General13 min read
Learning Japanese: Best Resources & Methods for Foreigners
Best resources and methods for learning Japanese. Apps, textbooks, language schools, JLPT preparation, and tips for living in Japan with limited Japanese.
Published: 1/15/2026•Updated: 1/16/2026
Key Takeaways
- Start with Hiragana/Katakana (can learn in 1-2 weeks)
- Genki textbook is most popular for beginners
- JLPT N2 is often minimum for Japanese companies
- Consistency beats intensity - study daily even 15 minutes
- Immersion through media (anime, dramas) helps listening
Best Apps for Learning Japanese
Free Apps:
📱 Duolingo - Gamified basics
📱 LingoDeer - Better grammar explanations
📱 Anki - Flashcards (SRS system)
📱 Kanji Study - Kanji learning
📱 NHK World Easy Japanese - Official NHK course
Paid Apps:
📱 WaniKani - Kanji/vocabulary (~$9/month)
📱 Bunpro - Grammar SRS (~$5/month)
📱 JapanesePod101 - Audio lessons
Translation:
📱 Google Translate - Camera mode for signs
📱 DeepL - Better for long text
Textbooks & Online Courses
Popular Textbooks:
📚 Genki I & II - Most popular for beginners
📚 Minna no Nihongo - Japanese-only immersion
📚 Tobira - Intermediate level
📚 Quartet - Advanced
Free Online Resources:
🌐 Tae Kim's Guide - Free grammar guide
🌐 Imabi - Comprehensive grammar
🌐 WasabiJPN - Articles + lessons
🌐 Tofugu - Culture + language
Courses:
🎓 JFZ (Japanese From Zero) - YouTube + books
🎓 Japanese Ammo with Misa - YouTube
JLPT Levels Explained
Japanese Language Proficiency Test:
| Level | Ability | Study Time |
|-------|---------|------------|
| N5 | Basic | ~150 hours |
| N4 | Elementary | ~300 hours |
| N3 | Intermediate | ~450 hours |
| N2 | Business level | ~600 hours |
| N1 | Near-native | ~900+ hours |
When to Take:
• Tests held in July and December
• Register 3-4 months in advance
• Results in 2 months Why It Matters:
• N2+ often required for jobs
• N1 for translation/interpretation
• Immigration sometimes considers JLPT
• Tests held in July and December
• Register 3-4 months in advance
• Results in 2 months Why It Matters:
• N2+ often required for jobs
• N1 for translation/interpretation
• Immigration sometimes considers JLPT
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For basic conversation: 6-12 months. For business level (N2): 2-3 years of consistent study. For near-fluency (N1): 3-5+ years. Daily immersion in Japan speeds this up significantly.
Learn hiragana/katakana first (1-2 weeks), then start basic kanji gradually. Some prefer to focus on speaking first and add kanji later. Both approaches work.
Not always, but it's helpful. Many companies require N2+ for hiring. It's also useful for immigration points. However, speaking ability often matters more in daily life.
Last updated: January 16, 2026