Welcome to BoostJapaneseTalk Resources! Here you’ll find a collection of tools and sites that support your Japanese studies and everyday learning. These are resources I personally use and recommend because they’ve genuinely worked for me.
Mazii is a dictionary site I’ve been using for years, and I highly recommend it. It’s great not only for looking up word meanings but also for figuring out how to read kanji. If you don’t know a character, you can snap a picture or write it on your phone to quickly find its reading and meaning.
Try Tofugu! I highly recommend this site for all JLPT prep. When I was studying for the JLPT, I used it myself and found it extremely helpful. The site offers clear, beginner-friendly explanations, and it’s focused on JLPT content while also adding cultural context so it doesn’t feel like you’re just memorizing words. It even has a community where you can discuss with other students and teachers.
Looking for an app to use your Japanese in everyday life? I personally recommend the Slowly app! It’s like an international letter-exchange, and there are plenty of Japanese people using it. I’ve been using it for a year and absolutely love it. Unlike other apps, you don’t need to rush to reply — you can take your time without feeling pressured. Through this app, I’ve met many amazing people, and I even met my girlfriend here. I highly recommend Slowly for anyone who wants to practice Japanese and connect with cool Japanese people.
1. Nihongo Somatome / Sou Matome Series
A highly popular choice across JLPT levels (N5–N1), this series offers focused study books in grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening. Designed to be completed in 6 weeks with daily lessons, it’s perfect if you’re aiming for a structured and efficient study plan.
2. Shin Kanzen Master Series
Ideal for those seeking in-depth study, especially at higher JLPT levels. Its grammar books, in particular, offer dense explanations and numerous practice problems, while kanji/vocabulary editions introduce a wide range of JLPT-level terminology—great for students who want mastery through repetition.
3. TRY! JLPT Series
A lighter, accessible alternative covering N5–N3 levels. These books are compact and exam-specific, which makes them very beginner-friendly for those just getting started with JLPT prep.
4. Official JLPT Practice Workbooks
Published by the makers of the test itself, these workbooks come with CDs and give you authentic practice with real-format listening and reading sections. They’re extremely useful for familiarizing yourself with the test structure and pacing.
5. Goukaku Dekiru Series
Highly recommended for N5 and N4, this book packs loads of mock tests and drills. It’s perfect for building stamina and awareness of test timing through realistic practice—a solid choice if you need extra simulated exposure to exam conditions.
