✅ WEEK 1 - Preparation Checklist
This is your setup for victory — physical materials, digital tools, and mindset.
📚 1. Core Books & Materials
| 📘 Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Minna no Nihongo I (Main Book) | Main grammar + conversation source |
| Minna no Nihongo I – Translation & Grammar Notes (English) | Explanation of grammar & vocab |
| Minna no Nihongo I – Workbook | Grammar and pattern exercises |
| Shadowing: Let’s Speak Japanese Vol 1 | Pronunciation + speaking muscle training |
| Katakana Chart (print or digital) | Katakana drill and cleanup |
| Notebook (or digital notes) | Sentence practice, journaling, grammar notes |
| Whiteboard or Flashcards (optional) | For vocab or grammar visualization |
💻 2. Apps & Digital Tools
| 📱 Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Anki (with JLPT N5 Core or Tango deck) | Spaced-repetition vocab drilling |
| BunPro.jp | Grammar practice with SRS (start with N5 grammar path) |
| WaniKani (or Anki JLPT Kanji deck) | Kanji learning (10–20 this week) |
| HelloTalk / iTalki / Tandem | Language exchange or tutor for speaking |
| YouTube Channel: Comprehensible Japanese / Nihongo no Mori | Listening practice at your level |
| Google Docs or Notion | Weekly progress journal and grammar tracker |
🎧 3. Audio / Listening Setup
- Minna no Nihongo CD audio files or download them from official publisher's site
- Shadowing audio for “Let’s Speak Japanese”
- Headphones (for focused listening + shadowing practice)
🧠 4. Mindset Prep
| 💬 Area | Action |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Goal Reminder | Write down your 3 goals for this journey (e.g., N2 pass, business Japanese, career in Japan) and put it where you see it daily |
| 📅 Study Schedule | Block 4–5 hours/day on your calendar for Week 1 |
| 🧘♂️ Mental Prep | Tell yourself: This is hardcore. There will be struggle. And I will push through. Set your mindset like an athlete in training. |
| 🫂 Support Network | Tell a friend/family or community you're starting this so you stay accountable |
🧩 Optional but Helpful
- Japanese keyboard on phone & PC
- Discord or Reddit (like r/LearnJapanese) for community
- A printed or PDF JLPT N5 grammar list (from JLPT Sensei or Nihongo-Pro)
Ready to dive in? If you prep all this in the next 2 days, Week 1 will feel like lighting the engines on your Japanese rocket ship 🚀