Genki Workbook Volume 1, 3rd edition (Genki (1)) (Multilingual Edition) (English and Japanese Edition)

The Genki Japanese learning system is one of the best structured and beginner-friendly resources out there for anyone serious about learning Japanese. I’ve used the three major brands, and Genki is the one I would recommend over others. The pace is a bit slower than Nakama, but it feels like the foundation it lays is much stronger.What I love:Clear Explanations: Grammar points are broken down in an approachable, logical way. Each lesson builds nicely on the last, and it doesn’t assume too much up front.Dialogues & Vocabulary: The situational conversations are practical and written with everyday usage in mind. You’re not just memorizing random phrases, you’re learning context.Audio & Workbook Integration: The CDs/audio files and workbooks add huge value. Listening to native pronunciation and practicing through written exercises really reinforces the material.Kana/Kanji Progression: You’ll be reading and writing hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji steadily. The pacing feels manageable and motivating.A few things to keep in mind:Somewhat Dated Scenarios: The textbook scenarios (college life, landlines, etc.) can feel a bit old-fashioned, though they still teach useful language structures.Best with a Teacher or Structure: While great for self-study, Genki shines most when paired with a class or tutor, since it follows a very academic layout.Workbook Sold Separately: To get the full experience (and practice), you’ll need to buy the accompanying workbook, which adds to the cost. This is fairly standard for across the three major Japanese textbooks, but is still something to keep in mind.Overall, Genki is a fantastic investment if you're serious about learning Japanese in a structured and well-supported way. It’s comprehensive, well-paced, and leaves you with a strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking, and listening

I’m really glad I got this because it helps reinforce things you reviewed into the textbook to test your knowledge. If you’re scared of not getting the answers right you can buy an answer book separately that covers BOTH textbook and workbook exercises (both Orange (v1.) and green (v2.) workbook and textbook.)

I should've known this was a workbook and not the textbook! It is very detailed and looks like it would work great with the textbook though

The workbook has really helped me in journey to understanding Japanese. I would recommend it!

I started using Genki Volume 1 on the recommendation of my Japanese language teacher, who mentioned that this textbook is widely used in language schools across Japan. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The book is structured in a way that makes learning accessible and engaging, with clear explanations, practical examples, and a well-balanced approach to both grammar and vocabulary. Each chapter builds on the last, which has really helped me progress smoothly and confidently. I’ve found the exercises especially helpful in reinforcing key concepts and providing plenty of practice with real-world applications. This book has been a fantastic resource, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build a strong foundation in Japanese.

Overall good quality and easy to understand. However I did not realize that the answer key was sold separately. Perhaps I missed that detail in the description for this and the textbook

Great book to learn Japanese! I like how tiny and compact it is for on the go studying! Pairs well with the Anki app!

Nice 👍