When choosing a Japanese textbook or software program, there are several factors students should consider. Although it’s not the only factor, a good textbook can be an important part of the Japanese learning process. There are some things to look for when choosing one, but at the end of the day the best one is one you enjoy.

Japanese Textbook Types

There are several types of Japanese textbooks available that are marketed toward different types of learners. There are textbooks geared toward busy people that tend to cover a lot of topics quickly and in small bites. Even though at first glance, this type of textbook may seem a bit shallow, they can be great for people reviewing the grammar, for people interested in a casual and fun Japanese learning experience, and for people who supplement them with other materials such as vocabulary books or private tutoring. These and other conversation oriented texts can be a good way to study independently or review things you have already learned and forgotten.

Other textbooks are designed for classroom teaching. They are generally more expensive than other types and are meant to be done in a classroom with supplementary drills or instruction from a teacher. These classroom type Japanese textbooks are not well suited to independent study and often lack good drills or writing space. These are really best for use in a classroom with a qualified teacher. Overall just mind that certain textbooks are meant for different teaching settings.

Another type is designed specifically to help students pass Japanese language exams. The most common exam is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Drill books can be found to assist students with all levels and question types up to the extremely difficult Kanji and Reading Comprehension sections of Level 1. These texts are not very good for students hoping to learn conversational Japanese or use the language on a trip or with friends. They are generally geared specifically toward the types of questions and content found on the JLPT.

Romaji Textbooks Versus Japanese Character Textbooks

Some people recommend Japanese textbooks written in “romaji” often also incorrectly called “romanji”. Romaji is the use of the English or Latin alphabet to render Japanese. People who recommend romaji for learning Japanese are generally more concerned with mastering the language, especially for conversation, without too much concern for the written language. Learners who learn Japanese this way may also choose to return later with some knowledge of Japanese grammar and vocabulary to tackle the written characters.

More commonly however, students may choose to learn the written language along with the associated grammar and vocabulary. The advantage of this type of textbook is that the learner can get a taste of all aspects of the language at the same time and keep their skills consistent. It can also help people to develop a healthy love and appreciation for the unique writing system employed in Japanese which will help at intermediate and advanced levels when the number of Kanji one is expected to know increases.

Choosing a Japanese Textbook that’s Right for You

There are plenty of different types of Japanese textbooks available, and more than enough to fit the needs of a variety of learners. The bottom line is that the best book for you will be one that fits the time you have to study (Japanese for busy people versus a classroom textbook), the circumstances under which you will be studying (independently or with a teacher), and the level of proficiency you hope to read in either spoken or written Japanese or both.

The most important thing however is to be consistent, do your best, and have fun learning.

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