Should I learn basic Japanese conversation and literacy skills in advance? What are some recommended learning resources?

Hello! Reading your question feels like looking at my past self preparing for Japan. As someone who's been through it, I can tell you with absolute certainty:

About whether to learn Japanese in advance: My answer is – Absolutely necessary!

Don't hesitate, start learning now! This is definitely one of the most valuable investments you can make before going to Japan. Why do I say that?

Solving "Survival" Issues: Imagine you've just landed, go to a convenience store to buy a bento, but can't even say "How much is this?" (これはいくらですか？ Kore wa ikura desu ka?). Pretty awkward, right? Or going to the city hall (区役所, kuyakusho) to register your residence card, facing a pile of forms and explanations you can't understand – it's incredibly frustrating. Learning a little beforehand means you won't be completely lost handling these basic daily tasks.
Significantly Boosts Quality of Life and Happiness: Knowing some Japanese lets you read menus instead of blindly pointing at pictures every time. You can understand street signs and subway directions without relying solely on Google Maps. You can even have simple conversations with neighbors or shop staff. That feeling of "I can handle this" helps you settle in faster and reduces the initial loneliness and frustration.
Paves the Way for Future Learning: If you plan to study Japanese systematically once in Japan, mastering the kana (hiragana & katakana) and some basic vocabulary and sentence patterns beforehand will make your start at language school much smoother. While others are struggling to memorize the characters, you can already start practicing conversations. The learning efficiency is completely different.
Safety Net: In case of an emergency – like needing to go to the hospital when sick, or reporting something lost at the police station – being able to describe the situation in simple Japanese will give you much more peace of mind.

In short, learning even just the basics – greetings like "hello," "thank you," "how much?" – can shift your initial experience in Japan from "hard mode" to "normal mode."

What learning resources do I recommend?

Don't worry, there are tons of resources available now. I'll categorize them so you can choose based on your preferences and habits.

1. Building the Foundation: Comprehensive Textbooks

These are essential for systematic learning. Pick one set and study it diligently.

"Minna no Nihongo" (みんなの日本語)
- Features: A very classic textbook. Comprehensive content with a solid grammar system. Used by many language schools.
- Best for: Those who want to learn grammar systematically and rigorously.
- Tip: Can be a bit dry; best paired with an app or video lessons.
"Shin Nihongo no Kiso" / "New Standard Japanese" (新标准日本语 - Shinnihongo no Kiso)
- Features: One of the most popular textbooks in China. Co-compiled by China and Japan, very friendly for Chinese learners. Lesson content is also quite practical and life-oriented.
- Best for: Self-learners starting out, those who want explanations in Chinese.
"Genki" (げんき)
- Features: Extremely popular in the West. Lively and fun content with lots of conversation practice and cultural notes. Focuses more on practicality.
- Best for: Those who prefer a relaxed, lively learning atmosphere.

My Advice: Choose just one; don't try to use them all. Finishing the first volume (Elementary I) of any one textbook will give you a very solid foundation.

2. Learn Anywhere, Anytime: Mobile Apps

Great tools for learning in bite-sized chunks!

Duolingo
- Features: Gamified learning. Complete a few levels daily to easily remember basic words and sentences.
- Best for: Absolute beginners, building interest. Don't rely only on this, as it doesn't explain grammar much.
HelloTalk
- Features: A language exchange platform. Find Japanese friends to teach each other your languages.
- Best for: After learning some basics, when you want real practice speaking and typing. One of the most effective ways to improve speaking! Be bold, don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Anki / Memrise (or apps like Moji/墨墨背单词)
- Features: Use "spaced repetition" – a super effective method for memorizing kana, vocabulary, and kanji readings. Make your own flashcards or download pre-made decks.
- Best for: Efficiently memorizing kana, vocabulary, and kanji readings.

3. Tune Your Ears & Practice Speaking: Audio/Video Resources

Language is for listening and speaking, so this is essential.

JapanesePod101
- Features: Podcast-style lessons at different levels. Very practical content like ordering food, asking directions, renting an apartment. Hosts explain in English/Japanese, making it easy to understand.
- Best for: Practicing listening comprehension, learning practical dialogues for different situations.
NHK EASY JAPANESE NEWS (やさしい日本語ニュース)
- Features: "Easy Japanese" news from NHK. Slow speech, simple vocabulary, kanji have furigana (reading aids), and includes audio.
- Best for: After learning basics, starting to engage with real-world content to improve reading and listening.
Watch Anime & Japanese Dramas
- Features: Learn while having fun!
- Tip: Start with slower-paced, everyday life shows like Chibi Maruko-chan or Shirokuma Cafe. Use Chinese/Japanese subtitles at first, gradually switch to only Japanese subtitles, and try shadowing (repeating after the characters). A great way to develop "language sense."

4. First Step to Reading/Writing: Kana (Hiragana & Katakana)

This is the Japanese "alphabet" – absolutely crucial! You must know it inside out.

Search "Hiragana" or "Katakana" on Bilibili/YouTube: Tons of teaching videos, many are fun (like "Kana songs"). Sing along a few times and you'll remember.
Mobile Apps: Many apps specifically for practicing kana. Search and find one; use mini-games for repetitive practice.

One Final Piece of Advice

Don't Be Greedy, Take It Slow: Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Sticking to 15-30 minutes daily is far more effective than cramming for hours once a week.
Set Lower Initial Goals: Your initial goal isn't "fluent conversation," but "can read a menu," "can ask for directions," "can buy things." Breaking the big goal into small tasks feels more achievable and rewarding.
Don't Be Shy About Making Mistakes: Whether chatting on an app or once you're in Japan, speak up! It's okay to make mistakes. Japanese people are generally very kind and will try hard to understand you, often even correcting you nicely.

Hope this information helps! Preparing in advance means you can start enjoying your wonderful new life in Japan much faster once you arrive. Ganbatte (Good luck)!