The title of this textbook series clearly reflects its mission. These are introductory Japanese textbooks that serve as a reliable companion for ‘busy learners’ who prioritize maximum time efficiency. 

Since its first edition was published in 1984, this best-selling series has gained immense popularity, particularly in North America, and has undergone several revisions, with the fourth edition released in 2022. 

The series consists of three volumes, each accompanied by a workbook. Upon completing all three volumes, learners will have achieved Japanese proficiency equivalent to the JLPT N4 level.

Target Learners

The series is primarily aimed at working adults who are learning Japanese almost from scratch. These are often highly determined learners who, despite their busy schedules, manage to find time to study and stay motivated as they strive to master the new language. Additionally, since all grammar explanations and instructions are provided in English, it’s ideal for learners who understand English. The series is also suitable for self-learners.

Textbook Structure

Japanese for Busy People (JBP) is a  textbook series based on a structural syllabus, a language teaching approach in which the content is organized around grammatical structures and sentence patterns.

JBP uses a main character named Mr. Smith, an American who works in Tokyo and learners will study Japanese through his interactions at work and his life in Japan.   

Each lesson in the first volume is structured as follows: target dialogue, grammar, vocabulary, exercises, listening comprehension, and speaking practice. By completing all of the exercises, learners will gain a full understanding of the target dialogue. The grammar explanations are kept very concise, focusing only on the essentials. The series places a strong emphasis on pattern practice, where learners thoroughly drill the key sentence structures introduced in each lesson using newly introduced vocabulary. This approach is designed to ensure efficient mastery of the material in a short amount of time.

From the second volume onward, the material becomes more extensive, following a sequence that includes grammar, exercises, vocabulary, phrases, speaking practice, listening exercises, and reading comprehension. However, learners who have firmly established their foundation with the first volume should find it manageable. Additionally, some pages introduce aspects of Japanese culture and current events related to the themes of each unit, using photos and text, as well as sections that cover casual spoken language. While there is an emphasis on balancing all four language skills, there are relatively few activities specifically focused on developing communication abilities. 

One unique aspect of JBP is that the first volume is available in two versions: “Kana”and “Romanized”. In the “Kana” version, the entire content is written solely in hiragana and katakana, except for translations and grammar explanations, while the ‘Romanized’ version uses only romaji.

In the “Kana” version, learners are expected to read kana from the very first lesson though textbook does not provide instructions on how to read or write kana. Therefore, learners who are starting from scratch and wish to learn kana reading and writing should consider using a separate workbook specially designed for that purpose.   

One of the first things to tackle when learning Japanese in memorizing hiragana and katakana. However, for busy professionals who may struggle to find time or feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of Japanese characters, the Romanized version can help ease that burden. That said, please note that there is no Romanized version available for the second and third volumes. Additionally, kanji is introduced from the second volume onward, but furigana ( reading aids ) are provided.  

Audio 

The Audio can be downloaded for free from the Kodansha USA website.

Workbook

Each of the three volumes has a separately sold workbook that can be used for summarizing or reviewing each lesson. 

The workbook for the first volume includes exercises and listening activities that correspond to the vocabulary and grammar points of each lesson. However, it is entirely in romaji, and unfortunately, there is no kana version available for the workbook of the first volume.

The workbooks for the second and third volumes contain vocabulary, grammar, and listening exercises, as well as short reading comprehension passages.

There is also a separate workbook available for learning hiragana and katakana.

Strengths

• It covers all the essential topics for beginner-level Japanese, but thanks to its concise explanations and targeted exercises, learners don’t feel overwhelmed.
• The structure is gentle and manageable, making it easy for busy professionals to follow at their own pace.
• The material is clear and straightforward, without being overloaded with too much information.

Weakness   

• The fact that Workbook I is only in romaji is disappointing for those who want to practice in kana.

My thoughts

JBP was the first Japanese textbook I used when I become a teacher (and I still use it in certain classes today), so I have a special attachment to the series. However, the third edition I used at the time, while beneficial for not overwhelming students with too much information, felt somewhat “too light”. To help my students gain a deeper understanding, I often found myself pulling exercises from other textbooks or creating my own activities to fill the gaps. As a new teacher unfamiliar with other Japanese textbooks, this simplicity in the third edition ultimately led me to discover a variety of other textbooks available on the market.

Getting back to the point, while I do have a personal attachment to the series, I never felt any real excitement or sense of vibrancy from it. I used it simply because it was the textbook assigned by the school, without much thought or sentiment. That is, until I picked up the fourth edition. 

In 2022, I opened the fourth edition, read through it, and used it in my class — and I was genuinely impressed. The depth of the content had increased significantly. Each lesson is thoughtfully designed to ensure that learners not only grasp the grammar points but also apply them in speaking, reading, and listening. With the addition of the newly revised workbook, there was no longer any need to supplement it with materials from other sources.

The fourth edition is not just a minor update; it’s a significantly expanded and enhanced version. Yet, it retains its signature feature of not overwhelming learners with too much information, keeping it approachable and non-intimidating. JBP has mastered the delicate balance of offering just the right amount of content, ensuring that busy learners don’t feel like it’s “too much”.

Lastly, I’d like to address the Romanized version, which is only available for the first volume. Are there any other textbooks, aside from JBP, that are entirely written in romaji? I’ve always encouraged my students to opt for the Kana version whenever possible. Without learning the Japanese characters, students will eventually hit a ceiling in their studies. If they want to advance, mastering hiragana and katakana is crucial, and it’s best to get that out of the way early on. Furthermore, the Romanized version has the disadvantage of making it easier for students to develop an English accent when reading aloud, due to the reliance on the Roman alphabet. I’ve never fully understood the purpose of the Romanized version.

Lately, however, I’ve found myself thinking, “Wait a minute.” In the adult classes I teach, there are a few retired students who now spend their free time learning Japanese. For older English speakers, encountering Japanese characters for the first time can be quite a challenge. Of course, the world that opens up after overcoming that hurdle is vastly different from the one where you don’t —that’s understandable. But what if their goal is simply to finish the first volume of JBP? What if their aim is just to enjoy learning Japanese as a hobby? What if they start with the Romanized version and decide what to do next afterwards? After all, you won’t know how far you’ll go in learning Japanese until you give it a try.

I’ve recently come to understand that the Romanized version is a supportive tool for learners in that situation. There is no need to view as a “cop-out”.

In any case, whether it’s the Kana or Romanized version, JBP is an exceptionally learner-friendly textbook that lowers the barriers to entry as much as possible and offers a broad, welcoming approach to students. It may feel somewhat easygoing, but by the time you’ve complete all three volumes, you’re sure to have gained significant proficiency.