Japanese Hiragana for Beginners: First Steps to Mastering the Japanese Writing System

Learn how to write all the basic Japanese hiragana with this user-friendly workbook.

Japanese Hiragana for Beginners makes learning hiragana fast and effective by using memorable picture mnemonics, along with clear explanations, examples and lots of fun exercises—a method that has helped thousands of students learn hiragana successfully in the United States and Japan. Picture mnemonics enhance memory by associating the shape and sound of each hiragana character with combinations of images and English words already familiar to students.

This Japanese language learning book is divided into three main sections:

• Section 1 introduces the basic 46 hiragana characters along with writing tips and practice exercises.
• Section 2 teaches the usage rules that allow students to write Japanese sounds.
• Section 3 strengthens students’ skills through a wide range of exercises (word searches, crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, visual discrimination, timed quizzes, etc).

A set of flash cards printed on perforated cardstock and a list of suggested flash card activities, are also provided at the end of the book. Each of these cards introduces a hiragana character along with picture mnemonic that helps to recognize and remember it.