JAPANESE KANA FROM ZERO!

Proven Methods to Learn Japanese Hiragana and Katakana with Integrated Workbook and Answer Key

By George Trombley and Yukari Takenaka

Begin reading and writing Japanese with a structured introduction to hiragana and katakana—the two phonetic writing systems at the foundation of the language.

Japanese Kana From Zero! combines guided instruction, writing practice, workbook activities, and an integrated answer key in one 222-page resource. Its classroom-tested approach is designed to help complete beginners and current Japanese students develop recognition, handwriting, reading, and recall through steady, hands-on practice.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPLORE

• The role of kana in written Japanese

• Reading and writing hiragana

• Reading and writing katakana

• Recognizing characters in different contexts

• Building stronger character recall

• Connecting written symbols with Japanese sounds

• Developing handwriting through repeated practice

• Distinguishing similar-looking characters

• Strengthening reading confidence

• Reviewing progress with workbook activities

• Checking completed work with the included answer key

HIRAGANA

Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, grammatical endings, particles, and many words that are not written with kanji.

The workbook helps readers build familiarity with the hiragana system through guided writing and recognition practice.

KATAKANA

Katakana is commonly used for foreign loanwords, many non-Japanese names, sound effects, technical terms, and words presented for emphasis.

Learning katakana alongside hiragana gives beginners a broader foundation for reading signs, menus, product names, media, and everyday Japanese.

INTEGRATED WORKBOOK

This is designed as an active learning resource—not merely a book to read from beginning to end. The workbook format encourages readers to write directly in the lessons, practice repeatedly, and reinforce character recognition through structured exercises.

The included answer key allows independent learners to review their work and identify areas requiring additional practice.

CLASSROOM-TESTED APPROACH

The lessons and techniques were developed through years of classroom instruction with Japanese-language students. The gradual structure makes the material suitable for self-study, tutoring, classroom use, or supplemental practice alongside another course.

No workbook can guarantee fluency or instant mastery. Progress depends on regular handwriting, reading, listening, review, and continued exposure to Japanese.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

George Trombley is a Japanese-language educator, author, and professional interpreter whose publication-era biography cites work with international corporations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He also co-authored the Korean From Zero! series and contributed to educational materials for other languages.

Yukari Takenaka moved from Himeji, Japan, to the United States and taught Japanese for more than a decade. Lessons developed for her students helped form the foundation of the Japanese From Zero! series.

BOOK DETAILS

• Authors: George Trombley and Yukari Takenaka

• Series: Japanese From Zero!

• Number of pages: 222

• Publication date: June 1, 2015

• Dimensions: 0.6 × 7.3 × 9.6 inches

• Publisher: Learn From Zero

• Subjects: Japanese language, hiragana, katakana, kana reading, and Japanese writing

• Format: Integrated instructional workbook with answer key

• Experience level: Beginner

PERFECT FOR

• Complete beginners

• Self-taught Japanese learners

• Students beginning hiragana and katakana

• Travelers preparing to read basic Japanese

• Manga and anime fans studying the language

• Classroom and tutoring programs

• Learners needing additional handwriting practice

• Students preparing to begin kanji

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

Every Japanese sentence begins with learning how its sounds live on the page. This workbook turns unfamiliar marks into readable rhythm—one character, one line, and one small victory at a time.

BOOK CONDITION NOTICE

Books may be new or gently used depending on supplier availability. Because this is a workbook, gently used copies may contain writing, completed exercises, highlighting, or other markings. Please review the individual product condition carefully before purchasing.