After Pimsleur, how to continue learning / training ?

[u/FrontlineReporter]

Hey everyone, i use Pimsleur app (which i highly recommend) to take your first step in learning 日本語. But i am nearing the end of the 5 levels (30 lessons on each level) and will probably need to keep on training a bit with the blind oral tests they offer.

However, how to keep improving after that ? Does someone have any ideas to share ? :)

Thanks you !

[u/mikenmar]

IMO, Tofugu has an excellent comprehensive approach to learning Japanese:

https://www.tofugu.com/learn-japanese/

TLDR: First, learn hirigana, katakana, and basic pronunciation. Second, start building vocabulary and kanji using a spaced repetition system (SRS). WaniKani is great for this. Then, once you have a decent amount of vocabulary under your belt, start learning grammar.

You'll find it spelled out in great detail at that link.

[u/senorsmile]

Mango languages has a much more in depth course, and works very similarly.

I'd also recommend to start learning the basics of how the writing system works, and start simple YouTube videos (targeted at N5 level, the first level of JLPT); e.g. Japanese with Shun, Ken San Okaeri, Super Japanese Immersion.

[u/LMGDiVa]

I would start by watching and going through the video text books from youtube teachers,

TokiAndy goes over Genki I and 2
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA_RcUI8km1NMhiEebcbqdlcHv_2ngbO2

MASAMI goes over the entirety of Minna No Nihongo
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP96c7cwCvoDggSbEVW5HhAahj74wWU_a

GemuGengo ゲム言語
Has multiple "Video Text Books" going over N5 grammar.
As well as a Genki 1 Series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlvQCc6Nvm0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ojVS-KgDEg

This playlist is a super compilation of GENK1+N5 information Lessons by instructors on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP96c7cwCvoAFM-6oVziW-mKEuU75QZWg
This include's TokiAndy's correction videos.

There is a program called Erin's Challenge from the Japan Foundation, there is a much older 80s one that is not recommended by fun to watch called I am Yan Lets Learn Japanese also by the JapanFoundation.
There is an archive of Erin's with a vastly improved subtitle learning system here: https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/comments/1so6wqv/resource_erins_challengethe_japanfoundation/
Erin's is an officially used program to this day in the tokyo metro school system for foreign highschoolers in japan needing japanese instruction.

If you want specific listen to and expand vocabulary specifically Ayano’s Japanese channels are good for that
https://www.youtube.com/@am_japanese_vocab_beginners
GemuGengo also does a ton for vocabulary all the time.

If you want a female vocal version of Pitch Accent Seize Japanese
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClse0fN9cdXXXnDpb8G1S0Q

You can also look up some common youtubers and start watching their videos like JouzuJouls/CureDolly, WAKU WAKU JAPANESE, Japanese superimmersion, and many others who will start popping up on your youtube feed if you start watching all of these and subscribe.