About This Workbook
Context Is Key is designed for learners of Japanese Kanji who want to discover characters in a natural, real-world way. This workbook blends exploration with structure—inviting users to log when, where, and how they encounter each Kanji.
Language is the roadmap of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.
- Rita Mae Brown
The Story Behind This Workbook
Context Is Key was created to support self-learners, classroom students, and anyone curious about Japanese Kanji. Whether you’re just beginning or reinforcing the basics, this workbook offers a fresh, practical approach to language learning—emphasizing discovery through real-world context.
It all began as a personal method for learning Kanji by noticing them on packaging, signs, books, and media. What started as scattered notes and memory aids slowly evolved into a structured system of observation and documentation. Each page in this workbook is designed to help learners recognize patterns, connect meaning with usage, and remember characters more naturally.
Context Is Key helps Kanji feel less intimidating and more familiar—one real-world moment at a time.
Other Resources
- Kanji Note Page (Free PDF) — Log and describe Kanji you encounter.
- 80 Kanji Discovery Grid — Reference the most commonly taught first-year Kanji.
- Coming Soon: Context Is Key Spanish edition
Coming Soon
