Start speaking, reading and writing Japanese today with the most exciting new introduction to the Japanese language! Beginning Japanese is a Japanese self-study book with companion audio recordings, a series website, and a manga-style story that follows Kiara--an American exchange student who lives in Japan and wants to learn Japanese. With the help of her Japanese friends and the time-traveling "tomo tanuki" raccoon dog, Kiara learns to speak, read, and write Japanese kanji and kana while she visits famous people and places in Japanese history.

Written by experienced high-school Japanese teachers, this Japanese language book will show you correct pronunciations; how to read and write hiragana, katakana, and 151 basic kanji; and understand conversational Japanese, all through an exciting storyline and multimedia materials available for free online.

Key features of this program:

• An engaging manga-style illustrated story--including a time-travel adventure which unfolds as learners advance, adding motivation to learn Japanese
• Authentic written, visual, and oral materials embedded seamlessly throughout
• Kanji is taught beginning with Chapter 1--and together with current vocabulary rather than separately
• Technology is used extensively for practical tasks
• A dedicated website provides additional content and updates
• Content is aligned with the ACTFL National Standards

• Native Japanese language speakers
• Pronunciation guides
• Accompanying dialogues
• New word lists
• Fun songs
• Listening activities and tests
• Extensive printable exercises

• Online games and activities
• Additional information and updates
• Downloadable Hiragana Practice Book, Katakana Practice Book, Kana Practice Sheets
• Downloadable kanji and kana flashcards

Whether you're learning Japanese for fun, preparing for a Japanese proficiency exam, or want to achieve AP- or IB-level competency, Beginning Japanese is your key to becoming a confident Japanese-speaker.

All media content is accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.