Language Learning

About the JLPT

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the standard proficiency test for non-native speakers of Japanese. It has five levels, from N5 (easiest, basic understanding) to N1 (hardest, near-fluent comprehension). Many employers and universities in Japan use JLPT scores as a benchmark, so it is worth working toward at least N3 or N2 if you plan to live and work there.

Study Resources

• Tofugu - The best English-language blog for Japanese learners. Massive library of grammar, kanji, and culture articles.
• Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar - Free, beginner-to-advanced grammar guide that thousands of self-learners swear by.
• Jisho - The best free online Japanese dictionary. Search by English, romaji, kanji, or radical.
• NHK Easy News - Real Japanese news rewritten in simple language with furigana, great for daily reading practice.
• JapanesePod101 - Massive audio lesson library across all levels. Free signup, paid for full access.
• Yomitan - Browser extension that pops up dictionary definitions when you hover Japanese text. Essential for reading practice.
• italki - Book affordable 1-on-1 lessons with Japanese tutors worldwide.
• HelloTalk - Language exchange app to chat with native Japanese speakers learning English.
• Charles Kelly's Online Japanese Study Materials - Free quizzes, exercises, and practice tools for learners at various levels.
• About.com: Japanese Language - Japanese language learning articles covering grammar, vocabulary, and culture. Content may have moved to ThoughtCo.
• Yookoso - Portal of curated Japanese language study links and resources.
• Keiko Schneider's Bookmarks - Carefully curated collection of links for teachers and students of Japanese.
• AJALT - Association for Japanese-Language Teaching in Tokyo. Offers courses and publishes widely-used textbooks.

Pronunciation & Writing

• Kotu.io Pitch Accent Trainer - Online tool for practicing Japanese pitch accent through minimal pair listening exercises. Pitch accent is one of the trickiest parts of sounding natural.
• All About Radicals - Guide to mastering kanji radicals, the building blocks that help you recognize and remember characters.

JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

• JLPT Japan - Official JLPT testing information and registration for test-takers in Japan.
• JLPT United States - JLPT registration and test site information for candidates in the U.S.
• AIEJ - Association of International Education Japan, JLPT Testing Division. Handles test administration and scoring.

Cultural Learning

• At Home in Japan: What No One Tells You - Cultural tutorial presented through a homestay lens. Covers everyday situations and social norms that textbooks often skip.

YouTube Channels

• Japanese Ammo with Misa - In-depth grammar lessons from beginner to advanced, taught by a native speaker.
• Game Gengo - Learn Japanese through video games. Great for anime/manga fans.
• Dogen - The go-to teacher for Japanese pronunciation and pitch accent.
• Comprehensible Japanese - Slow narration with visuals, perfect for absolute beginners.
• Onomappu - Native Japanese videos with bilingual subtitles for intermediate learners.