Can I let you in on a secret?
The popular JapanesePod101.com (Japanese learning program) regularly creates bonus freebies and features for learners like you.
Normally, you won’t see them because they give these only to existing JapanesePod101 users — and if you’ve never learned Japanese with them, you’d miss out on some great (and FREE) resources. As a member and a language blogger, I pay attention and why not share with anyone interested?
I have come up with a list of resources below.
Even if you try their program but it’s not your type, the freebies alone are well worth it.
Check ’em out by clicking on the icons below.
I explain my favorite choices below.
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Do I have any recommendations? Yes!
1) The word of the day
At the surface level, you might not really care about 1 word a day when there are free options with 100s of words inside, right? But, this is IMO one of JapanesePod101’s hottest study tools because you get it daily. If you’re looking to learn a language and build a routine, the #1 thing to do is to practice “showing up,” even if it’s to learn one word. Once you master showing up and making time for Japanese, the sky is the limit. If you don’t, you’ll fail and even a 1500 word resource won’t save you… if you can’t show up to learn a bit.
2) Level 1 Japanese
JapanesePod101 made their Absolute Beginner pathway free during the Covid pandemic when staying at home was “a thing.” So far, it’s been open since then. Inside, there are over 90+ lessons and assignments. I think they could be charging for this instead of keeping it free… but hey, while it’s free, you can get a whole absolute beginner course, so why not? Keep in mind that they’ll likely close it soon.
3) Free Gifts of the Month
Every month, users get an email with brand new and completely free Japanese phrase cheat sheets, eBooks, workbooks, and more. Is there a catch? Well, you need to be a member and because they update this page often, if you miss out on one batch, they’re gone forever.
4) Japanese Alphabet (Kana) Workbook
If you’re a brand new learner, the very first thing you will need to learn is the Japanese alphabet or the Kana – which comprises of Hiragana and Katakana. You can find the Free Japanese Kana Workbook here: