List of free Japanese teaching websites that offer valuable resources for learning Japanese

Below is a list of free Japanese teaching websites that offer valuable resources for learning Japanese, including hiragana, katakana, kanji, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights. These platforms are either entirely free or provide significant free content, as confirmed by available web sources. Each entry includes a brief description, key features, and the website URL. Note that some sites may have premium features, but the focus here is on their free offerings. ### List of Free Japanese Teaching Websites 1. **NHK Easy Japanese** - **Description**: Provided by Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, this is a beginner-friendly course with 48 lessons covering basic Japanese phrases, grammar, and culture. It includes audio, animated videos, and downloadable PDFs and MP3s for offline study. - **Key Features**: - Lessons focus on practical scenarios for daily life. - Personalized progress tracking with "My Haru-san" page. - Free audio and text downloads for personal use. - Available in multiple languages for explanations. - **Website**: [www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/learnjapanese](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/learnjapanese)[](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/en/) - **Notes**: Ideal for beginners, with clear audio and cultural context, but lacks extensive exercises for advanced learners. 2. **JF Japanese e-Learning Minato** - **Description**: Operated by the Japan Foundation, Minato offers a variety of free online Japanese courses, including the Marugoto Japanese Online Course. It focuses on comprehensive language skills and cultural exchange, with interactive content like videos, manga, and quizzes. - **Key Features**: - Courses for A1 and A2 levels based on the JF Standard (aligned with CEFR). - Katsudoo (practical communication) and Rikai (grammar-focused) study paths. - Virtual communities for interacting with global learners. - Free apps like Hiragana/Katakana Memory Hint and Kanji Memory Hint for mnemonic-based learning. - **Website**: [minato-jf.jp](https://minato-jf.jp)[](https://minato-jf.jp/)[](https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/japanese/education/resource/)[](https://www.marugoto-online.jp/info/) - **Notes**: Requires free registration. Best for learners seeking structured courses and cultural insights. 3. **Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese** - **Description**: A straightforward, free resource focusing on Japanese grammar and vocabulary, designed to help learners understand how native speakers think. It avoids overly complex explanations and is ideal for self-study. - **Key Features**: - Covers hiragana, katakana, kanji, and grammar with practical examples. - Free PDF version available for offline use. - Includes dialogues and suggestions for real-world application. - YouTube channel for additional video tutorials. - **Website**: [guidetojapanese.org](https://guidetojapanese.org)[](https://guidetojapanese.org/learn/)[](https://preply.com/en/blog/best-websites-to-learn-japanese/) - **Notes**: Best for grammar enthusiasts and self-learners, but lacks interactive exercises or live tutoring. 4. **Tofugu** - **Description**: A comprehensive resource offering detailed guides on Japanese grammar, vocabulary, hiragana, katakana, and culture. It includes a roadmap for achieving fluency and a database of learning tools. - **Key Features**: - Free guides for learning hiragana and katakana quickly using mnemonics. - Articles on Japanese culture, such as secondhand shopping and yakuza cinema. - Podcast episodes featuring native speakers and cultural insights. - Japanese Learning Resources Database for finding additional tools. - **Website**: [www.tofugu.com](https://www.tofugu.com)[](https://www.tofugu.com/learn-japanese/)[](https://www.fluentu.com/blog/japanese/learn-japanese-websites/)[](https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-learning-resources-database/) - **Notes**: Great for beginners and intermediate learners, but some advanced resources require payment. 5. **Kanshudo** - **Description**: A free platform for learning kanji, vocabulary, and grammar, with a focus on personalized progress tracking. It uses a "Japanese Mastery Level" system and visualizes learning as a journey through Japan. - **Key Features**: - Free flashcards with spaced repetition for kanji and vocabulary. - Kanji Wheel to visualize progress. - Comprehensive Japanese dictionaries and grammar guides. - Free lessons for all levels, with some features capped unless upgraded to Pro. - **Website**: [www.kanshudo.com](https://www.kanshudo.com)[](https://www.kanshudo.com/) - **Notes**: Requires free login. Ideal for kanji learners, with Pro access available for unlimited use. 6. **Nihongo-e-na** - **Description**: A portal by the Japan Foundation dedicated to introducing free online tools and websites for learning Japanese, including dictionaries, apps, and cultural resources. - **Key Features**: - Curates free resources for vocabulary, grammar, and reading. - Includes links to manga-based learning and anime expression quizzes. - Supports learners with tools for nursing and caregiving vocabulary. - **Website**: [nihongo-e-na.com](https://nihongo-e-na.com)[](https://nihongo-e-na.com/) - **Notes**: Best as a directory to discover other free resources rather than a standalone course. 7. **Free Japanese Lessons** - **Description**: A beginner-focused site offering free lessons on hiragana, katakana, kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, with an emphasis on verb conjugation and building sentences. - **Key Features**: - 10 free lessons covering the basics of Japanese. - Teaches how to conjugate verbs and form sentences for fluency. - Simple explanations tailored for English speakers. - **Website**: [freejapaneselessons.com](https://freejapaneselessons.com)[](https://freejapaneselessons.com/) - **Notes**: Great for beginners but limited in scope compared to more comprehensive platforms. 8. **BFF Tokyo** - **Description**: Offers free guides and resources for self-studying Japanese, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening practice, with a focus on natural, conversational Japanese. - **Key Features**: - Free Knowledge Cards with key grammatical concepts. - Blogs and guides on learning through YouTube, apps, and podcasts. - Resources for intermediate and advanced learners, including online readers. - Links to free textbooks and subtitle downloads for study. - **Website**: [learnjapanese.bfftokyo.com](https://learnjapanese.bfftokyo.com)[](https://learnjapanese.bfftokyo.com/learning-japanese-online-for-free/) - **Notes**: Ideal for self-learners seeking diverse resources and cultural immersion. 9. **CosCom** - **Description**: A free resource providing small articles with wordlists, furigana, and translations to help learners expand vocabulary and understand sentence structure. - **Key Features**: - Articles in romaji, kana, or kanji with furigana and translations. - Sentence-by-sentence breakdowns for reading practice. - Free access to basic content, with some features behind a paywall. - **Website**: [coscom.co.jp](https://coscom.co.jp)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/comments/u9ndbe/what_are_free_websites_to_learn_japanese/) - **Notes**: Best for reading practice and vocabulary building, especially for beginners and intermediate learners. 10. **Duolingo (Japanese Course)** - **Description**: A popular, gamified language-learning platform offering free Japanese lessons with a focus on vocabulary and phrases, using a streak-based motivation system. - **Key Features**: - Free lessons on hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. - Interactive exercises like fill-in-the-blanks and multiple-choice. - Mobile app and desktop access for flexible learning. - **Website**: [www.duolingo.com](https://www.duolingo.com)[](https://preply.com/en/blog/best-websites-to-learn-japanese/) - **Notes**: Great for vocabulary but lacks in-depth grammar or speaking practice. Best for beginners. ### Additional Notes - **Completely Free vs. Partially Free**: Most of these websites are entirely free or offer substantial free content (e.g., NHK, Minato, Tae Kim). Some, like Kanshudo and Tofugu, have premium features but provide significant free resources.[](https://www.fluentu.com/blog/japanese/learn-japanese-websites/)[](https://www.kanshudo.com/) - **Learning Focus**: These sites cover various aspects of Japanese learning: - **Hiragana/Katakana**: Tofugu, Kanshudo, Minato, Free Japanese Lessons. - **Kanji**: Kanshudo, Minato, Tofugu, Tae Kim. - **Grammar**: Tae Kim, Minato, NHK, BFF Tokyo. - **Vocabulary and Culture**: NHK, Minato, BFF Tokyo, CosCom. - **Supplementary Resources**: Many sites recommend using additional tools like Anki (free flashcard software) or YouTube channels (e.g., Japanese Ammo with Misa) for enhanced learning.[](https://www.fluentu.com/blog/japanese/learn-japanese-websites/)[](https://www.justonecookbook.com/best-websites-to-learn-japanese/) - **Verification**: Always check the latest course offerings, as some platforms (e.g., Minato) update their content regularly.[](https://minato-jf.jp/) - **Limitations**: Free resources may lack personalized tutoring or advanced exercises. For speaking practice, consider free language exchange platforms like Italki’s community section.[](https://teamjapanese.com/11-of-the-best-websites-for-learning-japanese/)[](https://www.italki.com/en/blog/japanese-learning-websites) If you need guidance on selecting the best site for your level or specific goals (e.g., JLPT preparation, conversational skills), or if you want help with a specific aspect of Japanese (e.g., kanji or grammar), let me know!