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Exciting Resources to Make Japanese Learning a Blast!

Discover engaging tools and media to turbocharge your Japanese language journey. From interactive apps to immersive content, make learning Japanese both effective and enjoyable!

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An ukiyoe style image of a woman sitting by a wooden desk practicing Japanese calligraphy with Fuji as the backdrop

Mastering Japanese requires consistent effort and the right resources. By incorporating gamification and entertainment into your study routine, you can make the learning process more effective and enjoyable. Here is a curated list of recommended resources to spice up your Japanese language adventure!

Interactive Language Learning Apps

  • Duolingo: A gamified language learning app that makes studying Japanese feel like playing a game.
  • Anki: A powerful spaced repetition flashcard system, perfect for memorizing kanji and vocabulary.
  • WaniKani: An engaging platform focused on teaching kanji and vocabulary through mnemonics and spaced repetition. This is a personal favorite!
  • Tandem: A language exchange app that connects you with native Japanese speakers for conversation practice.
  • HelloTalk: Another language exchange app that allows you to chat with native speakers and get instant feedback on your messages.
  • Grake: A fun game that combines snake with Japanese grammar lessons for an interactive learning experience.

Immersive Learning Tools

Llanai is a tool I built to help you improve your speaking skills anytime, anywhere via an intelligent AI language learning partner

For a comprehensive Japanese dictionary and learning tool, I highly recommend Jisho. It is an invaluable resource for looking up words, kanji, and example sentences.

Enhance your listening skills with JapanesePod101. It offers a wide range of audio lessons for all levels, complete with cultural insights and practical vocabulary.

Engaging Audiovisual Content

Anime Series

  • Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人): A gripping story with a mix of everyday language and more complex terms, suitable for intermediate to advanced learners.
  • Dragon Pilots: An animated show about pilots using dragons as their vessels.
  • Dragon Ball Z: Frieza Saga: A classic anime series with a mix of casual and formal language. This playlist is a condensed version of the Frieza Saga.

Movies

    A poster of Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し)
  1. Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) - A masterpiece by Studio Ghibli, offering a rich vocabulary and cultural insights. During the transfer of her family to the suburbs, a 10-year-old girl wanders through a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, and where humans become beasts.
  2. Tampopo (タンポポ) - A classic comedy that delves into Japanese food culture with plenty of useful vocabulary.

Bonus: Cultural Immersion

To truly understand the language, immerse yourself in Japanese culture:

  • Follow Japanese YouTubers like Yuta for insights into modern Japanese culture and language use.
  • Listen to J-pop or Japanese podcasts to train your ear and pick up current slang and expressions.