(NEW) Resources for Learning Japanese

I am creating an updated list of the resources I am now using for Japanese and adding the budget for them. If anything, it is very important to learn Hiragana and Katakana first. Everything else will be a breeze after (mostly). Vocab is super duper important too, so learn as much as you can

WaniKani (Kanji) - $9/mo but free for the first 3 levels!!!

I still use this for Kanji as it's been super helpful! I also pair it up with the "Tsurukame" app so I don't have to go to the computer every time

https://www.wanikani.com/

Satori Reader (Reading and Shadowing) - Free (basic) and $9/mo for premium

Literally just reading passages with guided audio. Read and recognize patterns, save words or kanji you don't know, and use them for additional practice later. Highly recommend premium if you can afford it!

https://www.satorireader.com/

Todaii Japanese (Comprehension and Shadowing) - $30/3 mo

Has news articles and videos designed to help learners of every level comprehend Japanese. Also, don't forget to take advantage of the other lessons they provide

https://easyjapanese.net/

Renshuu (Grammar, Kanji, Vocab) - Free (basic) and $7/mo

A good "course" for learning Japanese. Don't pay for it unless you get past the beginners course. It is super good to pair it up with these other resources

https://www.renshuu.org/

Japanese the Manga Way (Grammar) - ~$25

Helps with casual speak in Japanese. Unlike textbook grammar (which you only use for strangers), this book can help you talk like a local. It is just as helpful as learning Textbook Japanese

https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Manga-Way-Illustrated-Structure/dp/1880656906

Manga (Reading) - ~$10 - $30

Be sure to get a beginner's or a kid's book. Like Polar Bear Cafe, it helps recognize patterns and reinforces vocab

JLPT Practice Book (Test) - ~$30-40

Helps prepare you for the language test. A bit stressful since it mostly teaches you how to take the test... relying on your Japanese knowledge is just part of it

Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese (Grammar) - Free

A good online textbook and resource guide. You can learn from this if you can't afford anything else but it does feel more old school. I've learned to memorize certain grammar rules better from this than any other resource

https://guidetojapanese.org/learn/

Anki (Vocab) - Free

A good online flashcard SRS system. Or you can just use physical flashcards

https://apps.ankiweb.net/

Jisho (Vocab and Kanji) - Free

A good online dictionary also includes verb tenses and conditions. Provides example sentences