This page is meant to help you evaluate which of the grammar resources referenced in the KLC Graded Reading Sets is/are most suitable for your particular situation. It also lists how many “grammar glosses” refer to each one.

·      “DJG”: A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar. This series is by far the most comprehensive resource of its kind and also has the most references within the grammar glosses (606). If you are serious about learning Japanese, you should acquire this series without hesitation. On the other hand, if you have your hands full with a regular textbook and have not yet committed to studying Japanese in earnest, you might pass on this hefty three-volume set for now.

·      “Marx”: Speak Japanese in 90 Days. This series has the second most references within the grammar glosses (186), mainly for patterns at the elementary and lower intermediate levels. It is designed to help independent learners get the lay of the land, with the aid of romaji transliterations for those who find that useful in the early stages. It also has a particular focus on vocabulary nuances and patterns encountered in everyday speech.

·      “Tobira”: Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese. Tobira (a single, intermediate-level volume) has the third most references within the grammar glosses (134). Wait on Tobira until after finishing an elementary level sequence such as Genki, Marx, or similar. For those who make the investment in the full DJG series, Tobira may be superfluous, although it offers a different take on many of the patterns covered in DJG, and its own set of useful sample sentences for each pattern.

·      “Genki”: Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, 2nd Edition. Genki is an engaging, full-service elementary textbook set designed for classroom use. It is also used by many for independent study, but for self-study purposes is rather pricey. For a less expensive self-teaching guide, consider the Marx series. The grammar glosses refer to Genki 119 times.