You’ve been studying Japanese for a bit, and now you are ready to fully crack on Kanji! What book should you buy? Here are my 5 personal favourite Kanji Study Books.

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• 1. Kanji Look and Learn

There is a very good chance that you’ve seen this book before if were looking for a textbook or if you follow Japanese learning accounts on Instagram. This might be the “it” book of Japanese Kanji learning. The book is extremely comprehensive as it includes 512 kanji and 3500 essential vocabulary (using those kanji). The book cover all the JLPT N5, N4 and N3! Depending on your pace, it might last you a few years. It also comes with a workbook that helps you learn all the kanji in a context.

• 2. Nihongo Challenge N4 N5 Kanji

https://amzn.to/3gAdcgf

If you are looking to study for your JLPT N5 or N4 exam, I recommend Nihongo Challenge. It is very focused on everything you need to know to ace your exam. The structure is very similar to Kanji Look and Learn. This book contains 110 N5 Kanji and 200 N4 Kanji. There are kanji cards available for download on their website. Moreover, the book includes English, Korean and Portuguese translations.

• 3. Kanji From Zero!

https://amzn.to/3VkR34y

Kanji From Zero! is known to be one of the best self-study books. There are 240 kanji in the first volume. The book is designed to teach you not only kanji but also the associated culture and related words to give a connection to kanji that other books ignore.

• 4. Hai!ku: Japanese Kanji

https://amzn.to/3V2663h

This is a small book, that has 162 kanji. The book is good for visual learners and absolute beginners as it has mnemonics and breaks down kanji into radicals. It covers all kanji needed for JLPT N5 exam.

• 5. Kanji de Manga

https://amzn.to/3EUCtv0

Last but not least, for those of you who prefer to take it easier and have fun with Japanese, Kanji de Manga. Unlike other textbooks, this book puts all the kanji in the context of comics. Each page features its own manga, kanji pronunciation guide, stroke order, and English explanations. First volume contains 80 kanji.

I hope this was helpful! If you are still unsure about which book to buy, you can always learn Kanji on our Instagram or on this website (here).