanied with an MP3 Cd (in the same manner like the main textbook) which contains all the text and dialogue spoken by a native speaker. If you got both down and the main books, basic Japanese grammar shouldn’t be a hurdle for you anymore. To sum it up, you don’t need the workbooks but some extra practice never hurts, right. Your call.Forget <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/review-minna-no-nihongo/">Minna no nihongo</a> and all the other books which are just crappy for self-learners. Genki is the real deal. Don’t forget to buy the answer key which contains every answer for both work- and textbook for Genki I & II in one single volume.Buy the book: <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-929367">Genki I </a>& <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1030715">Genki II</a> // <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1030710">Answer Key</a> (crucial!)// <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-929369">Workbook I</a> & <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1030691">Workbook II</a> <a href="http://shop.whiterabbitjapan.com/products/genki-i-an-integrated-course-in-elementary-japanese-a-second-edition?rfsn=27572.9913d">WRJ</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6619873" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6619873" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=efc26a85a8501896a94500a0aea2a15c&_cb=1443540352847" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3182810" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3182810" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=d37ab9e68f3a05e830231acc0c1740c4&_cb=1439903662165" width="0"> has it also in store. If you include the shipping costs from Japan, it’s not such a bad deal even if it’s more expensive. And I got the feeling you might want to get the textbooks as fast as possible.There is also a pretty <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/trouble-find-right-tense-genki-conjugation-cards-app-will-help/">neat iOS App</a> available which lets you train conjugations. Trust me on this one – just get it while studying the mighty Genki textbooks.<img alt="Genki Volume 1&2" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2904" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="Genki Volume 1&2" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2904" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Genki-Volume-12.jpg" width="1200"><h4>3. Get this dictionary for Japanese grammar</h4>There will come the situation when you’re reading something and can’t make sense of a grammatical term. You’re trying to look it up in Genki but with no success. Tae Kim can’t give you a solid explanation either. But fear not, there is a great tool to help you in these moments. The dictionaries of Japanese grammar. It’s a series of three books published by the Japan Times (like Genki) with a beautiful layout and really well-written explanations with lots of example sentences. There is a reason why these three books are used by Japanese teaching universities all around the globe.I’ve already written a more in-depth post about the first <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/dictionary-basic-japanese-grammar/" title="dictionary of basic Japanese grammar">dictionary of basic Japanese grammar</a> with a couple of pictures. Just have a look and decide for yourself if you could need one of these. For me, it’s the best thing that happened to me after Genki and a steady partner on my night table.<ul><li>Buy A dictionary of basic Japanese grammar from <a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/product%2FNEOBK-1331589">CDjapan</a></li></ul><img alt="dictionary of basic japanese grammar japan times" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7138" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="dictionary of basic japanese grammar japan times" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7138" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dictionary-of-basic-japanese-grammar-japan-times.jpg" width="1200"><h4>4. Give your listening comprehension a boost and learn some sentence structures with Japanesepod101</h4>When I signed up for TextFugu a long while back I also got a coupon for <a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp">Japanesepod101</a>. Heard a lot about the program before but never really considered subscribing because the whole site looked a bit “sketchy” to me. They just tried a little too hard to sell their stuff. But I thought to myself “if the tofugu team recommends something, it has to be good”. And it was the right decision.Before Japanesepod I even struggled with the most basic sentences in Japanese. My listening comprehension was really crap. But thanks to this little podcast it got a lot better. It’s even incredibly useful to learn some grammar on the way with example sentences and explanations right away. Every episode has a little story up front which contains a specific grammar point. After that a native speaker and the host Peter Gallante are talking about the story, make some jokes, explain and just have a very well thought out discussion. Honestly, I’m always amazed how they make their episodes so poignant and casually at the same time. Kudos.I really love listening to Podcasts on the go and if you do so as well you may know the feeling you get over time. Like you really know these people who you’re listening to regularly. Just like a bunch of old friends you like to hang out with and chat. I get that feeling when listening to Japanesepod as well which should tell you how much I enjoy the cast.When I first started with Japanese I completely neglected any listening comprehension. It was a big mistake. You’ll never be able to really understand a language if you’re not used to the “flow”, the rhythm of that language. At least it was an immense game changer for me.Just head to their <a href="http://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&amp">website</a> and give it a try or read my more in-depth <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/japanesepod101-give-your-listening-comprehension-a-boost/">review of Japanesepod101</a> if you want to learn more about their service first.Japanesepod is sending me some coupons from time to time and I thought it would be a good idea to update the post with the new ones.Coupon Codes February 2018 (links attached)<a href="https://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&l=uggcf%3A%2F%2Fjjj.wncnarfrcbq101.pbz%2Foernxguebhtu">28% OFF BASIC, PREMIUM & PREMIUM PLUS</a><ul><li>Subscribe <a href="https://www.japanesepod101.com/member/go.php?r=571147&l=uggcf%3A%2F%2Fjjj.wncnarfrcbq101.pbz%2Foernxguebhtu">here</a> (coupon code already applied!)</li></ul><img alt="_-3" border="0" class="aligncenter wp-image-5340 size-full" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="_-3" border="0" class="aligncenter wp-image-5340 size-full" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/3.jpg" width="1200"><h3>Recommended study routine: </h3><ul><li>After learning Hiragana & Katakana start with Genki I. I don’t think its the best idea to write your own flashcards for vocab so I would opt for a different route right away: <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/learn-tons-new-japanese-words-context-iknow-jp/">iKnow</a>. You train your reading ability and learn Japanese words in context. There is no better way (at least for me).</li></ul>The program itself is not included in this list and that’s for a reason. I had to decide between two time-consuming SRS programs. Wanikani (just look below for a detailed explanation) and iKnow. The latter one is great for vocab but not essential so I opted for WK instead. <ul><li>Join Japanesepod101 and start with Newbie Season 1. Use it alongside Genki but don’t try to find the same grammar points in both the podcast and the book. Just let it flow and learn from both. The beauty of this method is that you’ll eventually encounter already learned grammar points again, get a second explanation and make them really stick.</li></ul><h3>Do you want to read manga in Japanese? Get this book.</h3>Not really a necessity but – If you like to read manga in Japanese or want to get to that level where you can enjoy your favorite series in Japanese – buy this book. It’s really the best thing you can buy. Don’t confuse it with Japanese in Mangaland. This one here teaches real written Japanese using different scenes from popular manga as examples. A little like the column which once ran in the now-defunct <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/wanna-read-manga-japanese-try-mangajin/">Mangajin magazine</a> if some of you remember. You’ll learn a lot of useful grammatical stuff you really don’t get taught in regular textbooks. If you want to read manga – tries this book here. It helped me immensely in understanding some of the more obscure sentence enders and terms.If you work through this book I guarantee you that you’ll at least have the grammatical foundation to comfortably read manga in Japanese. Yes, it’s that awesome. Japanese Tease reader Chris recommended it to me on twitter a while ago and I’m really glad he did. Worked my way through the book and reading Japanese got a lot more easy for me afterward. All these strange sentence enders and variations I couldn’t place anywhere were described in this book. Or at least a good part of em’. Even when <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/learn-japanese-anime/">watching Anime to learn Japanese</a> you’ll notice that this book here is essential. The slang remains the same no matter if you watch the shows or read the manga.Buy Japanese the manga way at Amazon.com<img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2087765" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2087765" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4249f26cc89fcac0a8a2b86021eb24c6&_cb=1431563067243" width="0"><img alt="japanese the manga way" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5036" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="japanese the manga way" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5036" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/japanese-the-manga-way.jpg" width="1200"><h4>5. Start learning the Kanji and tons of vocab with WaniKani</h4>I’ve already written a post about <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/getting-back-learning-japanese-wanikani/">getting back to learning Japanese with WaniKani</a> but it just had to be included here. I always wanted to write a blog where articles that matter were updated when the time was right and that’s exactly what I’m doing now. WaniKani is great. Even if you’re just making your first steps in trying to learn Japanese, learn hiragana & katakana and make yourself a <a href="http://www.wanikani.com">WaniKani</a> account. It starts from scratch and is a great alternative to Heisig. It’s actually the one I prefer nowadays. JT reader <a href="https://twitter.com/Kendawg_McRad">NinKenDo</a> pointed out that he is actually using WaniKani in conjunction with Heisig. So that’s also an alternative. If you want to know more about WaniKani and it’s immense benefits, just read the above-linked post to the original article. But in short: You’ll learn the Kanji, learn tons of vocabulary and meet great people in the community. The best thing I did for my Japanese studies was signing up with WK. Hands down.To make studying with WaniKani even more easy  I compiled <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/favorite-wanikani-extensions-sites-really-use/">a list of the extensions</a> I use with the site to make things a little faster and more efficient. Safari is normally my go-to browser but specifically for WK I switch to Chrome just for the sake of using all these little helpers.Heisig: Remembering the Kanji<img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9109968" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9109968" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=355d7575560607db40a28ed05d45d597&_cb=1440768870545" width="0"> – Before WaniKani came around this was the ultimate way to learn the Kanji. The key was to break down the Chinese characters in small parts called primitives. Out of these, you make up a story that will help you memorize the meaning of each Kanji. If you got a meaning down for each Kanji you can advance to learning the different meanings.<img alt="how to learn japanese-4" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4208" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="how to learn japanese-4" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4208" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/how-to-learn-japanese-4.jpg" width="1200">When someone asked me how he should start to learn Japanese as a self-learner these were the tips I would give him. But there is a lot of other stuff out there which is great as well. Let’s start with a classics. The infamous online Japanese textbook.<h4>Tae Kim’s Grammar Guide</h4>If you want another shot at Japanese grammar or want to read more about a certain topic<a href="http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/"> Tae Kim’s grammar guide</a> is my go-to place. It’s free, it’s awesome and very well explained. Good stuff for beginners who like a more casual and natural approach towards grammar and always a great complement to Genki. Some are even using solely Tae Kim for their grammar needs but I wouldn’t recommend that. Not because his site isn’t great (it is) I just think that it’s a little confusing at the beginning and a little vague with his explanations sometimes as well. If you already have a foundation in Japanese you’ll greatly profit from the many example sentences and small grammatical nuances Tae Kim explains so well. If you don’t have a certain background you’ll probably feel the same I felt back then. Not being able to see the forest between all the trees.There is also a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learning-japanese/id377785100?mt=8">free IOS Version</a> of the guide which is really well made – and free. A no-brainer if you have a fitting device. I actually bought the printed version as well but am not that keen on it. Maybe because the App is just too good to be true. And free, did I mention that?<h4>Get a Japanese dictionary for your mobile phone and tablet.</h4>No matter if you’re using Android or iOS there are many different Japanese dictionary Apps available and they are more or less all offering the same. At least they’re all referring to the same database of words. So, in the end, it’s a matter of preference which one you like to use. Or rather a matter of style. I tried out a couple of different ones but stuck with <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/midori-japanese-dictionary/id385231773?mt=8">Midori</a> and am using it now for a couple of years. I really like that the App is already searching for the word while I’m typing. Makes finding words where you only know the Kanji and you’re not quite sure about the exact reading a lot easier. There are a lot more bells and whistles to this App but I’m using none of them. Built-in list to which you can add your words, Kanji and vocab after JLPT and so on. In this regard, all the dictionary Apps are more or less the same and in the end (again) it just comes down to which interface you like best.<a href="http://www.imiwaapp.com">Imiwa</a> has been mentioned in the comments and I tried it myself. Nothing wrong with this App either. There is even the functionality to change the language to German or French or Spanish. But not all Japanese words included in the dictionary are available in all translations and some may still be shown with an English translation. It’s free and a great alternative to Midori (which costs a hefty 10$). Download it and try it for yourself.<h3>Reading material</h3>Learning Japanese is a journey that never seems to end. At least for me, it doesn’t. Luckily there is a vast market of neat books and programs out there which make studying the language a joy to do so. I’ve written some articles about nearly all the books I’ve used up to now and always aim to give you a personal feel for the books with the pictures I’m taking. Hope that works. Some stuff which I love to recommend to nearly all stages of learners are the <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/japanese-graded-readers/">Japanese Graded Readers</a> books. Available from super easy to intermediate. They come in attractive little boxes, each story in a separate booklet, but have a look yourself.<a href="http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/aff/click.cgi/PytJTGW7Lok/4756/A148868/searches?term.media_format=&q=japanese+graded+readers">Japanese Graded Readers</a> – When a native material is still far too difficult and frustrating these are an excellent way to start finally putting your newly learned Japanese to some use. You can choose a set from grade 0 to 3 with rising difficulty in grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure. Each story gets is printed in a different booklet and they accompanying MP3 Cd has every little story read by a native.<a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-01/">Read manga in Japanese</a> – I made a total of five posts with manga recommendations for Japanese beginners. You should always keep in mind though that every one of these manga is aimed at a native Japanese audience and thus it can be quite a harsh entry if it’s really the first thing you read in Japanese. But it’ll get better over time (like always) and the above-mentioned book Japanese the manga way will help you out a great deal.<a href="https://shop.whiterabbitjapan.com/products/nihongo-notes-vol-1-language-and-culture?rfsn=27572.9913d">Nihongo Notes</a> – When learning and trying to understand and speak Japanese you’ll always face the difficulty that you just express yourself a lot different in Japanese than you would do in a European language. Nihongo Notes is collecting all the essays from the column with the same name which run in the newspaper The Japan Times. In fun little stories covering everyday situations in Japan, you’ll learn a lot about how to use different phrases correctly and more importantly about their heritage and true meaning. If you want to slip inside of a Japanese and make sense of all the seemingly random dos and don’ts in Japan these two books are your best bet. – <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/nihongo-notes-review/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Read the full review</a>.<h3>Productivity</h3><a href="https://habitica.com/static/front">Habitica</a> – If you want to tackle your daily tasks and to-do-lists like they were missions in an RPG this is the website for you. You earn some in-game money and experience points for every task you finished which will level up your character and even allows you to be some neat gear. Join the Japanese Tease guild and let’s tackle some monsters together through learning more Japanese.Moleskine Notebook<img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4248917" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="0"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4248917" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=japateas-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4f1da7920811b738b143ca7917e2b0d0&_cb=1440834954707" width="0"> – Tracking your learning progress is essential to keep you on plan and motivated as well. A technique that works very well for me is just to write down with a few keywords what I learned each day. Or if I have to work through a big bunch of pages in a textbook I’ll write down where I started and finished that day. I personally love the little Moleskine weekly planers, but of course, even the note function or calendar on your mobile is up for this task.Defunct. The section for all the stuff I don’t use anymore but once have. Loved these tools at one point but don’t use them in my current state anymore.<h4>Anki</h4>If you don’t know about <a href="http://ankisrs.net">Anki</a> yet here us a short description of the best program/<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/ankimobile-flashcards/id373493387?mt=8">app</a> I own. Or at least the most useful to me. It’s a program to make digital flashcards but instead of just having two sides you can do the wildest things with Anki. The Ultimate Japanese Vocab Packs by Tofugu support Anki as well and are really well made. With sound files and different forms. Just download Anki and get these Vocab packs. There is no better introduction to Anki out there. A nice feature of Anki is that you can download ao called “decks” by other people directly within the program. So if you decide to tackle the Heisig method for learning all the Joyu Kanji, just search for a deck. Maybe someone else was kind enough to upload his own Anki-deck which can save you a lot of time. And the good part is: You always have the opportunity to customize these decks. Well done Anki!<img alt="how to learn japanese-5" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4209" height="800" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=" width="1200"><img alt="how to learn japanese-5" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4209" height="800" src="https://www.japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/how-to-learn-japanese-5.jpg" width="1200"><h4>Make your own vocabulary-decks</h4>When you finished the essential packs you will have some basic Japanese vocabulary knowledge which will come in quite handy reading stuff like <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-01/">Yotsubato! and Shirokuma Café</a>. But because Japanese is damn complex you need to learn more vocab and I mean: Lots more. I just expanded the Tofugu decks and made additions to them whenever I stumbled across an unknown word. I would advise you to do the same because the tofugu vocab “template” is really well made with the ability to learn the different forms and kanji reading in a breeze. Little tip: Add a field for the te-form within the Verbs template, which will make things much easier for you in the long run.<h4>Where do I pick up my vocab?</h4>When reading a manga I try to put all unknown words into Anki. Sometimes I skip a few. There is really no need to learn ancient Japanese words when you’re still trying to figure out the basics. You can rather spend the time on the more useful stuff first which you will actually use and come back for fancy vocab a couple of months (or years) later when you have a decent knowledge of Japanese. Of course, there are some places with more useful vocab to pick up than others. Manga may not be such a great choice all in all because of all the slang and sometimes fantasy language (always depending on what you read of course). But Yotsuba with its everyday anecdotes really is a good way to start. I compiled a list of <a href="https://www.japanesetease.net/easy-to-read-manga-for-japanese-beginners-vol-01/">beginner-friendly manga in Japanese</a> which should give you plenty of suggestions.</div>

My guide to self-studying Japanese

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