Ideal for: Beginning. Published in Japan, Genki gives a beginning student of Japanese a solid grounding in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, throughout its 23 lessons. Packed with easy-to-understand grammar explanations, a variety of exercises full of illustrations, and scenes taken from everyday life, the lessons will have students enjoying the often tedious beginning stage of Japanese-language learning and will enable them to acquire a well-balanced ability to communicate in elementary Japanese. The course employs: Situations and subjects relating to daily life: The material presents the most frequently used vocabulary, expressions, and grammar, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to their daily lives. Enjoyable and lively practice exercises: Both the Dialogue and Grammar and Reading and Writing sections provide a variety of stimulating exercises so that students will not lose interest in studying Japanese. Understandable and precise grammar explanations: The many examples found in the textbook are easy to read and understand. A wide variety of teaching materials: Through use of the textbook's diverse exercises, as well as a supplementary workbook and CD, students are given numerous opportunities to practice a variety of skills, including listening and writing.