How I'm studying Japanese in 2024
Resources I'm using to learn Japanese
Last year (also known as 2023), when I decided to take seriously my journey to learn Japanese, I blogged about the resources I was using at that time, you can check that post here.
It's been 1 year already, and after watching Dogen's funny video yesterday, it reminded me to post an updated version of my learning resources, so here we go.
It goes without saying that these are the resources and tools that work for me, I'm not comparing them with others, and of course, your mileage may vary. 😄
Oh, and by the way, this is a non-exhaustive and unordered list, I'm just typing the resources as I remember them.
Ok, so now, before ado is any way furthered, here we go!
Journaling
I've been journaling to improve my English since 2015 or so, and since October this year I started journaling in Japanese.
This is helping me to put in practice things I learn during my classes at NihongoDekita (see more below), and also as a way to construct vocabulary.
For that, I'm using Day One, but since Apple released their own Journal App, I've been journaling on them both, just in case I decide to switch to Apple's Journal in a near future.
NihongoDekita
I joined NihongoDekita classes back in January, when I took their 102 course, and then right after that their 103 course. Now after a break I'm back, re-taking 103 because it's a heck of fun, and also I missed their 104 course, which I'm planning to take earlier next year.
Anyways, I love the way their courses are structured, and how everyone is so kind to each other, their motto by the way is 人に優しく(Be Kind). I'm forever grateful for everything I've learned with everyone at NihongoDekita so far, 本当にありがたい！
I also truly enjoy how their curriculums are regularly updated, and how their focus is shifting a bit more towards conversational learning.
When I re-joined 103 last month, I was quite impressed that now they have 2 new tutors, so in class now we have a total of 5 Japanese native speakers to help us out!
It doesn't matter what you use to learn a new language, but having real teachers to help you on your journey is priceless. I highly recommend NihongoDekita! This is not sponsored by the way!
WaniKani
I'm still using WaniKani like last year, but I reseted my progress a few times, to get a fresh start.
When it comes to learn Kanji, WaniKani seems to be the unanimous choice all over The Internet.
Their free tier covers quite a few of Kanji, and they have lifetime plans (which goes on sale every end of Year, I guess) is not super expensive.
They don't have an official mobile app, but there's one non-official one that are recognized by them, it's called Tsurukame and it's also Open Source, pretty neat!
Andrew Eliot, Self-learner Boston, MA USA
Bunpro
For grammar, I'm using Bunpro, and so far it has been an enjoyable experience! I like the fact that you can connect your WaniKani account to Bunpro, and import your Kanji progress into Bunpro, elevating your SRS (Spaced Repetition System) learning experience even more.
Similar to WaniKani, they have a free tier that gets you covered with a lot of grammar and SRS reviews, and their premium account offers vocabulary and other cool features that you can check out here. They also have lifetime plans!
Their iOS app is currently on Alpha testing, for more info check this page.
Japanese
The best Japanese dictionary app I've ever used, is free and works offline, and it's simply called Japanese. Not more, not less. You can download it here.
I love the fact that it shows you examples of any given verb/vocab/etc, and it also shows you the source it's being used to fetch given data.
A Google user
Satori Reader
Satori Reader is one of this apps that once you start using you can't stop anymore, so be advised, it's kinda addictive to read Satori Reader's stories.
App Store Review
Manabi Reader
Imagine if there was a way to get any Japanese website URL and throw it in an app that would help you to read, by providing in line explanation and reading of Kanji, verb conjugations and many more. Well, that's Manabi Reader.
Pair that with their other app, Manabi, to sync flashcards of words you want to learn, and you have an useful way to learn new vocabulary.
Jisho
Jisho is my favorite Japanese dictionary on The Web, it's direct to the point, no ads, no BS.
Tofugo
It's 2024, and I keep exploring Tofugo's website and I can't reach its end, there's like A TON of resources and useful information there. Going through their guide to learn Japanese is a nice way to "lose" a bunch of hours of your day, in a good way, of course!
Tofugu
NHK Easy News
As the title implies, easy news for you to read and practice your 日本語, it's really nice that they also offer you an option to listen to the news while you are reading it!
Podcasts
If you are into Podcasts, there's this spreadsheet I found on Reddit with a few good options, categorized by level.
Miku Real Japanese
Speaking of Podcasts, it's worth mentioning that Miku also has an YouTube channel, with a lot of well produced content.
I really like Miku Sensei's Sanpodcast series.
It was through Miku's channel that I discovered NihongoDekita. 😄
Genki Volume 1 - Third Edition
The classic companion I know, but still totally worth it! I still need to finish it to get the Volume 2.
Language Reactor
If you enjoy watching Japanese shows on Netflix, take a look at Language Reactor. It will enhance your learning experience quite a lot.
Outro
I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting a few resources, so I might update this list later on, but until then, that's all for now!
じゃあね！