Japanese Kanji & Kana: A Complete Guide to the Japanese Writing System

"One of the best modern texts. Highly recommended." —The Japan Times

This comprehensive and authoritative guide is perfect for those seeking to master the Japanese writing system. It covers both kanji and kana, offering all the essential information needed to learn 92 hiragana and katakana phonetic symbols (known as Japanese Kana), as well as the 2,136 Joyo Kanji characters that every Japanese person learns in school.

What's New:

This thoroughly revised edition reflects the recent changes made to the official Joyo kanji list by the Japanese government, ensuring you are learning the most up-to-date characters.

Efficient Learning Structure:

The kana and kanji are presented in a systematic, easy-to-follow format, making it easier for you to learn and retain these characters. Mastery of reading and writing Japanese is a crucial skill for any student, and this book will enhance your language skills and build on your existing knowledge.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: All 2,136 official Joyo kanji characters with readings and definitions.
• Graded by JLPT Levels: Kanji characters are organized by their levels in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
• Useful Vocabulary: Up to 5 relevant vocabulary compounds for each kanji character to help expand your language usage.
• Various Forms: Includes both brush/pen cursive forms and printed forms of kanji to understand different writing styles.
• Quick Reference: 19 tables summarizing important character information for easy access.
• Kanji Lookup: Lookup indexes by radicals, stroke counts, and readings, allowing for fast identification of kanji.

Bonus Features:

Extra spaces are provided throughout the book for you to practice writing kanji and kana, making it not only a guide but also a useful tool for active learning.