But what’s the best way to learn Japanese? Textbooks, apps, classes, software...What’s the easiest, cheapest, quickest way to make progress? What works and what doesn’t?

Starting to learn a new language can be overwhelming. With all of the options out there, it's difficult to figure out what the best method is. So what's the way forward?

Resources for further reading:

How long does it take to learn Japanese?

Improve your Japanese pronunciation

Before we get to the holy grail of Japanese learning, let's take a look at these five basic approaches to learning Japanese - each with its own set of pros and cons:

Plunging Right In (Immersion)
Reading In Japanese (Translation Approach)
Japanese Textbooks (Grammar-based Approach)
Japanese Classes (Communicative Approach)
Learning Japanese Online (Vocabulary-based Approach)

Japanese city - Best Way to Learn Japanese, Rocket Japanese

1. Plunging Right In (Immersion)

The immersion approach plunges you into Japanese language and culture. You travel to Japan and spend an extended period of time there. This will force you to use Japanese in your day-to-day life - everywhere you go!

It is a great option for those who don't like formal study and have plenty of time and money to spare.

The advantages: The immersion approach helps you to connect with native speakers, and teaches you valuable knowledge about Japanese culture. Not only that, but it does all of this within a very short period of time.
The disadvantages: This method is not for everyone. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and not to mention stressful when it comes to dealing with culture shock.

2. Reading In Japanese (Translation Approach)

Reading your favorite book a second, third or fourth time is always a good idea. Why not read it in Japanese this time?

It will force you to translate between Japanese and your native language. Feel free to use a dictionary here.

The advantages: It’s an excellent way of broadening your vocabulary when you’ve got a basic knowledge of Japanese and already know the Japanese script. The translation approach is cost-effective and can bring results to those willing to invest time and energy.
The disadvantages: A major drawback is that the translation approach doesn’t really teach you to speak, write or understand spoken Japanese. Also, this approach is not suitable for absolute beginners. You should learn to read and write the Japanese script first before plowing through longer texts.

3. Japanese Textbooks (Grammar-based Approach)

Japanese-learning textbooks mostly use the grammar-based approach. They focus on teaching the grammatical rules of Japanese. You will mostly train your reading and writing skills.

The advantages: For learners who like to fully understand the structure of the Japanese language, this is a great and cost-effective method.
The disadvantages: You won’t get many opportunities to actually speak or listen to Japanese and must memorize a lot of grammar rules. This can be very frustrating and sometimes a little boring.

4. Japanese Classes (Communicative Approach)

This is the approach we all know from school. It involves a teacher who gives lessons to a small group of students. Lessons are usually divided into reading, writing, listening and speaking activities.

The advantages: Language classes will give you a good general education. If the teacher plans and teaches the class well, you can have basic conversations in Japanese a few weeks into the course. Another benefit is that you have plenty of learning partners in a group of students!
The disadvantages: A big minus of Japanese classes is that you won’t get individual training custom-tailored to you. Your learning depends on the group of students and their pace of progress. Also, courses at universities or language schools are expensive!

5. Learning Japanese Online (Vocabulary-based Approach)

Have you thought about using a Japanese learning app or software? We bet you have! It’s one of the most popular ways of learning Japanese right now.

Most of the online learning applications make use of the vocabulary-based approach. You learn Japanese by associating words with pictures of the objects they represent. Say goodbye to lessons on grammar rules. You will pick up the structure of a language along the way.

The advantages: You can improve your vocabulary very quickly with this method because you repeat words over and over. A major plus is that you can learn at any time and any place that suits you.
The disadvantages: First, the vocabulary you learn is often not the most practical. Second, you risk sounding a bit like Tarzan when you speak because you don’t learn any grammar rules. A good vocabulary-based program can be difficult to find and expensive.

What Is The Best Way To Learn Japanese?

So what’s the secret? What is the best way to make progress?

The truth is that there isn't only one best way to learn Japanese.

Keep two things in mind:

First - every Japanese learner is different! What works for others, might not work for you. Try out different approaches and find out what suits you best.

Second - the key to being a successful Japanese learner is incorporating the above methods. Different approaches will teach you different aspects of Japanese - reading, writing, listening and speaking!

The best way to learn Japanese is to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Study Japanese script, vocabulary, and grammar in an engaging way - with apps, software, or classic flashcards. Speak Japanese out loud as often as you can - to native speakers or to yourself. Soak up Japanese comics, movies, music, social media.

Ideally, the best way to learn Japanese includes:

Interactive lessons (online or in a classroom) that teach Japanese script, vocabulary, grammar and culture through reading, writing, listening and speaking
A period of daily Japanese immersion
The ability to study at your own pace
Professional guidance from a native Japanese speaker trained in education
The ability to interact with Japanese native speakers and other non-native Japanese language learners
Occasional translation activities between Japanese and your native language
The ability to study vocabulary in a colorful, visual and interactive way
Reinforcement testing of skills learned
Motivational incentives to encourage daily practice

This may sound like a lot to ask for, but online courses like Rocket Japanese can provide you with many of these features. It's also easier than ever to supplement your studies with other programs either online or in person.

Learn Japanese With Rocket Japanese

Rocket Japanese is an online Japanese course that incorporates various of the above methods. Our lessons include audio tracks, a pronunciation tool, language & culture lessons and extensive reinforcement testing.

Why don’t you listen to the first Rocket Japanese Audio Lesson right here?

Unlike other Japanese learning resources out there, we don’t focus on only one approach. We believe there is more to learning a language than vocabulary and grammar drills.

You want to learn Japanese to communicate with others - confidently and authentically. Rocket Japanese will teach you exactly that.

Start your first Japanese lesson right now! You can sign up to our completely free, life-time trial of Rocket Japanese here.

What are you waiting for? Yukō!

Sayōnara!

Sayaka Matsuura and the Rocket Japanese Team

The Best Way to Learn Japanese