We have been waiting a few months (funabin/sea mail takes a long time!) for a new beginners textbook to arrive. 50 Keys to Opening the New World of Japanese was highly recommended by a very good customer a few months back. After talking with the author we decided to stock the textbook. It arrived a few days ago.

HORRORS UPON HORRORS
The problem is customs really did a number on the box. The shipping company packed the books well with bubble wrap for every five books and then wrapped all books pretty well. But when it got here most of the bubble wrap was gone and the books were loose. The box (what’s left of it) was in pieces.

While the books are basically in good condition, about half of the books had a broken CD. The publisher will send me new CDs to replace them, though.

Today we are starting to sell the books that had a good CD. The corners are roughed up a little, (see picture for the worst example) but it isn’t too bad. Still, it kind of loses that ‘new book’ feel to see the upper and lower corner buffed like that.

If you are looking for a comprehensive beginners textbook using Romaji, this may be an excellent choice. I don’t recommend relying on romaji too much even at the very beginning stages, but for businessmen, travelers, and those who have no intention to learn written Japanese, this textbook sounds great.

‘50 Keys to Opening the New World of Japanese’ is a complete Japanese language course for English speakers commencing or returning to Japanese study; examples are in roma-ji. As the title suggests, this text breaks down fifty of the most important Japanese lessons into manageable keys. 50 Keys provides an excellent grounding in everyday and business Japanese through clear examples and grammar explanations written specifically for English speakers.

All materials are in one publication (Grammar, vocabulary, exercises and a CD for listening practice). Instead of buying several books and CDs, use this book for your complete beginner’s course.

50 Keys to Opening the New World of Japanese

Regular $36
Damaged new books: $29.80 (17% off)