Customer Reviews

Power Japanese (Jewel Case)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I began studying Japanese on my own in 1997. I found that around 90% of the self-study aids were entirely useless. But Power Japanese is markedly different, and it still stands out as the absolute best tool for self-taught Japanese that I have ever found. I still personally recommend it for anyone starting out in the language, or even those who have already taken a beginners' class. Though I used an older version in 1998, this particular one is upgraded mostly to work better on current machines.

Power Japanese teaches you kana (phonetic characters) very, very quickly, and introduces vocabulary to help you retain how to read (the most critical step that many books lack). It introduces that vocabulary while helping you learn sentence structure to give you a grasp on basic Japanese grammar. It does this while using an easy graphical interface to the point where learning all the basics doesn't even seem like a chore. In all, this is a necessity if you are just starting out learning Japanese; and it's a lifesaver if you're unsure where to even begin. KF

I don't have this version of the software, but the previous version can really teach you to read and write kana. I have tried a lot of language software and books that did not work for me. If you follow this program, you will be able to read and write the Japanese phonetic language. It won't give you a lot of vocabulary, but you will be able to sound out Katakana and Hirgana. You also won't be able to actually read Japanese since many chinese characters (Kanji)are also used in written Japanese, but it is agreat start.

IMO working through every module of this program will take 4-6 weeks so $50 is a pretty good deal. However some of the sentences taught are iffy: "Kanai udon desu." This translates to "My wife is a noodle." The graphics are nothing to write home about but the kana drills are excellent because they really force you to make fine (aural) distinctions between similar sounding kana. Overall Im satisfied with this purchase but wish they would: 1) upgrade their 1980s graphics 2) use correct grammar 3) choose more relevant (to every day life) katakana example words

The psycology or approach of the "Lessons" is excellent but the programmer was sloppy. The S/W introduces you to the Kana characters pronouncing each and has the option to draw for you each character. Where there might be similarities the S/W shows both Kana for your comparison. The S/W then tests your knowledge of the Kana, writen and verbal.
My low rating is against the programming. I had to install it a second time. The first time The S/W called a different font than the Kana fonts. it did not have the Kana font up on "Typed" pages but a roman font which did not make sense in either language. Also, On some pages, primarily intoductions or side bars, a few characters or highlights are out of place.

I'm running on Windows XP and the language program does not work correctly every time I shut down. In order to see the kana characters I have to reinstall the program all over again. The manufacturer needs a fix for this asap. Without being able to see the kana characters the program is totally useless. Any help with a fix for this would be greatly appreciated. Unless there's a fix, I would not buy this program.

Have been using this for 2/3 weeks and was satisfied - not deliriously - but not unhappy - until tonite when it decided to no longer present the Kana but a jumble of Western characters where the Kana should be. Program now useless.

Konnichiwa! Mainichi Nihongo renshu to benkyo shimasu. Watashi no tomotachi wa nihonjin desu.

Hello! I practice and study Japanese everyday. My friend is Japanese. I've been studying Japanese and I love it. I really love this software because I'm teaching myself how to read it. It takes a lot of practice and time to study.

Sayonara! Gamatte kudasai! Bye! Good luck!

I bought the program and started using it not too long ago on my vista (It actually works thus far). I had already taken a japanese beginners course but hadn't gotten enough practice and forgot everything I learned. Although it was easier for me to pick it up it's pretty easy to pick up none the less. The only thing I have against this program is the visual appeal. It's not so great and some might feel it to be dull.... but than again one didn't buy this for looks. It's worth it.

I wanted to use my pc to learn Japanese so that I could have audio and visual lessons at the same time. The first thing that bothered me about lessons I've tried is the use of Romanji. I thought it was be easier to use English phonetics to sound out Japanese. With Power Japanese, I found it makes much more sense to learn the sounds that go with the kana symbols (they start with hiragana). I already had Kana Pictographix Kana Pict-O-Graphix: Mnemonics for Japanese Hiragana and Katakana(using mnemonics to learn had been my learning style in school), a great complement to this product. The lessons point out the mistakes English speakers make when learning pronunciation (like su is said more like the Si in silk, rather than 'sue'). Then you move to the section that has you pronounce what you see with a 'playback' button and definition button for the word. The next screen has you type the hiragana based on what you think you heard. It keeps score and reminds you take take breaks every 20 minutes (to avoid cramming). I've only begun using this software, and I see no need to look for others. (*I should also note that I use the above mentioned Kana Pictographix, Pimsleur audio lessons, and Japanese films [not anime] together to learn Japanese-approaching from every angle). Hope this helps you in your search.

This is an excellent program at a great price. I have used it before and remember when it cost over $200.00. So I am more than please with the purchase.