Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II (English and Japanese Edition) 2nd ed. Edition

I went through classes using the Nakama series for a year and half, and find that those textbooks were thick and expensive, however gave super in depth explanations as well as alternative uses of grammar. When I compare Nakama to Genki; I like Genki for its price, and explanations of the grammar. The explanations of Genki are short, but to the point (similar to "Japanese Sentences Patterns for Effective Communication"). It includes a fair amount of Kanji and vocabulary. Actually Genki includes grammar points omitted from Nakama and vice versa. One particular part I enjoyed were the short readings in the appendices.I used this book at my local Japan America Society for 10 weeks, and when used with a good sensei can be just as effective as Nakama. Textbooks like Genki (and Nakama) are best used in the classroom setting because ultimately there will be gaps in what the textbook provides and what your initial logic (based on your native language) will attempt to tell you. However I think Nakama is better overall for the amount of Kanji, its explanations, and because Nakama 2 will propel the beginner far into the intermediate level somewhere around chapter 8 or 9. If you are considering buying this for self study I would advise against doing so.This book is for beginners. Although it seems that some classes pass off the material as intermediate, it truly is beginner. Only once I finished Genki and moved onto "An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese" (which is the same series) would I consider an advance to an intermediate level. Hence the recommendation.For me, this textbook makes great use as a reference because I need to double check things every now and then.

I began studying Japanese language with the orange Genki book, four semesters ago. I find this the best text on the market. I am now entering my 5th semester and ready to take on the green book.The book is laid out in an easy to follow style beginning with a dialogue, new vocabulary, and grammar points. In the last half of the chapter there are drills that help you with each grammar point. In the back there are kanji drills and other useful language phrases and situational tips. The text is clear and easy to follow. This is a comprehensive language course.I highly recommend this text.

Very good book, and easy to use even if not a native speaker of english (which i am not). Vast amount of vocabulary, kanji section with how-to-read and how-to-write plus example words. each lesson is filled with reading chapters (we follow the same group as in genki 1), grammar section, useful vocabulary and practice tasks.The difference between 1st and 2nd edition is not huge. some vobacs have been exchanged to synonyms, certain images have been upgraded (a tape recorder has been exchanged to a plushie etc[small things to keep it modern), and the kanji section has changed a little (both kun and on readings of kanji is spelled out in hiragana [in 1st onyomi is spelled with katakana], but are here marked with either a black or a wite arrow to show which is what.)Highly recomended!!//S

I've used Genki and Nakama, but I absolutely love Genki. I've used it in class and on my own. The terms are useful and the grammar is easy to understand. Would recommend for people who are in class and need the book, or people who are self-taught Japanese students.For those of you who are self-taught, it might be a good idea to get the workbook or at least do all of the activities and use a key or the CDs to check your answers.

I already had a copy of Genki 2 and was actually buying this one for my Japanese tutor, since we had to switch to online lessons. I would recommend getting the workbook and answer key, too. The book is very detailed, and would be hard to use if you were planning to study on your own. It's better for a classroom setting or with a private tutor.

I bought this book for a Japanese class. It is informative. However, I wish it had more explanation of the conjugation rules. Also, the layout is arduous as the activities do not follow the grammar points. All of the grammar points are together and then you have to flip around the pages to find the corresponding grammar activities. Therefore, you will find yourself constantly flipping from one page to another. Having the activities follow the intended grammar explanation would make navigation more facile. On another note, some of the pictures are quite hilarious and leave students with a vessel to use the language creatively.

This book is amazing as for learning Japanese. I got this book for my class and it does helps out a lot. They way they integrate English into japanese makes it so much easier to understand. It really helps me put my sentences together as I write or speak it, which is a plus for me or anyone willing to learn. I would also recommend the first book as well so it can get you prepared for this version.

Recently started taking Japanese classes again.. this textbook is pretty helpful but I think it helps alot to have a teacher guide you through it and give supporting documents. In general though, they do a good job of providing pretty interesting dialog for each chapter. A lot more relatable than my old Japanese textbooks. There was one that comes in mind about a mom nagging the step sister about studying more and getting into a good school and lamenting over the fact that she came from a 'bimbo' (poor) family so she wanted to give her daughter more opportunities in life. Seriously.