MINNA NO NIHONGO
Since 1998, Minna No Nihongo has guided over two million students to Japanese language mastery through its immersive, structured approach. Our comprehensive textbook series builds a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and practical conversation skills through real-life scenarios, making Japanese accessible to everyone from absolute beginners to advanced learners. Join the global community of successful Japanese speakers who started their journey with us.
Fast Worldwide Shipping
Books ship within 24 hours to over 100 countries, with tracking provided for every order. Most customers receive their materials within 5-10 business days.
Complete Learning System
Every component of our series works together seamlessly. From main textbooks to workbooks, audio materials, and supplementary resources – we’ve created a complete ecosystem for success.
Teacher Approved
Used by thousands of language schools and universities globally. Our methodology is trusted by professional educators for classroom teaching and recommended for self-study.
Free Digital Resources
Access complementary audio files, downloadable practice sheets, and study guides through our online portal with every textbook purchase.
FIND YOUR PERFECT STARTING POINT
Minna No Nihongo: Beginner 1, 2nd Edition (Japanese Edition)
The foundational main textbook written entirely in Japanese with comprehensive grammar and conversation practice. Essential first purchase for all students with included audio CD for pronunciation practice.
Minna No Nihongo Second Edition (Japanese Edition)
The essential English companion to the main textbook providing vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and sentence translations. Crucial for self-study students without a teacher.
Minna no Nihongo II Main Textbook – Second Edition
The continuation main textbook that builds on foundations from Beginner 1, advancing students toward N4 proficiency. Features more complex grammar patterns and expanded vocabulary.
Minna No Nihongo Elementary II Second Edition Translation and Grammar Notes – English
The English companion to the Beginner II main textbook with detailed grammar explanations and translations. Helps students tackle more complex sentence structures independently.
Minna no Nihongo 2nd Edition Beginner vol.1 Bunkei Rensyu Grammar trial book
Dedicated grammar practice workbook with focused exercises for reinforcing patterns from the main textbook. Ideal for students who need additional grammar reinforcement.
Minna No Nihongo Elementary I Second Edition Main Text – Romanized Version
Alternative version of the main Beginner I textbook using romanized text instead of Japanese script. Accessible for complete beginners still learning hiragana and katakana.
![Minna no Nihongo Shokyu [2nd ver] vol. 1 ROMANIZED Ver. Translation & Grammatical Notes English](https://minnanonihongo.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Minna-no-Nihongo-Shokyu-2nd-ver-vol.-1-ROMANIZED-Ver.-Translation-Grammatical-Notes-English-ver.-Paperback-–-February-20-2013.jpg)
Minna no Nihongo Shokyu [2nd ver] vol. 1 ROMANIZED Ver. Translation & Grammatical Notes English
English companion guide for the romanized version of the main textbook. Perfect for absolute beginners who need grammar explanations while learning the writing system.
MINNA NO NIHONGO INTERM. 1 – MANUEL – CD INCLUS
The first intermediate level textbook for students who have completed the beginner series. Features more natural conversational Japanese and advanced grammar concepts.
Minna No Nihongo Elementary I Second Edition Kanji – English Edition
Specialized workbook focusing exclusively on the 220 kanji introduced in the Beginner I level. Teaches kanji through context and familiar vocabulary rather than rote memorization.
Minna No Nihongo Intermediate Level 1 Translation & Grammatical Notes English
English companion guide to the Intermediate I textbook with detailed explanations of more complex grammar. Essential for self-study students advancing beyond beginner level.
Minna no Nihongo : Translation & Grammatical Note 1 Spanish Ver
Spanish version of the companion guide for Spanish-speaking students. Contains the same comprehensive grammar explanations and translations as the English version.
Minna No Nihongo Shokyu 1 Textbook Translation and Grammar Spanish, Hiragana Katakana Chart
Complete package for Spanish speakers including the main textbook, translation guide, and kana charts. All-in-one solution for Spanish-speaking beginners.
Minna No Nihongo Intermediate Level I & II Textbook and Workbook 4-Book Complete Set
Comprehensive intermediate package containing both levels of intermediate textbooks and workbooks. Cost-effective bundle for serious students planning to reach advanced proficiency.
Minna No Nihongo Shokyu 1, 2 Text Translation Grammar English, Hiragana and Basic Expression
Complete beginner package with both level I and II main textbooks, translation guides, and supplementary materials. Perfect all-inclusive set for committed long-term learners.
Minna No Nihongo Shokyu 1, Kanji Workbook, Exercise Book, Sentence Pattern and Hiragana Chart
Comprehensive study kit with main textbook, kanji practice, grammar exercises, and reference charts. Provides a well-rounded approach to all Japanese language skills.
BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK TO LIFE: COMPLETE VIDEO LESSON SERIES
THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND MINNA NO NIHONGO
When 3A Corporation developed Minna No Nihongo in 1998, they revolutionized Japanese language education with a bold approach: creating a main textbook entirely in Japanese. This wasn’t just a teaching choice—it was a philosophy about language acquisition that has since transformed millions of learning journeys.
The developers observed that traditional textbooks with mixed Japanese and English often created dependency on translation rather than true language immersion. By separating the Japanese content (main textbook) from explanations (translation and grammar notes), they crafted a system that gradually weaned students off their native language while building genuine Japanese thinking patterns.
What truly distinguished Minna No Nihongo was its methodical, spiraling approach to grammar and vocabulary. Each new concept built upon previously mastered material, creating a solid foundation that expanded organically. This systematic progression reduced the overwhelming feeling many students experienced with other textbooks.
By 2023, on its 25th anniversary, Minna No Nihongo had become the most widely used Japanese textbook series globally, with translations in over 14 languages. Its second edition modernized vocabulary and scenarios while maintaining the proven pedagogical approach that made it a classic.
When you choose Minna No Nihongo, you’re not just buying a textbook—you’re adopting a proven methodology that has created more successful Japanese speakers than any other system in the world.
VOICES FROM OUR GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY
After trying three different textbooks, Minna No Nihongo finally made Japanese ‘click’ for me. The repetition-based approach felt frustrating at first, but by lesson 10, I realized I was actually thinking in Japanese rather than mentally translating everything. Two years later, I passed JLPT N2 and now work as a translator in Tokyo.
I appreciated finding the translation and grammar notes in my native language. The cultural explanations helped me understand not just the words but the thinking behind Japanese communication. The structured approach matched perfectly with my engineering mindset!
I teach at a language school in Seoul, and we’ve used Minna No Nihongo exclusively for 15 years. What impresses me most is how well it works for different learning styles. Visual learners connect with the illustrations, audio learners benefit from the clear recordings, and the workbooks satisfy those who need to write everything down.
The all-Japanese approach intimidated me initially, but it forced me to think in Japanese from day one. Three months into self-study, I visited Japan and successfully navigated Tokyo using only Japanese. The practical dialogue scenarios actually prepared me for real-life situations!
I’ve collected dozens of Japanese learning resources over the years, but I always return to Minna No Nihongo when tutoring beginners. The logical progression of grammar points and the way vocabulary builds upon itself creates confident speakers faster than any other method I’ve encountered.
Our family relocated to Osaka for work, and Minna No Nihongo became our lifeline. My husband used the business-oriented dialogues, I focused on daily conversation practice, and even our teenagers found the examples relevant. The clear structure made self-study possible despite our hectic relocation schedule.
Product Comparison Table
Different learners have different needs, and Minna No Nihongo offers tailored resources for every stage of your Japanese language journey. This comparison helps you identify which components match your current level and learning style.
| Product | Level | Primary Language | Content Focus | Special Features | Best For | Price Range |
| Minna No Nihongo: Beginner 1, 2nd Edition | JLPT N5 | Japanese Only | Grammar & Conversation | Full immersion, CD included | Classroom or structured study | $ |
| Minna No Nihongo Second Edition | JLPT N5 | English & Japanese | Translation & Grammar | Detailed explanations | Self-study students | $$ |
| Minna no Nihongo II Main Textbook | JLPT N4 | Japanese Only | Advanced Grammar | Progressive difficulty, CD included | Continuing students | $$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Elementary II Translation & Grammar Notes | JLPT N4 | English & Japanese | Grammar Explanation | Complex concept clarification | Independent learners | $$ |
| Minna no Nihongo Beginner vol.1 Bunkei Rensyu | JLPT N5 | Japanese | Grammar Practice | Additional exercises | Extra practice needs | $$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Elementary I Romanized Version | JLPT N5 | Romanized Japanese | Basic Conversation | No Japanese script needed | Absolute beginners | $$ |
| Minna no Nihongo Shokyu ROMANIZED Translation & Grammar | JLPT N5 | English & Romanized | Grammar & Translation | Script-free learning | Writing system beginners | $$ |
| MINNA NO NIHONGO INTERM. 1 with CD | JLPT N3 | Japanese Only | Intermediate Conversation | Natural Japanese, audio included | Advanced students | $$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Elementary I Kanji Workbook | JLPT N5 | Bilingual | Kanji (220 characters) | Context-based learning | Script mastery | $$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Intermediate Level 1 Translation Notes | JLPT N3 | English & Japanese | Advanced Grammar | Detailed explanations | Independent advanced study | $$ |
| Minna no Nihongo Translation & Grammar Spanish Ver | JLPT N5 | Spanish & Japanese | Grammar & Translation | Native Spanish explanations | Spanish speakers | $$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Spanish Complete Set with Charts | JLPT N5 | Spanish & Japanese | Complete Package | All-in-one solution | Spanish-speaking beginners | $$$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Intermediate I & II Complete Set | JLPT N3-N2 | Japanese/Various | Comprehensive Intermediate | Four-book bundle | Committed advanced students | $$$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Shokyu 1, 2 Complete English Set | JLPT N5-N4 | English & Japanese | Full Beginner Course | Two-level package | Long-term committed study | $$$ |
| Minna No Nihongo Shokyu 1 Comprehensive Kit | JLPT N5 | English & Japanese | Multi-skill Development | Writing, reading, grammar focus | Well-rounded beginners | $$$ |
THE MINNA NO NIHONGO LEARNING PHILOSOPHY
What sets Minna No Nihongo apart is not just what it teaches, but how it structures the learning journey. Unlike textbooks that introduce vocabulary alphabetically or by topic, our system carefully builds each lesson on previously mastered material, creating a spiral of knowledge that reinforces earlier concepts while introducing new ones.
The immersive approach—with main textbooks entirely in Japanese—might seem challenging at first, but it was designed based on decades of research into language acquisition. By separating the Japanese content from explanations in your native language, we create a psychological transition toward thinking in Japanese rather than constant mental translation.
Our methodology shines particularly in classroom environments, where teachers can leverage the structured progression to balance four key skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, we’ve carefully designed our translation and grammar notes to make self-study equally effective, with clear explanations and abundant examples.
The practical nature of our dialogues reflects real-life situations you’ll encounter in Japan—from casual conversations with friends to more formal workplace interactions. This practical focus explains why so many language schools preparing students for study abroad or work in Japan choose our materials.
Perhaps most importantly, Minna No Nihongo was created with cultural context in mind. The subtle nuances of Japanese communication—politeness levels, cultural references, and situational appropriateness—are woven throughout, preparing learners not just to speak Japanese, but to communicate effectively within Japanese society.