N2 phase 1 resources

This is a year overdue but I’ve had a ‘break’ from formal learning, only really doing conversation classes and twice monthly lessons with my teacher. I also started learning German in February and have been making great progress, but I desperately need to get back into Japanese if I want to take N2. Luckily my original plan was to start in June anyway and it’s now May, so it’s the perfect timing. I think I’ll be going for N2 next summer rather than December as my new job is challenging and I want to give myself enough time.

In Phase 1 I am focussing on acquiring knowledge, so this post is more of a reminder for me on what I will be using and why.

Grammar

• 日本語の森 – the grammar videos are great at explaining points clearly and giving example sentences, so I will be going through all the videos here (may go into Phase 2 as there are a lot!).
• TRY! N2 – I loved the N3 book so I’m using this for N2. I don’t think it’s enough as a standalone grammar resource, but good to use alongside 日本語の森 and as a starter to 新完全マスター.

Kanji

• 日本語の森 – again, I love the videos and I can go through a few videos a day at a good pace.
• PRACTICAL KANJI 現代社会を読む 700漢字 Vol.1 – I bought both volumes a while ago and I’ve just started using volume 1 – I’ll probably do a review of it in the near future!

Vocabulary

• jpdb.io – I use this anyway for books I read, but I’ve added their JLPT deck to my collection and will work through this slowly. I prefer this over using vocabulary books, although I do have one for N2 that I might start using in the next phase.
• ミニストーリーで覚える JLPT日本語能力試験ベスト単語N2 合格2400 – I’d seen this on Instagram when first looking for N2 resources and at first glance this seems useful as it teaches new vocabulary in context. I’ve yet to start using it but plan to shortly.

Reading and listening – I don’t plan to use any specific resources for these skills as I cover them with my regular reading (books, magazines, manga etc) and watching Japanese TV. I’ll aim to be more intentional with these skills though, so for listening I’ll try transcribing, and for reading I’ll look words up more so I can be sure I’ve fully understood. I’m not going to worry too much about these ones until Phase 2.

If I’ve got time I’ll review these resources but for now I want to get stuck in with learning!