Abstract

Discover the Fascinating World of Kanji—No Japanese Required!

Let’s Explore KANJI is a fun and highly visual introduction to kanji, designed for complete beginners with little or no knowledge of Japanese. Rather than starting with intensive study and memorization, the book invites readers to explore, discover, and enjoy kanji—and develop a natural interest in learning more.

In Chapter 1, the American author, a passionate kanji enthusiast, introduces 100 carefully selected kanji commonly encountered in everyday life, focusing on basic characters taught in the first two years of elementary school in Japan. Fun and memorable phrases featuring these kanji are presented with charming illustrations, making the characters approachable and enjoyable to explore.

The book also offers a fascinating visual look at different styles of kanji writing, from cursive and semi-cursive forms to standard script. Readers can discover the origins and development of kanji, along with entertaining and practical insights into how they are used, drawn from the author’s own experiences with Japanese.

In Chapter 2, familiar kanji related to the body, numbers, colors, and other everyday topics are organized by category in easy-to-browse charts, allowing readers to explore the characters and the connections between them at a glance.

Accessible, visual, and full of personality, Let’s Explore KANJI is not about memorizing as many characters as possible. It is about discovering how fascinating kanji can be. An ideal first encounter with kanji, the book encourages readers to enjoy the characters, become curious about them, and take the next step toward more systematic kanji study.

Free Downloadable Content:
Additional learning materials featuring on’yomi (Sino-Japanese readings), kun’yomi (native Japanese readings), and Japanese versions of the “Funny Phrases.”

Author’s Information

Bret Mayer: Originally from New Jersey, USA, he developed a lifelong passion for kanji in high school, inspired by manga and anime such as Dragon Ball. In 2012, he became the first person from a non-kanji cultural background to pass Level 1, the highest level of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test. He is also a Ritsumeikan University-certified Kanji Education Specialist and currently shares his knowledge and passion for kanji through radio, television, and online platforms (@BuSensei).