Ranking Methodology #
The creator evaluates each method based on three specific criteria:
- Real Input: Does it provide natural sentences, phrasing, and real Japanese voices?
- Memory & Progression: Does it help the user build knowledge over time without feeling like they are starting over?
- Engagement: Is it fun and motivating enough to keep the user coming back?
F Tier: The "Fail" Category #
- Google Translate: Ranked as the absolute worst method. It provides an excuse not to learn, lacks context, and often gives sketchy translations.
- Social Media (Instagram/TikTok): While entertaining, these offer no structure for long-term retention and are designed to distract rather than educate.
D Tier: Basic Utilities #
- Gisho: A solid dictionary, but strictly a reference tool rather than a learning method.
- Textbooks (Genki, etc.): Reliable but often boring, expensive, and lack native audio integration. They require high levels of self-discipline.
C Tier: Supplemental or Slow Methods #
- Write It! Japanese: Useful for learning Hiragana and Katakana, but the narrator argues this can be done for free on YouTube in a week.
- Manga: Good for reading practice but insufficient as a primary study method.
- LingoDeer & Babbel: Described as "bootleg Duolingo." They are slow and often only teach very basic "tourist" phrases.
- JLPT Study Apps: Effective for passing exams but often too boring and clinical for those wanting to watch anime or make friends.
- Music/Lyrics: Good for immersion, but lyrics are often too poetic or abstract to be practical for daily conversation.
- ChatGPT: Excellent for grammar explanations and creating custom lessons, but lacks a cohesive learning path on its own.
B Tier: Expensive or Niche Methods #
- Online Tutors (italki/Preply): Highly effective for speaking confidence, but loses points for being the most expensive option ($15+/hour).
- JapanesePod101: A massive amount of content including PDFs and flashcards, though it can be overwhelming to navigate.
- Izakayas (Japanese Pubs): Good for "liquid courage" and social confidence, but an expensive and inefficient way to actually study.
- Dating Apps: Can work for intermediate learners, but often result in the partner wanting to practice English instead.
A Tier: The Power Tools #
- Anime: One of the best ways to hear real Japanese, though it needs to be paired with other techniques to be effective for beginners.
- Anki: The gold standard for SRS (Spaced Repetition System). Powerful, but the high "technical" barrier to entry and lack of fun keep it out of S tier.
- Kanji Apps: Essential for breaking past the intermediate plateau and making visual sense of the language.
- Gaming (VR Chat/Minecraft): Immersive and fun, especially for intermediate learners who can navigate Japanese menus.
- Pimsleur: Highly recommended for beginners to master pronunciation and basic speaking through audio-only lessons.
- Daily Immersion (Thinking in Japanese/Shadowing): Critical habits for reaching fluency, even if they aren't "apps."
S Tier: The "Sugoi" Category #
- Duolingo: Ranked here specifically for absolute beginners. Its gamification is unmatched for building a daily habit in the first month.
- Migaku: Described as a "paid, more powerful version of Anki." It allows users to create flashcards directly from Netflix or YouTube with one click.
- YouTube: The best free resource for lessons, travel videos, and native content.
S+ Tier: The Champion #
- HelloTalk / Lingbe: The best of the best. The narrator credits these language exchange apps for his fluency. They provide real-world accountability, cultural connection, and the motivation of making real Japanese friends who text you every day.
Summary #
The video provides a comprehensive tier list of 24 Japanese learning methods, ranging from automated tools to immersive social experiences. The narrator concludes that while Google Translate is the most detrimental tool for a learner, HelloTalk is the most transformative because it combines real-world application with high social accountability. For technical study, the narrator suggests moving away from Duolingo after the first month and transitioning into high-level tools like Migaku, Anki, and YouTube to achieve true fluency.
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