Best resources for learning Japanese

Learning Japanese can be an exciting yet challenging journey, and finding the best resources for learning Japanese is crucial for success. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, there are plenty of tools available to help. From interactive YouTube channels and engaging podcasts to immersive anime and manga, each resource offers unique advantages to enhance your learning experience. In this article, let's take a closer look at the best resources for learning Japanese!

Websites & Online Courses

HeyJapan

HeyJapan is a flexible Japanese learning app, especially designed for beginners as well as those looking to improve their communication skills. This app focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation through engaging and easy-to-understand lessons. Key features of HeyJapan include:

• Diverse Lesson System: Lessons are organized by topics and levels, from beginner to advanced, making it easy for learners to access and improve their skills.
• Accurate Pronunciation: The "Pronunciation Practice" feature uses voice recognition technology to help learners practice pronunciation accurately, just like native speakers.
• Interactive Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes reinforce knowledge, track progress, and help learners review lessons effectively.
• User-friendly Mobile App: With a simple, easy-to-use interface, the app is compatible with mobile devices, allowing learners to study anytime, anywhere.

If you're looking to quickly pick up reading basics, apps like HeyJapan and dedicated Hiragana & Katakana apps are perfect tools that allow you to learn to read Japanese in 15 minutes a day. These apps are designed for efficient, bite-sized lessons that gradually build your reading skills

Link download: 

• App Store
• Google Play 

Duolingo

Duolingo is a free language learning app that stands out for its gamified approach, helping learners stay motivated and engaged. Duolingo offers more than 30 languages, ranging from English and Spanish to less common languages.

Key features of Duolingo include:

• Experience Points (XP) System: Tracks learning progress.
• Lesson Levels: Lessons are broken down into levels, from easy to difficult, to help learners gradually improve.
• "Speaking Mode": Enhances communication skills through speaking practice.
• Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation Exercises: Helps learners practice essential language skills.
• Daily Practice: Keeps learners engaged with the goal of maintaining a "streak."

Link download: 

• App Store
• Google Play 

Memrise 

Memrise is a language learning app that offers an effective learning experience through videos and visuals. The app focuses on vocabulary acquisition and improving listening and speaking skills.

Key features of Memrise include:

• Videos with Native Speakers: Helps improve listening skills through authentic content.
• Visual Learning Method: Utilizes images and flashcards to aid in memory retention.
• Vocabulary and Phrase Practice: Reinforces learning with interactive quizzes and exercises.
• "Learn with Locals" Mode: Enhances communication skills by practicing real-life conversations.
• AI-driven Progress Optimization: Uses artificial intelligence to adapt and optimize the learning process for better results.

Link download: 

• App Store
• Google Play 

Tofugu

Tofugu is a specialized Japanese learning app, particularly designed for learners who want to improve their understanding of Kanji and Hiragana. The app uses a creative learning approach and offers comprehensive features to support learners at all levels.

Key features include:

• Detailed Guides on Kanji and Hiragana: Provides easy-to-understand lessons to master these essential characters.
• Visual Lessons: Helps learners visualize and memorize concepts more effectively.
• Progress Check Quizzes: Tools to test your progress and reinforce learning.
• Creative Learning Method: Uses storytelling techniques to make vocabulary retention easier and more engaging.

Link website: https://www.tofugu.com/ 

Nihongo no Mori

Nihongo no Mori is a highly effective Japanese learning app designed for learners who want to improve their listening skills and understanding of Japanese grammar. Developed with clear lessons and detailed practice exercises, Nihongo no Mori supports learners from beginner to advanced levels, making it an excellent resource for mastering Japanese.

Key features include:

• Detailed Video Lessons on Japanese Grammar: Taught by experienced instructors, offering in-depth explanations.
• Practice Exercises: Reinforce grammar and vocabulary knowledge through interactive activities.
• Easy-to-understand Teaching Method: Clear and accessible lessons with specific examples to help learners grasp concepts easily.
• Listening Practice: Includes real-life conversation recordings and tests to improve listening comprehension.
• Level-based Lesson Organization: Lessons are categorized by proficiency level, making it easy for learners to choose the appropriate content for their skill level.

Link download: 

• App Store
• Google Play 

Easy Japanese

Easy Japanese is a Japanese learning app designed to help you accumulate knowledge through in-depth reading and listening to authentic Japanese texts. The app is more suitable for beginners rather than advanced learners.

Key features include:

• Real-life Topics: Covers various practical situations such as job interviews, school admissions, doctor appointments, and more.
• Authentic Japanese Texts: Provides articles with word breakdowns, part-of-speech annotations, and Hiragana/Chinese characters for easier comprehension.
• Native-like Pronunciation: Offers voice recordings with adjustable speed to improve both listening and pronunciation skills.
• Rich Video Content: Includes videos with professional teaching methods and insightful perspectives on life in Japan

Link download: 

• App Store
• Google Play 

Jisho.org

Jisho is an offline Japanese dictionary with over 160,000 entries, more than 10,000 Kanji characters, and nearly 60,000 example sentences. Overall, Jisho is an excellent tool for learning Japanese in context.

Key features include:

• Search by Romaji, Hiragana, Kanji, Radicals, English, or Drawing: Allows learners to search for individual words using various input methods, including drawing Kanji on the screen.
• Full Sentence Search: Learners can search entire sentences written in Hiragana and Kanji. The app will identify individual words, phrases, and particles, linking users to their definitions.
• Contributor Option: Users can contribute to the dictionary by becoming editors, allowing them to edit existing entries or add new ones.

Link download: App Store

Link website: https://jisho.org/ 

Books

Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese" by J.C. Richards

"Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese" is one of the most popular and highly recommended textbooks for beginners learning Japanese. It provides a comprehensive approach, covering grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and listening exercises. As one of the best resources for learning Japanese, it helps learners establish a strong foundation and develop practical communication skills. The clear explanations and interactive exercises make it easier for students to understand and apply concepts in real-world situations.

Link PDF: click here

Japanese for Beginners" by DK Publishing

"Japanese for Beginners" by DK Publishing is an excellent choice for those just starting their Japanese learning journey. The book introduces fundamental grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills, all presented with clear, easy-to-understand lessons and vibrant illustrations. As one of the best resources for learning Japanese, it is perfect for self-learners or as a supplementary resource for classroom study. This book helps learners build confidence and proficiency in speaking and understanding basic Japanese.

Easy Japanese: A Quick and Simple Guide" by DK Publishing

"Easy Japanese: A Quick and Simple Guide" is ideal for beginners who want to quickly get up to speed with practical, everyday Japanese. The book focuses on essential phrases, grammar, and vocabulary for basic conversations. With its straightforward and easy-to-follow approach, it is one of the best resources for learning Japanese for those who want to improve their speaking skills in a short amount of time. The book offers a simple, stress-free way to begin learning the language.

Japanese From Zero! (Beginner)" by George Trombley

"Japanese From Zero!" by George Trombley is a fantastic resource for beginners. The book introduces Japanese step by step, using a natural, engaging method that makes learning enjoyable. Divided into clear levels, it helps learners gradually build their skills in vocabulary, grammar, and kanji. As one of the best resources for learning Japanese, this book is perfect for anyone starting their Japanese language journey, ensuring a solid understanding of the basics and building a strong foundation for more advanced studies.

Other Resources

YouTube Channels 

Learning Japanese through YouTube channels like JapanesePod101, Japanese From Zero, and Easy Japanese offers structured lessons, immersion content, and real conversation practice. These channels provide high-quality videos that cover everything from basic grammar to advanced conversation skills. The visual and auditory aspects of these lessons help reinforce your understanding of Japanese in a natural way. 

Using YouTube channels as learning resources makes it easier to fit language study into your daily routine and can enhance your listening and speaking abilities, making them one of the most effective tools for mastering Japanese.

Anime & TV Shows

Watching Japanese anime and TV shows with subtitles is a great way to immerse yourself in the language. It exposes you to authentic conversational Japanese, helping you understand informal expressions, cultural nuances, and slang. 

Watching shows with subtitles allows you to hear how words are pronounced in context while improving both listening and reading skills. Immersion through anime and TV shows also makes learning more enjoyable, as you can learn vocabulary and phrases naturally while following storylines that interest you.

Watching Japanese anime can be a powerful tool for language learning, especially when paired with subtitles. For beginners and intermediate learners, finding the best anime to learn Japanese can greatly enhance listening skills, cultural understanding, and natural phrasing. Some shows offer simpler dialogue and everyday vocabulary that's perfect for learners.

Manga

Reading manga is an enjoyable and effective way to learn Japanese vocabulary and understand cultural references. Manga often uses conversational language and informal speech, giving you a closer look at how native speakers interact in everyday situations.

 Additionally, many mangas include furigana (pronunciation guides) next to kanji, making it easier for beginners to grasp the meaning of new words. Manga also provides insight into Japanese culture, making it a fun and educational resource to improve both language skills and cultural understanding.

In addition to traditional study methods, interactive tools like 3DS games to learn Japanese offer a fun way to immerse yourself in the language. These games integrate language learning within engaging gameplay, making it easier to practice Japanese in a relaxed and enjoyable setting

Podcasts

Listening to Japanese language podcasts, such as those offered by JapanesePod101, is an excellent way to enhance your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. Podcasts allow you to hear authentic Japanese conversations, which helps with comprehension and pronunciation. 

You can listen to podcasts on-the-go, making them a convenient option for busy learners. By regularly listening to podcasts, you can expose yourself to a variety of topics and accents, improving your overall fluency and understanding of different speaking styles in Japanese.

Important Tips

Find a Method that Fits You

When learning Japanese, it's crucial to find a study method that suits your personal learning style. Whether you prefer textbooks, online courses, or language exchange, choosing the right approach can make your learning journey more effective and enjoyable. Experiment with different resources, such as apps like Duolingo or books like "Genki", to discover what helps you retain information best. By finding a method that works for you, you'll feel more motivated and confident as you progress in your studies.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is one of the most important tips for learning Japanese. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to study, even if it's just 15-30 minutes. Regular practice helps reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and kanji retention. Using apps, flashcards, or daily quizzes can be effective ways to stay on track. By sticking to a routine, you’ll gradually improve and build a solid foundation in Japanese, making it easier to progress toward fluency over time.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is essential when learning Japanese. Instead of aiming for fluency right away, break down your goals into smaller milestones—like learning 50 new words a week or mastering basic sentence structures in a month. This method keeps you motivated and prevents burnout. By tracking your progress, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and stay focused on your long-term goal of fluency. Remember, small wins lead to big results.

Don't be Afraid to Make Mistakes

One of the best tips for learning Japanese is not being afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of language learning and help you improve. Practice speaking with native speakers or using language exchange platforms without worrying about perfect grammar or pronunciation. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities will boost your speaking skills and help you become more comfortable using Japanese in real-life situations.

In conclusion, choosing the best resources for learning Japanese is key to success. Whether it's YouTube lessons, anime, podcasts, or manga, each tool offers unique benefits for improving your skills. By staying consistent and using a mix of resources, you’ll make steady progress toward fluency in Japanese.