TOBIRA Beginning Japanese

The textbooks “Tobira I” and “Tobira II”, meaning ‘door,’ are relatively new, having been introduced in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Interestingly, the ‘Tobira series’ started with the intermediate-level textbook “Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese Learning Through Content and Multimedia”, which was published in 2009, even before the beginner versions. As new textbooks, they are appealing for their inclusion of topics and vocabulary that match the rapidly changing modern society. Upon completing “Tobira I”, students are expected to reach an N5 level, and by the end of “Tobira II”, an N4 level. The textbooks are also known for their luxurious and colorful design, as well as their high-quality paper.



Target Learners


The main target learners are university students and working professionals at the beginner level. The textbook is most beneficial for English speakers. The supplemental online materials are particularly well-equipped, with flipped classroom videos for each lesson, where all explanations, including grammar, are provided in English. The explanations within the textbook itself are also in English, making it an ideal resource for serious learners who want to study thoroughly.

 

 Structure of the textbooks

 

All sorts of information are densely packed onto the pages, with a wealth of linguistic and cultural information that is almost impeccable in its comprehensiveness. 


Regarding the script, hiragana is introduced in Lesson 0 of “Tobira I”, and in Lesson 1, both hiragana and katakana come with romaji (Roman alphabet). In Lesson 2, katakana is introduced, with romaji provided, but romaji for hiragana are removed. From Lesson 3 onward, kanji is introduced, with 139 characters covered in “Tobira I”.


Each lesson begins with a checklist on the first page, where learners confirm the goals of what they will learn and be able to do. Next, a dialogue constructed with new vocabulary and grammar introduced in the lesson is presented. The dialogues often include phrases used by the younger generation today. This is followed by pages dedicated to the new vocabulary, and notably, over 70 new words per lesson are introduced with accompanying illustrations across two pages— this level of detail is unparalleled. The same vocabulary is then listed again on the following two pages, organized by part of speech and with the pitch accent indicated above each word. Then, the introduction of 14 to 18 new kanji characters, a detailed explanation of the grammar exercises, and reading and listening activities are followed.  　

Verbs are introduced starting in Lesson 2.

 

 Audio

Audio materials and instructional videos designed for use in a flipped classroom are available for free on the website for the textbook.

 

Workbook

There are two workbooks available for both “Tobira I” and “Tobira II”, which are designed to align with the textbooks. These workbooks help reinforce and further develop what has been learned in the textbooks. The workbooks are fairly extensive as well.


Strengths

  • Truly comprehensive textbooks that cover everything necessary for beginners.
  • Clear and easy to understand, with colourful photos and illustrations throughout.
  • As newly published textbooks, the topics are up to date.
  • Each lesson has clearly defined goals.
  • The supplemental materials available on the accompanying website are extensive, and the lessonvideos can be used for preparation.

 

Weaknesses

  • Due to the large amount of information packed into each page, the text size is relatively small.
  • The sheer volime of information may be overwhelming for beginners.

 

Summary and My Impressions

 

This textbook clearly reflects an energetic intention to go beyond existing beginner-level textbooks. I don’t think there’s another textbook that includes this much information. Moreover, each element is presented with great care, conveying a strong sense of sincerity. The four language skills are covered in a well-balanced manner, with each treated in depth—almost like a specialized textbook for each skill—accompanied by well-developed practice exercises. It’s well-suited for university classes with structured schedules or for group lessons aimed at working adults.


That said, for self-learners, the sheer volume of information may be overwhelming unless they are highly self-motivated. In any case, if used effectively, this textbook has the potential to help learners reach their fullest potential.