Learning Japanese is an incredible journey. It opens doors to a rich culture, new opportunities, and deeper connections with the world. But let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. There are countless books, apps, and videos out there, and choosing where to start is no easy task.
As someone who’s been teaching Japanese for over 20 years, I’ve seen many learners struggle to find their footing. That’s why I’m here to guide you. In this post, I’ll share my favorite tools and strategies to help you build a strong foundation and keep moving forward, no matter where you’re starting from.
1. Structured Learning: Build a Solid Foundation
Think of learning Japanese like building a house. You need a solid foundation before you can add the fun details. That’s where structured learning comes in.
My Recommendation: Marugoto textbook series.
Marugoto is based on the communicative language approach, focusing on real-life usage. It’s the textbook I use in my college classroom because it helps students gain confidence through practical conversation.
Why It Works:
- Structured lessons keep you organized and ensure step-by-step progress.
- Pairing Marugoto with my Patreon lessons provides both motivation and guidance, making it feel like a classroom experience—even from home.
Motivational Tip:
Each lesson in Marugoto’s Rikai workbook includes a “sakubun” (short writing activity) to practice the new grammar patterns you’ve learned. Don’t skip it! Completing these activities reinforces your progress. After finishing, copy your sakubun into your language portfolio as a record of your growth. Celebrate each piece you write—it’s a step toward fluency!
2. Reading Practice: Tadoku Readers and Beyond
Reading is one of the most rewarding ways to learn Japanese because it brings the language to life in context. The Tadoku method makes reading simple, effective, and enjoyable.
My Recommendation: Tadoku.org graded readers.
These short stories are perfect for learners at any level. They’re designed to be easy and enjoyable, helping you read without getting frustrated by unfamiliar vocabulary. Remember, these are not children’s books; they are written specifically for lower proficiency levels.
What Is Tadoku?
Tadoku, or “extensive reading,” focuses on reading for fluency and enjoyment. Instead of striving for perfect comprehension, you read easy books, rely on context, and skip over unfamiliar words. The goal is to “read a lot” and build stamina.
Why It Works:
- Improves reading fluency through repeated exposure to simple texts.
- Expands vocabulary naturally without rote memorization.
- Connects you to Japanese culture through relatable stories.
Motivational Tip:
To read well, you need to build stamina, and that takes time. Don’t worry if you can only manage a few minutes at first—every step forward is progress. Slowly, you’ll find yourself reading longer passages with ease. Track your completed books in your language portfolio as a tangible reminder of your achievements.
3. Immersion: Find Japanese in the Wild
“The best way to learn a language is to live it.” While hopping on a plane to Japan might not be an option this weekend, you can still immerse yourself at home.
My Recommendations:
- Watch beginner-friendly shows like Terrace House.
- Explore YouTube channels like JapanesePod101.
- Listen to Japanese music or podcasts. One of my favorites is Yuru Shodogaku Rajio (ゆる書道学ラジオ), which discusses Japanese brush calligraphy!
Why It Works:
Immersion tunes your ears to natural Japanese and provides a window into Japanese culture.
Motivational Tip:
Treat immersion like a treasure hunt. Find one phrase or word you recognize and practice saying it out loud. Add it to a word list along with where you heard it. For example: “大丈夫ですか？” (Are you okay?)—heard in a YouTube video.
4. Writing Practice: Keep a Language Journal
Writing is a powerful way to make what you’re learning stick. Even a few sentences a day can make a difference.
My Recommendation: A language journal (coming to my Patreon in 2025!).
Write down new words, sentence patterns, or thoughts in Japanese as part of your daily practice. For Marugoto users, the writing sections in each lesson are excellent starting points.
Why It Works:
Writing slows you down and helps you reflect on what you’ve learned, while also providing a record of your progress.
Motivational Tip:
Think of your journal as your personal storybook. Each entry is a chapter in your journey. For example: “Today, I practiced introductions: 私の名前はサラです” (My name is Sarah).
5. Portfolio Integration: Your Language Learning Compass
Your language portfolio isn’t just a record of what you’ve learned—it’s a reminder of how far you’ve come. Collect your work in a binder, a folder, or post on a blog.
How to Use It:
- Add new vocabulary, kanji, or sentence patterns in your dossier.
- Reflect on your progress by summarizing key takeaways each week.
Motivational Tip:
Set a goal to write something in your portfolio every week. Reviewing your entries will inspire you by showing how much you’ve grown.
There will be more blog posts in the near future about how to create a Language Portfolio that will benefit you in ways you haven’t thought of yet.
Your Next Step
Learning Japanese doesn’t have to be overwhelming or lonely. With the right tools and a positive mindset, you can make incredible progress from the comfort of your home.
🎁 Start Today with a Free Study Tracker!
Stay organized and motivated with my FREE Japanese Study Tracker—designed to help you plan, practice, and track your learning journey.
👉 Download Your Free Study Tracker Here!
🎓 Want More?
Join my Patreon Community for:
✅ Structured Lessons — Learn with expert-backed video lessons and study guides.
✅ Personalized Support — Get direct feedback and custom learning tips.
✅ Exclusive Resources — Access the full Japanese Language Starter Kit, including planners, trackers, and bonus study materials.
Together, we’ll turn your goals into reality!
Sneak Peek: What’s Coming Next on the Blog
- How to Incorporate Japanese Language Lessons into Homeschool Curriculum
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