We've compiled a great list of resources for learning Japanese, from online to in-the-classroom. Each link has its own uniqueness and diversity, such as games, live video feed, pod-casts, application software, and interaction.
Interested in Learning Japanese Language?
Learn Japanese Pod is the premier podcast site for learning how to speak conversational Japanese. This site has been running since 1997. You can download and listen to conversational pod-casts covering topic such as "Isshou ni nomi ni ikanai" or "would like to get a drink." They even have a cool app called Kana Invaders, which helps with learning the Japanese Hiragana and Katakana charaters. Found here: http://learnjapanesepod.com/kana-invaders/index.html
Yes Japan like LearnJapanesePod is an online site that teaches Japanese. However, YesJapan.com is the full course. It covers, assuming you have no experience with Japanese, 5 online courses, full access to professional teachers in case of questions, and its key feature, over 200 videos. It you don't mind staying up late once in awhile, YesJapan has a live video cast two to three times a week around 10pm pacific time. All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter and when they have video-cast, you will be notified.
Rosetta Stone, if you haven't heard, is the number one online learning tool for almost all languages, excluding those that do not exist. Rosetta Stone recently came out with its Version 4 package which includes live face-to-face interaction and assistance from a qualified tutor. Their software can be purchased in 3 modes. You can purchase each level separately, buy the entire language pack and save, or use the new TOTALe ONLINE. The TOTALe version if you have access to the internet is your best solution, as it also comes with the ability to use on mobile devices. - This is the best solution but many people do not use it because it costs a pretty penny. Click on the Title to see more... the TOTALe Online is listed at the bottom of the page.
The last site we come to is Grossmont College. Currently there isn't much information on the Grossmont College website about learning Japanese except for the classes they teach. Use this link: http://www.grossmont.edu/foreignlanguages/japanese.asp. Here at the college we off topics such as: Introductory Japanese, Culture & Civilization, Intermediate, Advanced, and Conversational Japanese in two parts. You can even receive an Associates degree in Japanese. - If you are interested in taking a class, check the current schedule: http://www.grossmont.edu/schedule/ or if you are already a student try the web advisor
Japan-Activator.com is a pretty impressive site when it comes to training your self with the Japanese Characters / Writing styles. There is a lot of free stuff to use on this site.
A key benefit to this site is, it ranks your accomplishments through belt color, like you are in a Karate class.
For android users they have an app in the google play store for free called Ja Sensei.
This app allows you to draw the characters using a touch pad, includs audio training such as quizzes where you say the character.
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