The Kanji Code

Memorising kanji readings is one of the biggest hurdles when learning Japanese. The Kanji Code teaches a systematic method of learning the readings of kanji or Chinese characters. By studying phonetic components and other visual clues, students of Japanese can reduce their reliance on rote memorisation and feel more in control of their learning.

What people are saying

“An invaluable resource. It explains very well the relationship between kanji and kana, kanji and phonetic code, and kanji and visual code. Many of the phonetics listed here are the same ones my research identified as being useful for students of Japanese. The idea of seeing the relationships between kanji through a common visual feature is original and very interesting. I will be recommending it to my students.” —Dr Etsuko Toyoda, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne

“5 stars. An absolutely brilliant textbook! If you’re serious about learning Japanese or if you’re planning to live in Japan you need to read this book and integrate its principles into your studies.” — Renae Lucas-Hall, author of Tokyo Tales

The Kanji Code teaches 150 phonetic components – the key to the readings of 450+ kanji characters.

You will also learn the link between kanji, hiragana and katakana – and use it to remember the ON readings of 50+ common kanji characters.

In addition, you will learn how visual features like shape and patterns like stripes can give a clue to the ON reading of 170+ kanji characters.

The book contains an easy to read explanation of the keisei or form-sound kanji characters, to deepen your understanding of the components and their functions. Graphics show the visual connection between kana and kanji, and visual similarities between kanji with the same or similar readings that would otherwise be overlooked. The visual approach will especially appeal to visual learners and students interested in art and design.

Each kanji features ON and kun readings, English meanings and example words. Kanji readings are written in romaji so they can be read by students of all levels.

The Kanji Code also includes several detailed indexes for ease of searching and improved understanding of kanji composition. The innovative radical index includes the English names of radicals and is sorted not by stroke order but by subject, making it more intuitive to non-native Japanese speakers.

Author Biography

Natalie Hamilton is a teacher, translator and former lecturer in Translation Technology. She turned her focus to Japanese study while living and working in Japan’s rural Oita Prefecture on the JET Programme. She was awarded a Master of Japanese Translation in 2014, which included a linguistics dissertation entitled Cracking the ON Yomi Code. She is NAATI-Certified in Australia for professional translation from Japanese to English and has translated academic papers in social science and technical and corporate content for companies including Fujitsu, MUJI and Sony. She formerly wrote online content and elearning materials for global corporations. Natalie has taught English in Japan and Japanese at the Japan Foundation. Her Japanese was largely self-taught over four years living in Japan.