Embarking on the journey of learning Japanese as a relative beginner can be quite daunting, especially when faced with the intricate world of kanji characters. You might be wondering, "How can I possibly start reading with so many unfamiliar characters?" I understand your concern, as I once shared the same apprehension. However, over time, I came to a profound realization: the key to mastering Japanese, even kanji, is through reading.

It may seem counterintuitive at first, but trust me when I say that reading is the gateway to unlocking the beauty of the Japanese language. To help you on this exciting language-learning adventure, I've handpicked seven books of various genres that are specifically tailored for beginners. These selections are designed to be approachable, allowing you to dive into Japanese literature and text, even if you don't feel fully prepared.