My Resources
These are resources that I’ve collected and found to be personally useful. This is not an exhaustive list of all resources for learning Japanese, but ones I’ve tried and liked, or found to be interesting and plan to try in the future.
Resources marked by 2 asterisks (**) are ones that I’ve tried, liked, and am currently using. One asterisk (*) means I’ve tried it, but I’ve dropped it in the meantime. Not every resource is good for every person! So don’t let that stop you from trying them!
Disclaimer: There are some resources I got from other people that I have not tried myself because I was past that level, such as the kana-related resources.
Overall Guide
See the Main Guide on Itazuraneko for a roadmap of where to start learning Japanese.
The utmost first thing to learn is how to read/write hiragana and katakana, which will enable you allow you to learn vocab with Anki.
Japanese Pod 101 may also be another all-rounded place to start.
Learning
Kana/Kanji
Anki decks for the book listed below. Use both of these and it will help you review them easily! Use a stylus + phone + whiteboard mode and it makes writing practice convenient!
Kanji writing paper is called genkoyoushi. You can buy fairly inexpensive notebooks at bookstores like Kinokuniya or print your own.
Vocabulary
Anki Guide on Itazuraneko
DO THIS FIRST
This is a guide for setting up Anki**, a flashcard software you can get on both desktop and mobile. The android (Ankidroid) app is free, but the iPhone app is 25 dollars. There’s a webapp/site, and if you want to sync between desktop and mobile, you’ll need to make an account on Ankiweb.
Grammar
Bunpro** - A nominally free site, but requires the paid tier to use the Grammar SRS (spaced repetition). Worth it for serious learners, but definitely leverage the free trial first. Is at least a good repository/resource of grammar points and even links to textbooks/other sites.
Japanese Ammo with Misa** - My favorite grammar channel! She’s great at explaining and gives lots of natural examples!
Learn Japanese with Ariel - a native Japanese speaker I found on HelloTalk who frequently posts about native-level phrases and words, plus examples. I’ve learned a lot from her, so be sure to check this out!
This is all reading, so learning from videos with Misa may be easier for beginners, in my opinion.
There are two guides, the “Complete” guide and the “Grammar” guide. These aren’t exactly the same, although there’s probably overlap.
The complete guide may be a good place to start to get an idea of what you need to learn.
A nice small book with example sentences and a lot of particles. I love this one so far!
Practice
Reading
Yotsubato!** - a manga that’s basically kid level for reading. A great place to start.
Anki decks* specifically for volumes 1 and 2.
StoryWeaver Japanese Stories - can filter by difficulty
Aozora Books - free electronic books
JapaneseInTheWild** subreddit
Other ebook stores: honto.jp*, BookWalker* (has a US app that lets you access Japanese store purchases)
Writing/Texting/
Communication
This is a site where you can write whatever and native speakers can correct it for you. You can also correct other people’s entries.
The UI here is very nice! The only reason I’ve dropped it is that I’ve had trouble keeping up with writing posts, not because it’s bad in any way.
An app (iOS and Android) where you can chat with people 1:1 (voice or text), in group chats (I think, haven’t used this), and post social media-style messages on a public feed. It allows for corrections, so it’s useful for practicing day-to-day topics.
I recommend even writing 1-2 sentences a day if you can. Any practice is better than no practice, and you can learn a lot from corrections.
Similar to HelloTalk, but with only the DM and video/voice call features (no SNS-style public feed). The UI is nicer though, and they are subject to stricter privacy laws, unlike HelloTalk because HelloTalk is based in China.
Pronunciation
If you enjoy singing, I learned pronunciation by singing songs with romaji lyrics. My pronunciation is the one thing I regularly get complimented on, so I like to think it worked well.
Watching
Japanese-subtitled vlogs good for intermediate learners as Akane speaks clearly. She also provides translation subtitles for a variety of languages.
Language Reactor (formerly Language Learning with Netflix/YouTube)
A Chrome extension that lets you play videos with multiple subs so you can see them side by side. Also converts Japanese subs to hiragana if you want.
Crunchyroll finally lets you turn off subtitles, so you can watch raw anime. No Japanese subs, though.
Listening
Learn Japanese with Noriko (podcast)
Currently listening to this. She speaks clearly and at a moderate speed, so it’s great for more beginner-intermediate listening practice.
Japanese Pod 101 YouTube Channel**
Lots of great vocab videos and reading/listening comprehension practice.
Learn Japanese While Sleeping**
I don’t know how much I learn, but it helps me sleep, haha!
References and Misc. Resources
YouTube Channels
Learn Japanese with Ariel (Blog), YouTube Channel
Someone I found on HelloTalk who posts very useful, short blogs (and recently, videos!) on common Japanese phrases you may not learn in textbooks. Definitely check her stuff out!
TabiEats - They speak in English, but their videos include Japanese subs,. which can still provide some reading practice and teach you words from English to Japanese!