LLearn Japanese

Confirming my Japanese study plan for April trip to Fukuoka (focus on conversation, not JLPT). Part 2!

  • September 25, 2025

Hi everyone,

I posted a few days ago about preparing for a trip to Fukuoka in April, where I’ll attend a Japanese school. My goal is conversational survival Japanese (A1–A2 level), not JLPT exams. After reading your advice, I’ve adjusted my plan. I need something concrete but not overloaded, with a mix of apps and structured study.

Constraints:

  • ADHD, so I need daily structure and tools that keep me engaged.
  • I can dedicate 60-90 minutes per day.
  • I prefer 2–3 tools max, not a dozen.
  • Focus is listening + speaking, not heavy grammar.

Updated plan (October–March):

  • Core listening/speaking practice: Pimsleur (30 min daily). Active listening + repeating out loud to build automatic responses.
  • Study path (choose one):
    • Wagotabi (30 min daily, gamified, with grammar in context), or
    • Genki I (if Wagotabi doesn’t click after a week). Target: 1 lesson every 6–7 days, focusing on speaking drills, not just written exercises.
  • Support tool: Anki (15–20 min daily), but only with sentences I’ve actually used in Pimsleur, Wagotabi/Genki, or with my Italki tutor. No random lists.
  • Speaking practice: After a couple months, 2–3 Italki/Preply sessions per week (30 min each). Focus only on survival conversation (restaurants, shops, directions).

Weekly extras:

  • 1 relaxed input session (podcast, drama, anime slice-of-life). No notes, just exposure.
  • Sunday review: recap hardest phrases in Anki + repeat 1–2 Pimsleur lessons.

Why this structure?

  • Keeps it down to 2 main tools + Anki.
  • Prioritizes listening and speaking, which multiple commenters said is essential for daily life in Japan.
  • Leaves Marugoto for the school in April (since it’s designed for group exercises).
  • Avoids overwhelming myself with too many resources.

Target outcome by April:

  • Handle introductions, shopping, ordering food, simple small talk.
  • Reach a solid A1–A2 conversational level before school starts.

Question:
Does this path make sense for my goal? Are Pimsleur + Wagotabi/Genki + Anki a realistic combo for 6 months of daily practice?

Thanks in advance, as your feedback last time was really helpful!

by InsaneGoblin