So, I started studying Japanese on my own in August (pretty much as soon as I got back from 2 weeks in Japan). I've learned a bit, but my knowledge is very incomplete, and I'm sure I've fallen into some bad habits -- which is why I'm so happy to be taking a class. Anyhow, I've found some useful things for study that I am happy to pass along:
Two podcasts I've found both entertaining and helpful:
JapanesePod101LearnJapanese "
Remembering the Kana: The Hiragana / The Katakana" James W. Heisig (book). Great mnemonics.
I'm happy to lend this out if anybody wants to borrow it for a while.
Kana-no-Quiz: flashcard software for learning the kana, totally free, Mac, Windows, & Linux. Great for drilling.
Rikaichan - a free add-on for FireFox web browser. It's a dictionary that automatically looks up Japanese words and individual Kanji, simply by holding the mouse cursor over them. Sato-Sensei has it linked from his blog page, but I had to mention it as well because it is such an awesome resource.
Kinokuniya - a Japanese bookstore on 49th street, by Rockefeller center. Books, CDs, DVDs, magazines (er, ざっし）, manga, etc. On the 2nd floor they have a great selection of books and flashcards for learning Japanese.
Add comments or email me with anything you've discovered!
Neil
This sign is from みやじま (宮島）, a beautiful island is southern Japan, near ひろしま (広島). I think it's a fun chance to practice hiragana (not to mention Korean).
