Learning Japanese

Beginner-level students wishing to read Japanese need to learn hiragana, the most basic of three Japanese scripts, used for writing words of native origin. Kodansha's Hiragana Workbook is an all-new, streamlined workbook designed precisely for such students. It introduces all aspects of the script-reading, writing, and pronunciation in a fun, accessible format, packed with illustrations and exercises.

This companion volume to the Kodansha Hiragana workbook teaches the basics of katakana, the script for writing loanwords borrowed from English and other languages. The book introduces the characters not in the traditional a-i-u-e-o order, but in a radical new one that allows students to sound out words from the very first page.

Learning Hiragana and Katakana is a systematic and comprehensive overview of the two kana systems needed to read and write Japanese. With expanded writing and preparation space, this revised edition offers ample provisions for practice, review and self-testing at several levels. It also includes a detailed reference section explaining the origin and function of kana and the various kana combinations. This book also includes a detailed pronunciation guide.

Let's Learn Hiragana, and its companion volume Let's Learn Katakana, is a textbook that introduces the learner to the basics of one of these fundamental Japanese scripts. Being a workbook, it contains all the exercises that allow the student to master hiragana by the time the book has been finished.

Let's Learn Kanji teaches the student how to write the basic strokes, how to put these together into full-fledged kanji, and how kanji function in the context of example sentences. Progress is continually checked, and the student is encouraged through quizzes and exercises. The result: 250 fundamental characters learned almost painlessly.

Let's Learn Katakana, and its companion volume Let's Learn Hiragana, is a textbook that introduces the learner to the basics of one of these fundamental Japanese scripts. Being a workbook, it contains all the exercises that allow the student to master katakana by the time the book has been finished.

At the core of Essential Japanese is the Living Language Method, based on linguistic science, proven techniques, and over 65 years of experience. The method teaches you the whole language, so you can express yourself, not just recite memorized words or scripts.

At the core of Essential Japanese is the Living Language Method, based on linguistic science, proven techniques, and over 65 years of experience. The method teaches you the whole language, so you can express yourself, not just recite memorized words or scripts.

Making Out in Japanese is a fun and accessible guide to Japanese as it's spoken on the street. This classic phrase book has been updated and expanded for use in informal situations such as bars, parties, or anywhere else one needs to know slang to survive!

More Making Out in Japanese is a fun and accessible guide to Japanese as it's spoken on the street. This classic phrase book has been updated and expanded for use in informal situations such as bars, parties, or anywhere else one needs to know slang to survive!

This new concept in classroom supplements lets both beginning and advanced Japanese-language students craft their own customized guide to words, subjects, sentences, and cultural interests regardless of what textbook they use. There are 365 undated entries representing a full year's worth of learning, highlighting basic kanji and phrases, with lots of space to keep notes and reminders. Other pages offer fill-ins for favorite anime and manga, musicians, foods, prompts - whatever students want to keep track of or are curious about. At the back are practical references including kana and kanji, verb types, and a map.

Initially written for the tourist visiting Japan, Practical Japanese is actually a very handy reference for anyone interested in quickly acquiring a working knowledge of spoken Japanese. With approximately 350 essential words and 130 pages of practical conversational usage, this handy book provides the basics needed to converse in simple Japanese. Over 200 simple illustrations allow even beginners to express themselves.