Nihongo Japanese

Takanori Tomita, the creator of Nihongo Japanese, learned how difficult it is to learn a new language when he moved to Australia at the age of fourteen and had to learn English from scratch. Upon returning to Japan, he undertook a dual career in translation and online Japanese teaching. Nihongo Japanese is the result of his many years of learning and teaching foreign languages.

Most language experts agree that you learn more quickly by listening and repeating common sentences than by learning the mechanics of a language. Children learn their native language in small word and phrase parcels first and then naturally and organically learn to string complete sentences together until they become fluent.

Takanori Tomita agrees with this principle and this is how he teaches the language. The lessons are broken down into step-by-step components to facilitate the learning process. Each lesson in Component 1 begins with a conversation between two cartoon characters. The illustrations help you to make the neural connections associated with real-life conversation. After memorizing the sentences, you move on to the vocabulary section, which elucidates and expands on what you learned before. There are supplementary notes included, where necessary.

In the final stage of Component 1, you are given writing exercises to round off your learning. These writing lessons are somewhat unique in Japanese teaching programs. Often, speaking and writing Japanese are divided into two different courses and the writing component becomes overwhelming for many students. Presented in this way, the writing is more easily absorbed and also serves to reinforce your vocabulary learning.

Component Two includes MP3 audio files for listening and learning when you’re away from the computer. Components 3 and 4 are pre-recorded online videos in which a number of native Japanese speakers teach you Japanese in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

The creator of Nihongo Japanese boasts that he teaches “street level” Japanese. This is one of the real strengths of his program, especially for younger learners who might be put off by a more academic style Japanese learning program. At $77.95, it is good value, especially if Takanori Tomita’s teaching style and methods appeal to you.