The GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese (Volume 1, 3rd Edition) is an excellent starting point for beginners looking to learn Japanese in a structured and engaging way. The book introduces essential grammar, vocabulary, and kanji in a clear, progressive manner, making it easy for learners to build their skills step by step. Each lesson includes dialogues, grammar explanations, and exercises that reinforce comprehension, ensuring that students can apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations. Additionally, the textbook balances listening, speaking, reading, and writing, making it a comprehensive resource for those studying independently or in a classroom setting. One of the standout features of GENKI is its practical approach to language learning. The lessons are designed around everyday scenarios, such as ordering food, asking for directions, and making plans with friends, which keeps the material relevant and useful. The book also introduces hiragana, katakana, and kanji early on, encouraging learners to engage with the Japanese writing system from the beginning. While some may find the reliance on a separate workbook for additional exercises a minor inconvenience, the overall structure and clarity of GENKI make it one of the best introductory Japanese textbooks available.

I have nothing bad to say about the book itself, but I have to strain my eyes to read the furigana on my 11-inch iPad. That wouldn’t be a problem if I could zoom in, but the resolution is too low and the text is blurry when zooming in even a little bit. (Kanji and furigana don’t appear regularly until the third chapter, so this problem wasn’t apparent in the sample.)