10 Best Japanese Learning Books in 2022 (Japan Times, 3A Corporation, and More)

Pros:

• Includes cultural notes at the end of each chapter 
• Each lesson ends with a writing exercise
• Has 12 chapters with many accompanying pictures
  
• Covers all aspects of the language
• Supplementary app

Cons:

• Some complaints about translations

Genki is one of the most popular textbooks to learn Japanese among students and self-learners alike. It primarily focuses on conversation and grammar in situations that reflect the real world. Chapters are broken down into dialogue, vocabulary, grammar explanations, and practice problems.

Some readers felt the text was slightly translated awkwardly. However, most learners said this is a great guide for beginners, and also appreciated that each chapter offers lots of practice opportunities. 

Pros:

• Written entirely in Japanese so can be used by a person of any native language
• Kanji is introduced early into the book and used often
• Includes up-to-date expressions and conversation terminology
• Covers all aspects of the language
Cons:

• An accompanying grammar and translation book is necessary to purchase in your native tongue 

This textbook is written entirely in Japanese, making it ideal for learners of all backgrounds. Plus, it encourages the learner to read the characters. We also like that it incorporates kanji and covers grammar well.

Some readers complained that since it's written entirely in Japanese, it was tough to study alone and would be more useful with the help of a teacher. Still, most readers agree that this textbook is extremely immersive and will help you learn kanji early on, and liked how fast they learned when dedicating themselves to this book!

Pros:

• Written in Japanese with English explanations
• Includes grammatical forms, skill development, practice questions, and mock tests
• Specifically for the N4 JLPT test
• Complementary books for N4 kanji, reading, and more are available for purchase
Cons:

• No accompanying supplemental materials 
• Text-heavy information might not suit some learners

The Kanzen book series gives you the necessary tools to pass each level of the JLPT. This grammar book is part of its N4 set. It offers slightly more advanced grammar for beginners, making it an ideal next step for those familiar with the basics.

Some readers struggled with the text-heavy information. But, the majority of reviewers liked how it offers detailed grammar points, followed by an explanation and example sentences. They also appreciated that it provides ample practice exercises.

Pros:

• You don’t need to buy an accompanying book
• The book is meant to be written in
• Offers online quizzes, videos, ask-a-teacher, discord community
• Suitable for those with absolute zero prior-knoweldge
Cons:

• Pacing may be too slow for some

This book begins entirely in English and slowly introduces hiragana, grammar, and vocabulary. It includes many cultural tips and common phrases, making it more interesting and practical. Moreover, it comes with plenty of supplementary study materials, including a Discord community. 

Some readers think that the pace is too slow for those serious about learning Japanese. However, most readers love that it includes web-based video lessons and quizzes, saying they feel like they are taking an actual Japanese class. They also reported that it's enjoyable to use since it doesn't overwhelm the reader with information. 

Pros:

• Includes information about common topics and situations in Japan
• Includes online audio tracks with native speaking accents
• Covers all aspects of the language
Cons:

• Complaints about depth of information

This book focuses on conversational skills, pronunciation, and basic grammar. It's great for new learners who want a general foundation of the Japanese language. It also includes many common phrases and vocabulary.

Some readers found that their knowledge wasn't developed well over the course of the book. Overall, many other readers liked the native voices on the audio tracks. They also said that the information about Japan was interesting to read. In general, reviewers said this is a great supplementary text for beginners.

Pros:

• 15 chapters that focus on writing, reading, listening and speaking
• Contains formal and informal text
• Explains informal grammar patterns such as those used in anime

Cons:

• A few reports that chapters are hard to follow

This intermediate textbook is an excellent transition between intermediate and advanced levels of Japanese. It helps you develop skills through learning about Japanese geography, pop culture, and history. These fun topics make learning Japanese an interesting, engaging experience. 

Some readers said the chapters were too long. However, most readers liked that there was no English translation for anything, forcing them to use their prior knowledge of Japanese. They also liked that the same grammar points were used in multiple chapters, enforcing their learning. 

Pros:

• Good for students planning on taking the AP Japanese test
• Accompanying website with games, dialogues, flashcards, and songs
• Uses a manga story to teach Japanese

Cons:

• Difficult for self-learners as many exercises are meant for classroom work in groups
• Doesn't teach kana

This beginner's textbook follows the story of Kiara, an American exchange student living in Japan. It includes manga strips and an engaging storyline about her travels into Japanese history. Plus, it has kanji lists, printable exercises, and dialogues. 

Some learners said that it's essential to master the basic characters before using this book. However, many liked the uniqueness of this textbook, saying it's immersive without being overwhelming. They also liked that it barely used romaji and contained natural, relevant dialogues. 

Pros:

• 18 chapters explaining a type of situation to use keigo in
• Provides common mistakes and how to fix them in certain situations
• Includes two CDs with additional exercises and file downloads
Cons:

• Role-play scenarios are difficult for single self-studiers 

This book is for intermediate and upper-level learners who want to master keigo, or honorific speech. Keigo will help you work in a Japanese office and communicate professionally. Many Japanese learning books introduce keigo, but this book is all about putting it into practice with the correct usage. 

Some readers thought that it was difficult to decipher some more complex phrases. However, most said that this book was very comprehensive. They liked that it gave great examples of what to say and what not to say. Readers say it's ideal for intermediate-level learners (N3) and above.  

Pros:

• Short stories relating to real-life situations in Japan
• Slowly increases difficulty over course of the book
• Each story includes a translation, synopsis, vocabulary list, and quiz
Cons:

• No accompanying audio tools 
• Some errors

Inside this book are 20 short stories to help you improve your language proficiency and expand your vocabulary. Each story has a full English translation with vocabulary lists and follow-up questions in Japanese to review. 

Some readers wished that the vocabulary lists were more comprehensive, and others noted errors with furigana. Still, most readers thought it was great for learners looking to build upon basic skills. They appreciated that the stories were relatable and entertaining to read.

Pros

• Compact for easy carrying and reference 
• Concise information
• Contains information on over 70 particles

Cons

• Could be difficult for beginners
• No exercises

This handy supplemental reference book covers over 70 different particles. It explains their multiple uses and gives examples. It's an excellent resource for quickly looking up the particle you’re having trouble with while reading or studying Japanese. 

Some learners thought the example sentences used were too difficult to comprehend for beginners. But, most readers said that this book is essential for serious learners. They loved that it explains the uses and offers examples for each particle.