250 Essential Japanese Kanji Characters Volume 1 Revised Edition

250 Essential Japanese Kanji Characters Volume 1 Revised Edition is widely regarded as one of the best kanji learning resources available today. Perfect for beginners with a basic understanding of Japanese, this book is ideal for both classroom use and self-study, as noted by the Modern Language Journal.

In Japan, everyday tasks such as reading a street address or purchasing a train ticket can be a challenge if you don’t understand kanji—the Japanese writing system based on Chinese characters. However, most textbooks teach kanji characters that are not commonly used in daily life. To address this gap, a team of teachers from the prestigious University of Tokyo developed this two-volume set to focus on the kanji most frequently encountered in daily situations.

This book helps you learn how to both read and write kanji, with each lesson focusing on a new set of characters. The approach is designed to actively engage learners, helping you master kanji effectively.

• Introductory Quizzes introduce everyday scenarios where you’ll encounter kanji.
• Vocabulary Sections explain the meanings and readings of the kanji.
• New Character Charts teach each character systematically, covering its meanings, readings, stroke order, common compounds, and derivations.
• Practice Sections enhance your skills in recognizing and using kanji.
• Advanced Placement Exam Practice Questions follow the format of the College Board’s Japanese Language and Culture exam.

You’ll also encounter authentic materials, such as medicine instructions or rental ads for Tokyo apartments, helping you see how kanji are used in real-world situations. By the end of this book, you'll have mastered 250 essential kanji characters and learned thousands of words containing them. You’ll be well-prepared to move on to 250 Essential Japanese Kanji Characters Volume 2, the next book in this highly acclaimed series.