Ninja Brain Prep #1 – Learn Japanese Pronunciation

(Estimated Time to Completion: 30 Minutes)

• Read the Pronouncing Japanese section of this guide a few times.
• Keep that information in mind as you proceed to Brain Prep #2.

Ninja Brain Prep #2 – Learn Hiragana & Katakana

(Estimated Time to Completion: 1 Week)

• Get a free app or program for learning hiragana and katakana.
• Learn the reading and pronunciation of every single character.
• Learn to write the characters (recommended, but you don't really need to if you don't feel like it; personally, I never handwrite any Japanese).
• Keep using your chosen app or program every single day until you know all of the characters like the back of your hand.

Ninja Brain Prep #3 – Learn All 2,136 Joyo Kanji

(Estimated Time to Completion: 97 Days)

• Download Anki.
• Download the Nihongoshark.com Kanji Deck.
• Set Anki's preferences.
• Start learning new kanji.
• Repeat new-kanji-learning process 2,131 times.
• Review kanji flashcards every day.