Are there any N1 textbooks/prep books that have a similar style as Genki or Tobira? I’m around N2 level right now and I’m planning on taking N1 in a year or two.
I’m considering the Shin Kanzen Master series, Preparatory Course for the JLPT by Matsumoto Setsuko, and also JLPT N1 この一冊で合格する by Nihongo no Mori (just because some of their Youtube videos were quite easy to understand, but not sure if their book would be legit). Really appreciate any suggestions or opinions!
2 comments
Shin Kanzen Master is a good series, but it’s not written in the same style as Genki or Tobira. They’re more concise, dry, and optimized for test prep. I’m not aware of any textbooks for N1 that aren’t in this style honestly.
If you’re already N2 level, I’d highly recommend making reading native materials your #1 priority and mostly use the N1 books to brush up before the test. I’ve read like 25 novels at this point and still have issues getting through all of the N1 reading questions comfortably within the time limit.
Shin Kanzen Master is good for JLPT prep (but I wouldn’t recommend the vocab book). I haven’t used these textbooks but I’ve seen them recommended before for people who used Genki and Tobira and wanted to continue with another textbook after.
中・上級日本語教科書 日本への招待 テキスト
上級日本語教科書 文化へのまなざし―テキスト