Useful Things That Helped Me
Learn Japanese
- and which I absolutely LOVE ❤️🥰
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Opisy lub/oraz zdjęcia produktów przedstawionych na tej stronie mogą zawierać linki afiliacyjne. Jeżeli dokonasz zakupu za ich pośrednictwem, istnieje możliwość, że otrzymam z tego tytułu małą prowizję bez dodatkowych kosztów dla ciebie.
I. Books
II. JLPT Preparation
III. Dictionaries
IV. Manga
V. Animation
VI. Calligraphy
VII. Apps
VIII. Free Downloads
I. Książki
II. Przygotowanie do egzaminów JLPT
III. Słowniki
IV. Manga
V. Anime
VI. Kaligrafia
Książki
本
Books
Podręczniki
教科書
Textbooks
Minna no Nihongo: Beginner, Part 1 (2nd ed.)
みんなの日本語初級 I
3A Network, 2012
Minna no Nihongo: Beginner, Part 2 (2nd ed.)
みんなの日本語初級 II
3A Network, 2012
An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese - Revised Edition
by Akira Miura and Naomi McGloin. With 2 Audio CDs. (Accompanying exercise workbook also available.)
The Japan Times, 2008
An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese - Revised Edition - Workbook
by Akira Miura and Naomi McGloin. With 2 Audio CDs. (Accompanying exercise workbook also available.)
The Japan Times, 2008
Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced
中級から上級への日本語
by Osamu Kamada et al
The Japan Times, 1998
Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition]
新・中級から上級への日本語
by Osamu Kamada et al
The Japan Times, 2012
Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced Workbook
by Yokiko Okuno
The Japan Times, 2013
Kanji in Context Workbook vol 1: Bk. 1 (Kanji in Context Workbook 1)
Nishiguchi et al
The Japan Times, 1994
Kanji in Context Workbook vol 2: Bk. 2 (Kanji in Context Workbook 2)
Nishiguchi et al
The Japan Times, 1994
A Guide to Japanese Grammar: A Japanese approach to learning Japanese grammar
by Mr Tae Kim.
Bilingual English - Japanese.
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014
日本語文型辞典
A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns for Teachers and Learners
Edited by Group Jammassy
Kurosio Publishers, 2015
エリンが挑戦！
にほんごできます
Erin’s Challenge!
I can speak Japanese
Online project by Japan Foundation, offering high quality Japanese study materials for free.
Best if used for structured study with a teacher.
Beginner to lower intermediate level.
Starodawny japoński
古語
Classical Japanese
Classical Japanese: A Grammar
by Haruo Shirane. Bilingual Japanese and English edition.
Columbia University Press, 2005
Classical Japanese Reader and Essential Dictionary
by Haruo Shirane. Bilingual Japanese and English edition.
Columbia University Press, 2007
Classical Japanese: A Grammar: Exercise Answers and Tables
by Haruo Shirane. Bilingual Japanese and English edition.
Columbia University Press, 2011
The Tale of Genji
源氏物語
by Murasaki Shikibu 紫式部 and translated by Royall Tyler. Unabridged, with illustrations. In English.
Penguin Classics, 2003
The Diary of Lady Murasaki
紫式部日記
by Murasaki Shikibu 紫式部. Translated and Edited by Richard Bowring. In English
Penguin Classics, 1996
The Pillow Book
枕草子
by Sei Shōnagon 清少納言. Translated by Meredith McKinney. In English.
Penguin Classics, 2006
The Tale of the Heike
平家物語
Translated by Royall Tyler and Michael Watson. In English.
Penguin Classics, 2014
Seeds in the Heart: Japanese Literature from Earliest Times to the Late Sixteenth Century
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 2000
Sources of Japanese Tradition: From Earliest Times to 1600, 2nd ed.
by Wm. Theodore De Bary, Carol Gluck and Arthur Tiedemann
Columbia University Press, 2002
Classical Japanese Prose: An Anthology
compiled and edited by Helen Craig McCullough. In English.
Stanford University Press, 1991
Kojiki: Records of Ancient Matters
古事記
Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain. In English.
Tuttle Publishing, 2005
Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest of Times to A.D. 697
日本書紀（日本紀）
Translated by W.G. Aston. In English.
Tuttle Publishing, 2011
Taiheiki: A Chronicle of Medieval Japan: A Chronicle of Medieval Japan
太平記
Translated by Helen Craig McCullough. In English.
Tuttle Publishing, 2005
Something Wicked from Japan: Ghosts, Demons & Yokai in Ukiyo-e Masterpieces
by Nakau Ei. Bilingual English - Japanese
Pie Books, 2016
Wybór z literatury japońskiej
推した作品
Selected Japanese Literature
Japanese Tales of Mystery and Imagination
by Edogawa Rampo 江戸川乱歩 Translated by , with foreword by Patricia Welch. In English.
Tuttle Shokai Inc, 2012
Kwaidan 怪談: Stories and Studies of Strange Things
by Lafcadio Hearn
(Koizumi Yakumo 小泉八雲)
Tuttle Publishing, 2005
Rashōmon 羅生門、and Seventeen Other Stories
by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke
龍之介芥川 Translated by Jay Rubin.
In English.
Penguin Classics, 2006
The Makioka Sisters
細雪
by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki 谷崎潤一郎
Translated by Edward G. Seidensticker
Vintage Classics, 2019
The Housekeeper and the Professor
博士の愛した数式
by Yōko Ogawa 小川洋子
Translated by Stephen Snyder
Vintage Classics, 2019
Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche
アンダーグラウンド
by Haruki Murakami 村上春樹
In English.
Vintage, 2003
Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology
Compiled and edited by
Donald Keene. In English
Avalon Travel Publishing, 1994
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
走ることについて語るときに僕の語ること
by Haruki Murakami 村上春樹.
In English.
Harvill Secker, 2008
The Book of Tokyo: A City in Short Fiction
Collection of contemporary short fiction, collected and edited by MIchael Emmerich, Jim Hinks and Masashi Matsuie. Includes works by Hideo Furukawa, Toshiyuki Horie, Nao-Cola Yamazaki, Hiromi Kawakami, Banana Yoshimoto, among others.
In English
Comma Press, 2015
The Sound of the Mountain
山の音
by Kawabata Yasunari 川端康成 Translated by Edward G. Seidensticker
In English.
Penguin Classics, 2011
The Sailor who Fell from Grace with the Sea
午後の曳航
by Yukio Mishima 三島由紀夫. Translated by John Nathan.
In English.
Vintage Publishing, 1999
Essays in Idleness
徒然草、
and Hōjōki 方丈記
by Kenkō 兼好 and Kamo no Chōmei 鴨長明
In English.
Penguin Classics, 2013
Lonely Castle in the Mirror
かがみの孤城
by Mizuki Tsujimura 辻村深月
Translated by Philip Gabriel. In English.
Doubleday, 2021
Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Collected by and with introduction of Yoel Hoffman.
Tuttle Publishing, 2018
On Love and Barley: Haiku of Bashō
Collection of haiku 俳句 of Matsuo Bashō 松尾芭蕉, gathered and translated by Lucien Stryk
Penguin Classics, 1985
Z Japonią w tle
日本と関係ある本
Books about Japan
The Book of Yōkai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore
by Michael Dylan Foster and Shinonome Kijin. In English.
California University Press, 2014
Haunted Japan: Exploring the World of Japanese Yokai, Ghosts and the Paranormal
by Catrien Ross. In English
Tuttle Publishing, 2020
A Picture Book of Yōkai
Beautiful edition of highly acclaimed artwork by Shigeru Mizuki 水木しげる - the father of modern depictions of yōkai 妖怪
Kodansha, 2018
Japanese Folktales: Classic Stories from Japan's Enchanted Past
by Yei Theodora Ozaki
Tuttle Publishing, 2018
Sources of Japanese Tradition: 1600 to 2000, 2nd ed.
by Wm. Theodore De Bary, Carol Gluck and Arthur Tiedemann. In English
Columbia University Press, 2005
World Within Walls: Japanese Literature of the Pre-Modern Era, 1600–1867
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 1999
Dawn to the West: A History of Japanese Literature: Japanese Literature of the the Modern Era: Fiction
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 1999
Dawn to the West: A History of Japanese Literature: Japanese Literature of the the Modern Era: Poetry, Drama, Criticism
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 1999
Travelers of a Hundred Ages: The Japanese as Revealed Through 1,000 Years of Diaries
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 1999
East Asia: A Cultural, Social, and Political History
by Patricia Ebrey, Anne Walthall. In English.
Wadsworth Publishing, 2013
Japan Story: In Search of a Nation, 1850 to the Present
by Christopher Harding. In English.
Penguin, 2019
Emperor of Japan: Meiji and His World, 1852-1912
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 2005
History of Japanese Art, 2nd Edition
by Penelope Mason. In English.
Prentice Hall and Harry N. Abrams, Inc, 2004
Sex and the Floating World: Erotic Images in Japan 1700-1820
by Timon Screech. In English.
Reaktion Books, 2009
Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo
by Timon Screech. In English.
Reaktion Books, 2020
Hiroshige: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
(Bibliotheca Universalis)
by Melanie Tredle, Lorenz Bichler and Richard Miller. In English.
Taschen, 2015
Finding the Heart Sutra: Guided by a Magician, an Art Collector and Buddhist Sages from Tibet to Japan
by Alex Kerr. In English.
Allen Lane, 2020
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. In English.
Hutchinson, 2017
Now and Zen: Notes from a Buddhist Monastery: with Illustrations
by Eiyū Murakoshi. In English.
Penguin, 2020
The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II
by Iris Chang. With foreword by William C. Kirby
Basic Books, 1998
Japan: The Intellectual Foundations of Modern Japanese Politics
by Tetsuo Najita.
University of Chicago Press, 1980
Stranger in the Shogun's City: A Woman’s Life in Nineteenth-Century Japan
by Amy Stanley. In English.
Chatto and Windus, 2020
Chronicles of My Life: An American in the Heart of Japan
by Donald Keene. In English.
Columbia University Press, 2009
Japan and the Culture of the Four Seasons: Nature, Literature, and the Arts
by Haruo Shirane. In English.
Columbia University Press, 2013
Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook
by Naomi Pollock, Masaaki Kanai.
In English.
Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2020
Manga: The Pre-History of Japanese Comics
PIE Books, 2013
Manga マンガ
by Nicole Rousmaniere and Matsuba Ryoko.
Book accompanying the British Museum Manga exhibition. In English.
Thames and Hudson, 2019
Jak zacząć czytać po japońsku
日本語読解初級
Beginner Japanese Reader
Japanese Stories for Language Learners: Bilingual Stories in Japanese and English
by Anne McNulty and Eriko Sato. Illustrated by Rose Goldberg.
Tuttle Publishing, 2018
Breaking Into Japanese Literature: Seven Modern Classics in Parallel Text
by Giles Murray. Bilingual Japanese-English.
Kodansha, 2018
Read Real Japanese Essays: Contemporary Writings by Popular Authors
by Janet Ashby. Featuring works of Haruki Murakami, Junko Sakai, Banana Yoshimoto, and others. Bilingual Japanese-English.
Kodansha International, 2008
Read Real Japanese Fiction: Short Stories by Contemporary Writers
by Michael Emmerich. Featuring works of Banana Yoshimoto, Kaoru Kitamura, Hiromi Kawakami, and others. Bilingual Japanese-English.
Kodansha International, 2008
Short Stories in Japanese: New Penguin Parallel Text
by Michael Emmerich. Bilingual Japanese - English
Penguin, 2011
Exploring Japanese Literature: Reading Mishima, Tanizaki And Kawabata In The Original
by Giles Murray
Kodansha America Inc, 2007
Satori Reader App
(read more in Apps below!)
日本語上級読解―30の素材から見えてくる日本人の「いま」
Evokes feelings of a textbook without the school methodology to it. Minimally-processed Japanese texts give out the vibe of newspaper articles rather than generic textbook and JLPT reading content.
アルク(ALC), 2009
Po japońsku
日本語で
In Japanese
ハリー・ポッターシリーズ全巻セット
by J.K. Rowling. Translated by Yuko Matsuoka 松岡佑子訳
The entire Harry Potter collection. Because you already know the story - why not learn some Japanese through it? 😉
Egzaminy JLPT
日本語能力試験
JLPT Preparation
N5/N4
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N5
日本語総まとめ N5
「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Eight-week study guide.
Includes kanji, readings, grammar, essential vocabulary and listening, all in one book.
ASK, 2017
1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5
はじめての日本語能力試験N５単語１０００
Vocabulary found commonly on the JLPT and used in daily life in Japan, divided in thematic sections.
by Collectif, 2017
Shin Nihongo 500 Mon N4/N5
新にほんご５００問N４・N５
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Exam preparation through drills replicating the look and feel of the real exam questions.
ASK, 2015
JLPT N5 Kōshiki Mondaishu
日本語能力試験N2
公式問題集
Sample Exam Paper + Listening practice.
Japan Foundation/Bonjinsha, 2012
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N4: Grammar Reading Listening
日本語総まとめ N4 文法・読解・聴解
「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Four-week study guide.
Covers areas of grammar, reading and listening.
ASK, 2017
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N4: Kanji Vocabulary
日本語総まとめ N4 漢字・語彙
「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Four-week study guide.
Covers areas of grammar, reading and listening.
ASK, 2017
1500 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N4
はじめての日本語能力試験N４単語１５００
Vocabulary found commonly on the JLPT and used in daily life in Japan, divided by topics.
by Collectif, 2017
JLPT N4 Kōshiki Mondaishu
日本語能力試験N4
公式問題集
Sample Exam Paper + Listening practice.
Japan Foundation/Bonjinsha, 2012
bunpo app
(Read more in the app section below)
N3
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N3: Grammar
日本語総まとめ N3 文法「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Eight-week study guide of JLPT N3 grammar points.
ASK, 2017
2000 JAPANESE VOCABULARY WORDS FOR THE JLPT N3
はじめての日本語能力試験N３単語２０００
by Collectif
Vocabulary and
ASK, 2016
Shin Nihongo 500 Mon N4/N5
新にほんご５００問N４・N５
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Exam preparation through drills replicating the look and feel of the real exam questions.
ASK, 2015
Kanji Essentials Practice Workbook: JLPT N3
by Simon Kissinger
Independently published, 2021
Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N3: Reading Comprehension
新完全マスター読解
日本語能力試験N３
by Hitomi Tashiro
3A Network, 2012
Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N3: Listening
新完全マスター聴解
日本語能力試験N3
by Kaori Nakamura, Sachi Fukushima, Etsuko Tomomatsu
3A Network, 2012
New Kanzen Master N3 5 Books Set: Kanji, Grammar, Vocabulary, Listen & Reading Comprehension
新完全マスター漢字・文法・語彙・聴解・読解
日本語能力試験N3
by Kaori Nakamura, Sachi Fukushima, Etsuko Tomomatsu
3A Network, 2012
JLPT N3 Kōshiki Mondaishu 公式問題集
Sample Exam Paper + Listening practice.
Japan Foundation/Bonjinsha, 2012
bunpo app
(Read more in the app section below)
N2
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N2: Grammar
日本語総まとめ N2 文法「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Eight-week study guide of JLPT N2 grammar points.
ASK, 2017
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N2: Kanji
日本語総まとめ N2 漢字「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Eight-week study guide of JLPT N2 kanji, with exercises.
ASK, 2017
2500 JAPANESE VOCABULARY WORDS FOR THE JLPT LEVEL 2
はじめての日本語能力試験N２単語２５００
by Collectif
Vocabulary and
ASK, 2016
JLPT N2 Kōshiki Mondaishu
日本語能力試験N2
公式問題集
Sample Exam Paper + Listening practice.
Japan Foundation/Bonjinsha, 2012
New Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N2: Reading Comprehension
新完全マスター読解
日本語能力試験N２
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishi Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
New Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N2: Listening
新完全マスター聴解
日本語能力試験N２
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishi Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
New Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N2: Vocabulary
新完全マスター語彙
日本語能力試験N２
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishii Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
New Kanzen Master N2 5 Books Set: Kanji, Grammar, Vocabulary, Listen & Reading Comprehension
新完全マスター漢字・文法・語彙・聴解・読解
日本語能力試験N２
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishi Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
U-CANの日本語能力試験N2これだけ! 一問一答集[文字・語彙] (ユーキャン資格試験シリーズ)
2011
CD付 U-CANの日本語能力試験 徹底攻略! N1・N2聴解 練習ブック (ユーキャン資格試験シリーズ)
2011
Tanki Gokaku JLPT N1 / N2 GOI Vocabulary
短期合格：N１・N２語彙
by Yuko Oyane
3A Network, 2012
(Read more in the app section below)
N1
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N1: Grammar
日本語総まとめ N1 聴解「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Listening exercises and drills for JLPT N1.
ASK, 2011
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N1: Kanji
日本語総まとめ N1 漢字「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Eight-week study guide of JLPT N1 kanji, with exercises.
ASK, 2017
Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N1: Vocabulary
新完全マスター語彙
日本語能力試験N1
by Hiroaki Inoue; Yukari Honda; Satomi Kurusu; Kanako Maebo; Kimie Abo; Koiji Miyata
3A Network, 2011
JLPT N1 Kōshiki Mondaishu
日本語能力試験N1
公式問題集
Sample Exam Paper + Listening practice.
Japan Foundation/Bonjinsha, 2012
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N1: Listening
日本語総まとめ N1 聴解「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Listening exercises and drills for JLPT N1.
ASK, 2011
Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N1: Reading
新完全マスター読解
日本語能力試験N1
by Rieko Fukuoka
3A Network, 2011
New Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N2: Listening
新完全マスター聴解
日本語能力試験N２
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishi Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
New Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N1: Grammar
新完全マスター文法
日本語能力試験N１
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishi Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
New Kanzen Master N1 5 Books Set: Kanji, Grammar, Vocabulary, Listen & Reading Comprehension
新完全マスター漢字・文法・語彙・聴解・読解
日本語能力試験N１
by Nakamura Kaori, Ishi Reiko, Honda Yukari
3A Network, 2016
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N1: Vocabulary
日本語総まとめ N１語彙「日本語能力試験」対策
by Noriko Matsumoto and Hitoko Sasaki
Vocabulary exercises and drills for JLPT N1.
ASK, 2011
Kanzen Master Japanese Language Proficiency Test JLPT N1: Kanji
完全マスター漢字
日本語能力試験N１
by Hiroaki Inoue; Yukari Honda; Satomi Kurusu; Kanako Maebo; Kimie Abo; Koiji Miyata
3A Network, 2010
New Kanzen Master JLPT N1 Tango 2200 Word Book
新完全マスター単語
日本語能力試験N１
重要２２００語
by Reiko Ishii
3A Network, 2020
CD付 U-CANの日本語能力試験 徹底攻略! N1・N2聴解 練習ブック (ユーキャン資格試験シリーズ)
2011
Tanki Gokaku JLPT N1 / N2 GOI Vocabulary
短期合格：N１・N２語彙
by Yuko Oyane
3A Network, 2012
U-CANの日本語能力試験 N1 予想問題集
Mock exam, with listening practice on CDs.
(Read more in the app section below)
Słowniki
辞典
Dictionaries
Casio ExWord 電子辞書
Best study help I could ever ask for. Pricier than a laptop, but best investment you can make - don’t hesitate to get one as soon as possible if you’re serious about studying Japanese.
日本語学習のための よく使う順 漢字2200
Bilingual Japanese-English kanji dictionary, with detailed stroke order diagrams, covering the current scope of mostly used jyōyō kanji 常用漢字
オールカラー 学習漢字新辞典
All-colour kanji dictionary for primary school students, covering first 1006 common use kanji 常用漢字.
小学館 (Shōgakukan), 2007
ベネッセ全訳古語辞典 改訂版
by Yukihiro Nakamura. Good classical Japanese dictonary with definitions in modern Japanese.
Benesse, 2007
A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
by Seichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui. Bilingual English - Japanese
The Japan Times, 1992
A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
by Seichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui. Bilingual English - Japanese
The Japan Times, 1995
A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
by Seichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui. Bilingual English - Japanese.
The Japan Times, 2005
どんな時どう使う日本語表現文型辞典
by Jyun Miyamoto and Etsuko Tomomatsu. Handy grammar pattern guide for begginer/intermediate students, with English translations
アルク(ALC), 2007
Dirty Japanese: Everyday Slang: Everyday Slang from 'What's Up? to 'F*%# Off
by Matt Fargo. With illustrations. Bilingual English - Japanese
Ulysses Press, 2020
First Thousand Words in Japanese
by Heather Amery, with illustrations by Stephen Cartwright. Great for kids af all ages. Bilingual English - Japanese.
Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2014
Oxford Beginner's Japanese Dictionary
Good beginner-level bilingual English-Japanese and Japanese-English paper dictionary
Oxford University Press, 2006
Kanji Dictionary 2500 for Foreigners Learning Japanese
by Miharu Akimoto. Kanji dictionary with definitions and examples in English, aimed at foreigners studying Japanese.
Natsume Publishing, 2019
Tangorin.com
by Grzegorz Bober
Super efficient and versatile dictionary in the browser. Free to use.
(There used to be a mobile app with an offline access which I LOVED using but, sadly, the app is no longer available )
Jisho.org
by Kim Ahlström, Miwa Ahlström and Andrew Plummer.
Very good and versatile dictionary using most (if not all!) resource databases for Japanese language learning. Browser-based, free.
Kanji Jigoku
by Stanisław Meyer
Kanji dictionary project by the team from Jagiellonian University, Poland.
In Polish.
(Also available as an app for Android)
Manga
漫画
Illustrated Novels
The Tale of Genji. The Scenes From the World’s First Novel
by Murasaki Shikibu 紫式部. With Introduction by Donald Keene and Setouchi Jakucho. Abridged.
In English and Japanese.
Kodansha International Ltd, 2002
Ugetsu Monogatari
雨月物語
(漫画訳)
Classic Japanese story by Ueda Yakinari 上田秋成, translated into a compelling manga by Taketomi Kenji 武富健治.
In Japanese.
Tono Monogatari
遠野物語
Manga by Shigeru Mizuki 水木しげる, created based on Tono Monogatari by Kunio Yanagita 柳田國男. Tono Monogatari is a defining text of Japanese folklore and one of the country’s most important works of literature.
In English.
Drawn and Quarterly, 2021
Dream Fossil : The Complete Stories of Satoshi Kon
A collection of short manga of Satoshi Kon 今敏.
In English.
VERTICAL, 2015
What the Font?! A Manga Guide to Western Typeface
by Kuniichi Ashiya. In English.
Seven Seas, 2020
Sōseki Natsume's I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition
by Chiroru Kubato and translated by Zack Davisson. A manga take on classic tale of a cat with no name but great wisdom by Natsume Sōseki 夏目漱石.
In English.
Tuttle Publishing, 2021
Kitaro
Classic manga created by Shigeru Mizuki 水木しげる in 1959. Translation by Zack Davisson.
In English.
Drawn and Quarterly, 2013
Satoshi Kon's Opus
by Zack Davisson. Faithful appraisal and summary of 今敏 Satoshi Kon’s work and inimitable storytelling style.
In English.
Dark Horse Manga, 2014
Shōwa 1939-1944: A History of Japan
(Shōwa: A History of Japan Vol. 2)
by Shigeru Mizuki 水木しげる. Translated by Zack Davisson. In English.
Drawn and Quarterly, 2014
Shōwa 1953-1989: A History of Japan
(Shōwa: A History of Japan Vol. 4)
by Shigeru Mizuki 水木しげる. Translated by Zack Davisson. In English.
Drawn and Quarterly, 2015
The Man Without Talent
by Yoshiharu Tsuge つげ義春. In English.
The New York Review of Books, 2020
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story to Spark Joy in Life, Work and Love
by Marie Kondo 近藤 麻理恵. In English.
Blubird, 2019
Anime
アニメ
Animation
妄想代理人
Paranoia Agent
dir. Satoshi Kon 今敏
2004
パーフェクト・ブルー
Perfect Blue
dir. Satoshi Kon 今敏
1997
千年女優
Millenium Actress
dir. Satoshi Kon 今敏
2001
この世界の片隅に
In This Corner of the World
dir. Sunao Katabuchi 片渕須直
2017
千と千尋の神隠し
Spirited Away
dir. Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿
2001
ハウルの動く城
Howl’s Moving Castle
dir. Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿
2004
もののけ姫
Princess Mononoke
dir. Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿
1997
かぐや姫の物語
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
dir. Isao Takahata 高畑勲, Jamie Simon
2013
耳をすませば
Whisper of the Heart
dir. Yoshifumi Kondō 近藤喜文
1995
アキラ
Akira
dir. Katsuhiro Ōtomo 大友克洋
1988
ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん
My Neighbours The Yamadas
dir. Isao Takahata 高畑勲
1999
コクリコ坂から
From Up on Poppy Hill
dir. Gorō Miyazaki 宮崎吾朗
2011
Kaligrafia
書道
Calligraphy
Pilot Iroshizuku Fountain Pen Ink - Deep Green 深緑
50 ml bottle of deep emerald green.
Namiki Iroshizuku Chiku-rin Bottle of Ink for Fountain Pen 5.000 - Ajisai 紫陽花
50 ml bottle. Deep blue-purple periwinkle shade.
Namiki Iroshizuku Chiku-rin Bottle of Ink for Fountain Pen 5.000 Fuyu Shōgun 冬将軍
50 ml bottle of beautiful bluish-grey shade.
Pilot Iroshizuku Fountain Pen Ink - Wild Grapes 山葡萄
50 ml bottle in deep wine purple colour.
MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pens 0.7mm
Black color 10pcs by Muji
MUJI Gel Ink Ballpoint Pens 0.5 mm
Assorted colours, 9 pcs set by Muji
Pentel Portable Fude 筆Brush Pen
Cartridge-refillable & reliable.
Japanese/Chinese Calligraphy Starter Kit
Good, reasonably-priced set with more than enough to get you started.
Rice Paper for Japanese Calligraphy 書道 & Sumi-e 墨絵 Ink Painting
Excellent quality and smoothness
Grid Paper for Chinese Calligraphy
Helpful for brush practice with larger brushes.
Genkouyoushi Notebook 原稿用紙
Pretty notebooks bring joy and motivation - but remember you don’t need any fancy stationary to study Japanese!
You can always download and print my genkōyōshi for FREE! 😊
Crystal Glass Pen for Calligraphy
Hand-formed glass pen for dipping into the ink pot. One dip usually allows to write between 40 and 60 words. Looks magical in use.
Kuretake Calligraphy Ink 金のきらめき
60 ml, Gold Mica ink
Japanese Calligraphy Bokueki Ink 墨液
180cc, Black No.304. One of my favourites - already mixed to just the right consistency and doesn’t smudge easily when dry.
MUJI Acacia Bowl, Large
9 cm Height x 24 cm Diameter
MUJI Basket, Natural Rattan, Medium
Because we all need to store our Japanese study supplies somewhere! 😉
Apps
モバイルアプリケーション
Apki do nauki
Satori Reader
Great resource to learn how to read and deeply comprehend texts in written Japanese. Free to download, with certain amount of free content every month.
Includes audio files, smart translations, and SR system for vocabulary revision.
Perfect for all levels.
For those who prefer reading on desktop, content is can be accessed on desktop via browser
iOS and Android.
Bunpo App
Very good resource focusing purely on grammar patterns practice.
Designed as a preparatory tool for JLPT exam, Bunpo structures grammar into levels from N5 to N1, and offers plenty of opportunity for learning grammar in use, as well as listening practice.
Perfect for all levels, and particularly useful for those who prepare for JLPT.
iOS and Android.
Anki
Best SRS (spaced repetition system) tool to create your own flashcards.
App version is rather pricy and still not as functional and visually appealing as it could be, but desktop version remains free and offers plenty of room for customisation.
Good for all levels.
iOS and Android.
Kanji Jigoku
by Stanisław Meyer
A mobile version of Kanji Jigoku bilingual Japanese-Polish dictionary by a University in Poland.
Good for all levels. In Polish.
Android only.
Scritter Japanese
A nice combination of an SR (spaced repetition) tool with kanji writing practice.
It works best when used as a companion tool to the material that you are currently studying. Best to create smaller study lists rather than one big one, as the revision times will be stacking against you in favour of the earliest entries.
Most useful for lower levels (beginner to intermediate), as revision times significantly increase with the complexity of kanji and volume of vocabulary.
iOS and Android.
Shirabe Jisho
by Blazej Stanek
A mobile dictionary which can also be used offline.
Groups kanji by school and JLPT levels.
Good for all levels.
iOS only.
iKnow! App
iKnow! is an app designed to be a thorough introduction to Japanese through SR (spaced repetition) vocabulary drilling.
Worlds are tested in all possible ways (meanings from and into Japanese, as well as readings), and learning is enforced by example sentences with audio by native speakers.
Most useful for intermediate students (N3+) who need to bulk up their vocabulary and kanji quickly.
iOS and Android.
Mirai Japanese
Good interactive language tutor using AI to simulate text conversations with a Japanese friend, introducing new elements of the language.
It shows a lot of promise yet development seem to have ceased as no new material had been added since 2014. Still, there is plenty of beginners classes available to cover the basics.
App is free to download and first 10 lessons are included - I often recommend it to my students who think they want to study Japanese.
Best for absolute beginners.
iOS only.
Ready to learn some Japanese?
Gotowy do nauki?
Free Downloads・Darmowe materiały
Rainbow Genkōyōshi
Black Genkōyōshi
Kanji Practice Sheet
to be continued…
Check regularly for new materials to help you on your journey to study Japanese!
In the meantime, why not write some kanji using the animations from our YouTube channel ?
