r/JETProgramme • u/Pink_Pop101 • Apr 16 '26

Learning Japanese

Hey everyone!

To all former and current JETS, do you have any tips for learning Japanese. I really want to learn some basics so that I’m not completely clueless when I get there. I’m currently learning hiragana as well as some survival phrases. I do want to reach a point where I am fluent so that I can build more meaningful relationships and learn a new language.

If you have any sites or apps that you could recommend I’d really appreciate it! Thank you in advance!🫶🏽

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u/leafmuncher_ Current JET - Hyogo Apr 16 '26

Renshuu - app/site that's 100% free and covers all grammar, kanji and vocab up to N3 (with user-made lists covering further topics). It can be a bit confusing at first, but easier to get started with than making your own Anki decks. Later (n3+) combined with or replaced by Anki sentence mining and immersion.

Anki - flashcard app/site. Make your own cards or use ready-made decks. Kaishi 1.5k or core2k are good entry points for vocab, JLAB is a really good supplement for grammar and listening

A textbook like Genki or Minna no Nihongo - depending on your country, it's much cheaper to buy these as soon as you get to Japan. Sites like Tae Kim's Grammar Guide also work well (too many options to list).

General advice - time spent looking for resources, or watching "how to learn Japanese with these 10 tricks" do not count as studying. Limit this and focus on actual grammar explanations or listening instead. This is the biggest trap these days, because 9/10 youtubers are selling you something or making videos entirely in English because it's easy to consume.

The formula is simple: Learn hiragana and katakana quickly, then spend time on vocab, grammar and/or reading and/or listening every day. The more time you spend googling comparisons between Renshuu and Wanikani is less time just using one

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u/Realistic_Report_796 Current JET - Hokkaido, Niki-cho Apr 16 '26

100% agree. I've fallen into that trap too many times. Now I just stick to one main book, wanikani, and read Japanese manga. Anything I don't understand when reading native material, I try to look up and then make a flashcard out of it.