Japanese from Zero! 1

A learning experience akin to zipping off a hangnail.

I genuinely did not enjoy using this book. I studied halfway through it before I decided to stop. I used the YouTube companion videos as well. I think those have *some *merit to them but I didn't like how the information was presented a majority of the time.

I could NOT stand the "progressive kana" system. Kana that the book hasn't introduced you to appears in Romaji. It breaks any concentration and immersion. If the book did not have that system then it would be salvageable.

A majority of the worksheet type pages are taken up by oversized graphics geared towards children. You will get to do one or two exercises before having to move on/until the book stops torturing you with progressive kana. The back of the book seems to have, "translate this sentence" exercises.

Two good things:

• The early chapters have at least a page of vocabulary words with boxes to practice writing hiragana. Last one is on page 189.
• You're taught how to install a Japanese text keyboard onto your phone and PC.