Studying Resources
Whether you're a beginner or well versed in Japanese, studying is a natural part of our lives in Japan. There is no "right way" to study, whether you prefer textbooks and written notes, or immersion and sentence mining. Below is a list of resources that have been compiled and used by various ALTs throughout the years with informaton about where to find them and how they can be used. Remember: you're not alone on this journey! Don't be afraid to form study groups or reach out to your senpais for advice!
updated: April 2025
Nihongo-so-Matome series
The good:
The Good:
The Good:
Websites, apps and more:
The Kanji Site
www.kanjisite.com
Lists all of the kanji included on each level of the JLPT, including readings and meanings. A very useful study tool.
JLPT Kanji Project
www.jlpt-kanji.com
A resource to aid the learning of Japanese Kanji. Included in this site is a listing of the full Jouyou Kanji, classified into JLPT levels, with a lookup of vocabulary for each JLPT level. Including printable kanji lists
JLPT Vocabulary Lists
www.thbz.org/kanjimots/jlpt.php3
Complete JLPT vocabulary lists in UTF-8 format, as printed in the official specification book (Japanese Language Proficiency Test: Test Content Specification, The Japan Foundation and Association of International Eduation, 1994-1997), including levels 4, 3, 2 and 1.
The Japanese Page
www.thejapanesepage2.com/kanji/jlpt.htm
General info on the test and recommended books.
The Japan Guide
www.japan-guide.com/e/e2054.html
General info on the test as well as advice on studying Japanese.
The good:
- Has translations of the sentences in English, Korean and Chinese
- Clear and concise instruction on grammar patters and formations.
- The vocabulary and Kanji books is broken in to related sections.
- there is limited grammar practice.
The Good:
- These are great books and used as the standard text book for most university courses.
- Genki is an excellent place to begin your Japanese studies.
- It is a bit on the pricey side, but for a good textbook, its work it!
- You'll need to buy The workbook.
- Genki 2 is only up to intermediate level, so depending on your goal, this cold be just a start.
The Good:
- This is also a great book (for upper intermediate ). This book has good explanation and focuses on all he skills of language.
- The book is does a good job to use use sentences that are connected to the readings as well as not relatable to the learner.
- Work book not 'required' but highly recommended for a deep understanding.
Websites, apps and more:
- Bunpro
- A comprehensive learning resource for JLPT N5-N1 grammar
- Wanikani
- A Kanji and vocabulary website and app that focuses on SRS (spaced repetition software). Good for long term learning and kanji recognition.
- Memrise
- Quizlet
- Jgram.com
- An online grammar database with notes, discussions and examples. This is a great source to see grammar in context.
- jisho.org,
- A very good online dictionary. you can search by, Kanji, parts of kanji, words (English <=> Japanese) as well as sentences.
The Kanji Site
www.kanjisite.com
Lists all of the kanji included on each level of the JLPT, including readings and meanings. A very useful study tool.
JLPT Kanji Project
www.jlpt-kanji.com
A resource to aid the learning of Japanese Kanji. Included in this site is a listing of the full Jouyou Kanji, classified into JLPT levels, with a lookup of vocabulary for each JLPT level. Including printable kanji lists
JLPT Vocabulary Lists
www.thbz.org/kanjimots/jlpt.php3
Complete JLPT vocabulary lists in UTF-8 format, as printed in the official specification book (Japanese Language Proficiency Test: Test Content Specification, The Japan Foundation and Association of International Eduation, 1994-1997), including levels 4, 3, 2 and 1.
The Japanese Page
www.thejapanesepage2.com/kanji/jlpt.htm
General info on the test and recommended books.
The Japan Guide
www.japan-guide.com/e/e2054.html
General info on the test as well as advice on studying Japanese.
Japanese Textbooks
While there are a wide variety of textbooks available for different purposes in relation to studying Japanese and this is hardly an extensive list, we've picked some of our favorites that have been recommended by the Shiga JETs. Always make sure to reach out to your senpais and see if they might be willing to sell their old books or tell you what their favorite method of studying is!
