Study Resources:
Nihongo-so-Matome series
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.