Positives The book is widely praised as an exceptionally effective method for learning to recognize and write Japanese kanji, particularly for those who have struggled with traditional rote memorization techniques. Many reviewers highlight the remarkable speed at which they were able to acquire knowledge of over 2,000 kanji, often in a matter of months, which significantly reduces the initial fear and overwhelm associated with the vast number of characters. The core strength lies in its "divide and conquer" approach, focusing solely on meaning and writing by associating each kanji with an English keyword and an imaginative story. This method not only makes the learning process enjoyable and interesting but also builds strong intuition for deconstructing unfamiliar kanji and differentiating between similar-looking characters. Learners report a significant boost in confidence, transforming kanji from mere "scribbles" into understandable components, and many attest to the long-term retention of characters even after breaks in study. The book is frequently recommended for use alongside spaced repetition software and other language learning resources.
Negatives Despite its many advantages, the book receives consistent criticism for its primary limitation: it does not teach kanji readings or pronunciations. This can lead to initial frustration for learners who feel they are not making practical progress in speaking or comprehending spoken Japanese, as they can recognize meanings but not vocalize the words. Some reviewers also found the book's ordering of kanji, which prioritizes mnemonic ease over frequency or grade level, to be "funky," making it less suitable for those not committed to learning all the characters. The mnemonic stories, while generally effective, are occasionally deemed etymologically incorrect by some, and the English keywords chosen by the author can sometimes be obscure, dated, or too similar, requiring additional effort to differentiate. Furthermore, a few users noted that the physical book can be unwieldy, and the method itself is acknowledged as not universally compatible with all learning styles, with some preferring to learn meaning, writing, and pronunciation simultaneously.
Conclusion In conclusion, the overall sentiment towards this book is overwhelmingly positive among those who have successfully utilized its method. It is highly recommended as an essential tool for serious students of Japanese, particularly those who find the sheer volume of kanji daunting or who have struggled with traditional learning approaches. The book excels at providing a solid foundation in kanji recognition and writing, effectively demystifying the characters and building confidence, thereby making the subsequent acquisition of readings and vocabulary significantly easier. It is best suited for beginners who want to tackle kanji systematically before moving on to other aspects of the language, or for intermediate learners seeking a breakthrough in their kanji mastery. However, prospective users should enter with an open mind and patience, understanding that it requires dedication and is a preparatory step that does not immediately enable full reading comprehension or speaking ability, but rather lays the groundwork for it.
