"NEW If you want to be good at Japanese, the first step to self-study at Darakwon" is a first-step textbook for absolute beginners who are just starting to study Japanese or are trying again.

The most important first step in learning Japanese is the basic writing system, hiragana and katakana.


This book provides associative illustrations and cute animated GIFs for each character, allowing learners to learn Japanese characters in a fun way.
You can learn more vividly by accessing mobile pages or YouTube videos through illustrations and QR codes in the book.
We also provide a “Hiragana/Katakana Fifty-Sound Chart Bromide” that can be displayed in a prominent location.


Practicing writing by hand greatly enhances the learning effect.
This book provides ample writing space, and a separate "Kana Writing Practice Sheet" is provided.
After completing the study, download the “Fifty Sound Completion Table” from the Darakwon website and fill in the blanks.

Once you've learned hiragana and katakana, you can begin learning Japanese in earnest.
『NEW If you want to be good at Japanese, the first step to self-study at Darakwon』 is comprised of a total of 12 lessons.
Each unit is designed to be of an appropriate length and difficulty level for beginner Japanese learners to study consistently.


In 'Learning Points', you can check what you will learn this time, and in 'Check Skills', you can review what you learned last time.
In 'Essential Expressions', you will learn expressions and examples that you absolutely need to know.
We've also compiled some useful tips and additional vocabulary.
In 'Building Skills', you can practice what you've learned right away, making the expressions your own and learning additional vocabulary.
We will apply what we have learned through 'Essential Conversation' to real-life conversations and conclude with 'Building Skills'.


If you get stuck while studying, try the free video lectures (YouTube).
You can do it on your own without any problems, with the help of a video that contains friendly and detailed explanations.

For effective learning, we provide MP3 files and word memorization videos (YouTube) recorded directly by native speakers.
The portable "Mini Book" allows you to preview and review vocabulary and basic grammar even on the go.
Additionally, we have prepared goal achievement challenge stickers to enhance the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment of learning.
You can check your achievements by adding stickers every time you study.
The Darakwon website provides a 22-day and 58-day schedule, so please refer to it when studying.

After completing your studies, practice the Chinese characters that are useful for each lesson using the “Chinese Character Writing Practice Sheet.pdf” provided on the Darakwon website.

The textbooks for the first step are generally designed to teach grammar, expressions, and vocabulary at the JLPT N5 level.
After completing all of your studies, you can review and check your skills with the "JLPT N5 Practice Test" prepared separately by Darakwon, the best-selling JLPT preparation book, and take your skills to the next level with the "Explanation and Vocabulary Summary.pdf" provided on the website.