I recently decided to step up my Japanese studies and began exploring the best web tools, apps, and study methods available today. There are countless resources out there, both free and paid, and I wanted to share some of the most useful ones I have incorporated into my personalized study program.

Below are the tools, methods, and apps that have helped me the most.

1. Evernote

Evernote has become one of my core study tools. It is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, and it syncs seamlessly across devices. You can save screenshots, attach documents, record audio, create to-do lists, and organize notes with ease. It is ideal for tracking your progress, storing vocabulary lists, and keeping study materials in one place.

2. Studying Through Japanese TV Dramas

This has been a new and surprisingly effective method for me. The approach is outlined here: http://www.tofugu.com/2011/06/10/studying-with-japanese-drama-how-to/

The process is simple:

• Find a Japanese TV drama you enjoy. I chose HERO, a detective comedy series.
• Download both Japanese and English subtitle files. A great source for subtitles is http://www.d-addicts.com/forum/subtitles.php?#Japanese
• Import the Japanese subtitles into Evernote and begin translating sections into English.
• While watching each episode, refer to your translated notes and work on understanding the dialog by ear.
• The English subtitles should be used only when absolutely necessary.

For word lookups, Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC is an excellent tool:
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C

Apps and sites for watching Japanese dramas:

• DramaFever: http://www.dramafever.com
• Viki: Streaming app for Asian dramas
• J Addicts: http://j-addicts.blogspot.co.uk/
• Another helpful article on learning with subtitles: http://www.fluentu.com/japanese/blog/learn-japanese-subtitles/

If you encounter regional restrictions, tools like Hola (http://hola.org/) or Media Hint may help.

3. Japanese Language Websites

Here are some of the best online resources I found:

Textfugu – An online Japanese textbook with clear explanations
http://www.textfugu.com/

Tofugu – Culture, language insights, study tips, and more
http://www.tofugu.com/

FluentU – Learn through real videos with interactive subtitles
http://www.fluentu.com/japanese/blog/learn-japanese-subtitles/

Children’s News Sites – Great for beginner to intermediate reading

• http://mainichi.jp/feature/maisho/
• http://yomoyomo.jp/
• http://digital.asagaku.com/shogaku/

Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC – A reliable online dictionary
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C

iknow.jp – A paid self-study platform with spaced repetition

Tangorin – Japanese to English dictionary with sample sentences
http://www.tangorin.com

Tae Kim’s Guide to Japanese Grammar – Free, well structured, and one of my favorites
http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/complete

Quizlet – Create custom digital flashcards
http://www.quizlet.com/

Skritter – Paid tool for learning kanji and stroke order
http://www.skritter.com/

JapanesePod101 – Audio based lessons for all levels
http://www.japanesepod101.com/

4. Mobile Apps

TV Drama Apps:

• Viki
• DramaFever

Skritter:
Excellent for mastering kanji and stroke order.

Conjugation App:
Helps you practice Japanese verb conjugations.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/japanese-grammar-conjugation/id914304316?mt=8

NHK Japanese Lessons:
Free lessons with dialogs and listening practice.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/japanese-lessons/id570265834?mt=8

Learning Japanese App:
A mobile version of Tae Kim’s grammar guide.

Japanese Dictionaries:

• imiwa? (iOS)
• Tangorin (Android)

Both provide sample sentences, furigana, and powerful search capabilities.

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