Job Discussion Forums

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

So we went to the bookstore yesterday and saw many books to choose from..but we have no clue as to which is best. I have did the search engine thing and saw many books that may now be outdated (books can outdate fast)...so any one know the newest (and best book) to study with?

I also know that the test is in December and I have searched on the web to find out where to take it but most of it takes me back to the US, and I need to take in in Japan...so where do I go? or what site do I visit?

japanman · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 281 Location: England

You can get the application form from most major bookshops such as kinokuniya. The form costs you 500 yen and should be available now. When you apply they will put you at the centre that is closest to your address.
Dont think any of the books are out of date. The test doesn't change much and is more a case of doing many previous exams than actual knowledge of the language. So, do lots of past test and get the book with steps on the front and also one that has the numbers 1 2 3 4 on the front in large characters. Not sure of the names though.

bornslippy1981 · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 271

seanmcginty · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 203

They usually sell copies of the previous years test in the bookstores, those are usually quite helpful.

I used the books by ｱﾙｸ, which were pretty useful. I really wish they still published the Nihongo Journal, that was a very useful magazine for studying, but anyway they put out some useful JLPT prep books.

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Cool guys! Thanks for the info. I'm sort of studying Japanese right now. I think I'll sign up for the test to provide added motivation and perhaps a sense of accomplishment if I pass Smile

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

They do still publish the Nihongo Journal, or at least as recently as January. Because I have it sitting on my floor right now.

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Minna no Nihongo 1. Its a yellow book, with 25 lessons, available from normal bookstores. It pretty much had all the grammar required, but for the kanji you should try to get the list off the net or get one of the specific study books which have them listed in the back. I used Tuttle Kanji cards. If you learn up to about number 150 of box 1, that pretty much covers it. Basically, you need to learn all the easy ones, like 山　and 川 (yama and kawa).

seanmcginty · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 203

seanmcginty · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 203