What is the best textbook or course to buy to learn Japanese?

5 comments

1. All Japanese beginner textbooks teach you essentially the same things and everybody has their own favorite. The one you enjoy working with the most is ultimately the best one. Check the link below for reviews of the most popular choices. If you cannot decide get Genki, which is a lot of people’s favorite.

   [https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/beginner-japanese-textbook/](https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/beginner-japanese-textbook/)

2. I use Tobira 1. I used Genki and HATED it, Tokini Andy made it bearable but once Tobira came out I switched immediately.
   [Here’s a short review someone did on it](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/comments/odgte3/tobira_1_beginning_japanese_a_first_look_review/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) and if you want photos of the book let me know

3. genki is the most standard one but I don’t think anyone feels one is the “best” over the others

   genki has youtube lectures that follow along with it and that can be nice, plus someone made an online version of the workbook which is convenient.

4. Honestly people suggest Genki a lot because they used it in college or because for a while it was the most accessible option and less intimidating than MNN (which doesn’t have a stitch of English). Now the only reason they recommend it over Tobira is either because they don’t have both to make the comparison or because they talking about the wealth of resources for Genki. But personally I think Tobira is better overall and once it gets some resources out, people will be less likely to choose Genki over Tobira.

   The content is fresh, the illustrations and color spreads are engaging, and the overall organization is so much better.

5. I’m not learning English from scratch. I can read the alphabet.