Japanese is the 9th most spoken language in the world with over 128 million people speaking it as their first language in only two countries. Japanese is spoken by 128.3 million people globally.
If you are planning to learn Japanese, then there are a lot of things to keep in mind- becoming an expert in spoken language to improve your listening comprehension, and practicing both writing and reading. However, you need to know that learning a foreign language can be very challenging.
Here in this post, we have mentioned the benefits of learning Japanese and some of the best Japanese books which will help you learn it.
Let’s get started!
Benefits Of Learning Japanese
Among a large number of foreign languages, learning Japanese can be beneficial for students and professionals. Here are some of the benefits of learning this language.
1. Prepare For A Better Future
As the Asian economy increases, many work opportunities will be available. Most educational institutes do not teach French, Spanish, German, and Japanese unlike some other traditional languages. However, learning Japanese adds value to your professional career. There will be less competition and more opportunities in various fields such as business, humanities, technology, science, journalism, tourism, and more. Moreover, if you are planning to become a translator for the government or offer language learning services, there will be less competition when compared to the other languages.
2. Helps You Understand The Japanese Culture
The culture in Japan is very unique and is a combination of both traditional and modern practices. However, the social conduct is not the same as in the West. Their cultural traditions are taught to people young and old, and these traditions show the way they react, behave, and interact with others.
Their traditional culture is also seen in the way they write, hear, talk, and read. Although the younger generation showcases modern behavior, talk,s and dress differently, they still follow the footsteps of their elders. Once you start understanding Japanese culture, you will get to know more about their history, martial arts, entertainment, culture, and fashion.
3. You Will Learn To Appreciate Your Own Language
Once you start learning Japanese, you will learn to appreciate and value your own language and culture because it will improve your communication and cognitive skills. Once you start learning another language, you will understand how it is different from yours, which in turn helps you understand your language and culture better.
Apart from these benefits, you will also have access to advanced Japanese technology, exposure to more Asian cultures and languages, and much more.
10 Best Books To Learn Japanese
Now that you know the benefits of learning Japanese, here are some of the best books which will help you master the language easily.
1. Japanese from Zero!: Proven Techniques to Learn Japanese for Students and Professionals: 1
Author: George Trombley and Yukari Takenaka
Latest Edition: 12 August, 2020 (7th Edition)
Publisher: Learn From Zero
Japanese From Zero is the most innovative and the best books to learn Japanese by George Trombley and Yukari Takenaka. All the lessons and techniques given in this book are tried and tested and have been used in classrooms for over 15 years.
Since the book uses up-to-date and easy-to-understand grammar, it is the perfect book for Japanese students and for people who want to learn Japanese from scratch. In the first book, the author teaches new grammar concepts, 800 new Japanese words and expressions, and how to write the Hiragana writing system.
The features of Japanese from Zero Part 1 are:
- Integrated practical workbook with detailed answer key
- Includes 800 new words and expressions
- Learn to read and write Hiragana
- Easy to understand example dialogues
- Overview on Japanese culture
- Bilingual Glossaries with Kana and Romaji
You can buy this book here.
2. A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Author: Seiichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui
Latest Edition: 1 December 1991
Publisher: The Japan Times
A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar by Seiichi Makino and Mitio Tutui offers basic Japanese Grammar knowledge in the form of an easy-to-read dictionary. This book not only teaches basic grammar but it is also considered as a descriptive textbook.
The authors also explain the difference between similar grammatical representations and at the same time review the basic grammar. It is considered to be the best Japanese grammar book in the market. It covers all the grammar concepts that a conventional Japanese language book does not cover.
Although the book is a little pricey, it is always worth buying a book like this one. The author starts this book by explaining the basic structure of Japanese grammar, whether it is formal, informal, highly formal or in-between.
Moving ahead, it breaks down the usage of Kanji and the furigana that is used to pronounce each word in a sentence. This Japanese guide is recommended for upper beginner Japanese learners who have knowledge about Kana (Hiragana and Katakana).
You can buy this book here.
3. Speak Japanese in 90 Days: A Self Study Guide to Becoming Fluent
Author: Kevin Marx
Latest Edition: 6 November 2015
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Speak Japanese in 90 Days: A Self Study Guide to Becoming Fluent by Kevin Marx is the best Japanese book if you want to learn Japanese but do not know where to start. Each daily lesson will teach you the meaning of Japanese words but also how to study the language.
This book is a comprehensive self-study guide that teaches you everything you need to know about the JLPT N5 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and the grammar syllabus for the JLPT N4. It is also recommended for intermediate Japanese learners who want to brush up their Japanese grammar skills.
The contents in the book include:
- Tips and Tricks on how to study and what to study to learn the language quickly.
- An easy and quick guide for all English speakers who want to learn this language.
- Every sentence mentioned in this book is written with English pronunciation, Japanese Kana, and Kanji
- All the essential grammar syllabus are required for the JLPT N5 and JLPT N4 tests.
- 1000+ most commonly used Japanese words and phrases.
- Detailed theory on how to use the vocabulary correctly.
You can buy this book here.
4. A Guide to Japanese Grammar: A Japanese Approach to Learning Japanese Grammar
Author: Tae Kim
Latest Edition: 23 January 2014
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
A Guide to Japanese Grammar by Tae Kim is one of the best books to learn Japanese. It is the most recommended book for everyone who wants to become fluent in this language. It helps people learn Japanese in the easiest way possible.
If you feel frustrated because you cannot understand movies and books even after taking Japanese classes, then this book is for you. It will help you out in becoming an expert in this language.
This book will assist you to understand all the basics of Japanese and will break down all the grammatical concepts which allows you to understand everything from simple to complex sentences. Additionally, you will also learn Japanese which is spoken by actual people in Japan including casual speech and slang.
You can buy this book here.
5. Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1: (JLPT Level N5 & AP Exam) The Quick and Easy Way to Learn the Basic Japanese Kanji
Author: Eriko Sato Ph.D.
Latest Edition: 27 October 2015 (2nd Edition)
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book is a Japanese book designed for both beginner students and expert speakers who want to practice writing in Japanese. Kanji is an important part of the Japanese language and together with Kana.
This book includes the most commonly used Kanji characters. All these characters and vocabulary are for those students who are preparing for Level 5 of the JLPT. Reading, meanings, and common compounds are also mentioned here.
Moreover, the Japanese book includes the best method of writing each character. One of the most unique features of the guide is that it has practice boxes with strokes that can be traced and also includes empty boxes for freehand writing practice.
The author has included many exercises that help the students to practice writing sentences that contain Kanji.
you can buy this book here.
6. Japanese Short Stories for Beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Japanese & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way!
Author: Lingo Mastery
Latest Edition: 7 August 2020
Publisher: Lingo Mastery
This book consists of 20 easy to read compelling and fun stories that allow you to expand your vocabulary. It also offers tools that help to improve your Japanese language.
Each chapter given here is funny, interesting, thought-provoking, and is based on real-life situations. The stories in the book also help to understand Japanese culture better.
One of the most unique features is that it offers English translation for each paragraph you are reading. This will help you understand what you are actually reading.
Moreover, after the summary, there is a synopsis in Japanese and in English. This helps you to review the lesson and at the same time analyze if you understood the story better. So you can refer to the synopsis if you are facing any trouble.
The book also includes vocabulary and Japanese slang at the end of every chapter. Last but not the least it also includes some tricky questions in Japanese which allows you to analyse your understanding about the story.
This book is highly recommended for beginners and for everyone who wants to read Japanese books. Since the guide is divided into five parts, it is easy to understand and comprehend.
You can buy this book here.
7. Learning Japanese Hiragana and Katakana: Workbook and Practice Sheets
Author: Kenneth G. Henshall and Tetsuo Takagaki
Latest Edition: 15 November 2006 (2nd Edition)
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Learning Hiragana and Katakana is the most comprehensive workbook that you can use with any Japanese language textbook. However, you can also use it as a standalone resource to learn Japanese alphabets.
This book is designed for beginners who want to use the basic 92 characters to read, write, and communicate. The updated version of the book includes a variety of practice papers reviews and self testing papers. Moreover, it also consists of a comprehensive section that explains the origin and functions of Kana and the various Kana combinations.
Learning Japanese Hiragana and Katakana covers all the basics of hiragana and katakana. Moreover it also explains the stroke order and practice grids that help to practice alphabets easily. It can be used perfectly with Tuttle Publishing’s Japanese Hiragana and Katakana for beginners or any other Japanese textbook available in the market.
You can buy this book here.
8. Kodansha’s Furigana Japanese-English Dictionary (Kodansha Dictionaries)
Author: Masatoshi Yoshida and Yoshikatsu Nakamura
Latest Edition: 1 June 2012 (2nd Edition)
Publisher: Kodansha International
One of the most important and surprising features of Kodansha’s Furigana Japanese-English Dictionary is that none of the words mentioned here have been romanized.
This comprehensive book includes 16,000 basic vocabulary words that comprise a generous and balanced section of native Japanese words, kanji compounds, and foreign loanwords. This dictionary is very precise and offers informative definitions that are written specifically for English readers. In addition, it also offers expert guidance on points of grammar, meaning, style, pronunciation, orthography, and punctuation.
Moreover, there are over 50,000 sample sentences that help to understand context-based words. Following this Japanese book will also help you expand your word power and your vocabulary skills. Last but not the least, it brings into light some conjugating verbs, adjectives, counting, and articulating foreign place names in Japanese.
You can buy this book here.
9. A Dictionary of Japanese Particle
Every English-speaking Japanese student finds it difficult to understand particles. So every student needs a lifetime companion that will help them understand the concepts. One of the best books to understand particles is the Dictionary Of Japanese Particles.
This book covers over 100 particles in alphabetical order and also explains the meaning of each and every sample sentence. The author also mentions detailed illustrations wherever necessary.
Moreover, exercises are also available at the end of the book for those who want to analyze their skills and knowledge in usage of particles. It is the most important reference book everyone should have who is willing to master Japanese.
You can buy this book here.
10. Japanese from Zero!: Proven Techniques to Learn Japanese for Students and Professionals: 2
Japanese From Zero Part 2 continues from where the first book left off. It is innovative and one of the best books to learn Japanese. All the lessons and techniques given in this book are tried and tested because these techniques have been used in classrooms for over 15 years.
Since this book uses up-to-date and easy-to-understand grammar, it is the perfect book for Japanese students and for people who want to learn Japanese from scratch.
The second edition of the book includes new grammar concepts, over 800 new words and expressions. The authors have also explained the Katakana writing system in detail. Japanese from Zero part 2 is the best Japanese book for self-learners.
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
If you are one who loves learning new languages, then you can try learning Japanese. It is the ninth most spoken language in the world. Moreover, this language can also be advantageous for students and professionals.
If you are planning to learn Japanese, one of the best resources to rely on is books. Here in this post, we explained the benefits of learning Japanese and the 10 best books to learn Japanese in detail.
We hope that information helps you in the best way possible.
Happy reading!