JAPANESE FROM ZERO!


The JAPANESE FROM ZERO! series stands out among other Japanese textbooks on the market. It feels like the definitive learning material for English speakers, created by English speakers, and tailored for their needs. This unique series was written by George Trombley, a former American simultaneous interpreter, along with his Japanese wife, Yukari Takenaka. 


By the time learners complete the fifth book, they can expect to reach an N4 level of proficiency, though the series doesn’t focus on exam preparation. Instead, it prioritizes the most effective methods for understanding grammar, building vocabulary, and applying them in real communication. 


George also offers clear and humorous explanations of various grammar points on his YouTube channel, which are closely aligned with the textbook content.

 

Target Learners

As the title suggests, this series is designed for English-speaking learners starting Japanese from scratch. It works well in group setting or one-on-one private lessons, but it’s also ideal for beginners who want to study slowly and carefully on their own. While it may not suit learners aiming to cram for exams in a short period, it’s the perfect textbook for those who want to enjoy learning at their own pace over a longer period.  

 

Textbook Structure

The JAPANESE FROM ZERO! series consists of five volumes and, compared to other main stream textbooks, takes a more gradual approach, allowing for a deeper dive into each topic at a slower pace. It also follows a structural syllabus, where grammar is progressively built upon.


Each lesson begins with an overview of the lesson’s objectives, followed by new vocabulary, phrases, and cultural notes, before moving on to grammar explanations. After practicing responses and reading comprehension, learners in Volume 1 focus on hiragana, while katakana is introduced in Volume 2. Kanji begins to appear from Volume 3 onwards. Unlike many typical textbooks that require separate workbooks, this series integrates all drills and exercises within the main textbook. Learners can even practice writing characters directly in the book, with answers to the exercises provided at the end of each lesson.  


The sequence in which grammar points are introduced also differs slightly from that of mainstream textbooks, and they are structured in a way that is easy for learners to follow, based on a unique perspective. 


One of the most distinctive aspects of this series is the method of introducing hiragana and katakana, which the author calls the Progressive System. For example, the five characters ‘あいうえお ‘ are introduced in the first lesson of Volume 1, and starting on the very next page, only these five characters are replaced with their hiragana equivalents in place of romaji, such as ‘あka’, ‘うshi’ and ‘おkaあsan’. Hiragana is gradually introduced throughout the five volume, with five characters per lesson. In Volume 2, katakana is introduced in a similar manner.


Audio

There is no accompanying audio for the words and sentences in the textbook.


Workbook

The workbook is integrated into the textbook, allowing learners to write directly within its pages.


Strengths

  • Enable beginners to progress at a comfortable and manageable pace
  • Content is engaging andenjoyable
  • For those seeking more in-depth learning, the author’s YouTube channel provides detailed explanations of each grammar point

 Weakness

  • For beginners who have already mastered hiragana and katakana, the Progressive System’s mixed use of romaji and kana might be difficult to read
 

My thoughts

Personally, I love this distinctive series. While other mainstream textbooks carefully balance the four language skills, emphasize communication, and even prepare learners for the JLPT, JAPANESE FROM ZERO! adopts a more laid-back approach, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. It offers a refreshingly relaxed experience, focusing on gradual learning without the any kind of pressure. Ultimately, if you study the series thoroughly up to Volume 5, reaching an N4 level is highly likely. However, the series takes a completely different approach — it’s crafted without any focus on external factors like the JLPT or the use of unnatural example sentences typical of language textbooks. Instead, it carefully presents what learners truly need, in the order they need it. To me, this approach reflect a sense of thoughtfulness. 


The vocabulary and phrases introduced in JAPANESE FROM ZERO! also take a unique approach. They are very much rooted in everyday language — these are the common words that we, as native Japanese speakers, naturally use in daily conversations. The same goes for the phrases. There are no forced phrases simply brought in to fit a grammar point. Insteard, the author arranges words and phrases in a wat that allows learners to communicate naturally in Japanese from early stages.


Another distinctive feature of this textbook is the strong presence of the author throughout. For example, in Volume 5, there is a full page where he shares his thoughts on whether grammar or vocabulary is more important. This is just one example of how the author’s teaching philosophy is woven into the entire series.


I also recommend the author’s YouTube channel. As a Japanese language teacher, I have found it incredibly helpful for learning how to explain concepts to English speakers in the clearest and simplest way possible.


Whether George and his wife, Yukari, created this textbook entirely on their own or had uncredited assistance, it’s genuinely impressive. If they developed the entire series independently, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. 


This textbook series is highly recommended, especially for learners who want to study independently at their own pace.