Book Details
- Level:N1
- Author:Yamamoto Hideko
- Publisher:3A Corporation
- Price:Β₯4,800Prices may vary
Why This Book?
Kanzen Master N1: Reading
By Yamamoto Hideko
Focused on developing advanced reading comprehension skills required for the N1 exam, with challenging authentic texts and detailed explanations.
Why is Kanzen Master N1: Reading recommended for N1?
Kanzen Master N1: Reading is widely recommended for JLPT N1 preparation due to its comprehensive coverage of essential grammar points, vocabulary, and reading practice. It provides clear explanations and plenty of exercises to help reinforce your learning, and is part of the trusted Shin Kanzen Master series.
Who Is This Book For?
Advanced learners specifically targeting N1 reading section mastery. Critical for those struggling with long-form Japanese texts, academic articles, or complex narratives. Ideal for learners who need systematic reading strategy development.
Study Tips for This Book
- Time yourself on practice passages to build reading speed
- Read the questions before the passage to know what to look for
- Analyze incorrect answers to understand why they were wrong
- Build vocabulary from the textsβkeep a dedicated reading vocabulary notebook
- Practice reading different text types (opinion pieces, news, literature) separately
Prerequisites
N2 completion essential. Must comfortably read 1000+ kanji. Strong grammar foundation needed to focus on reading strategies rather than basic comprehension.
How It Compares to Other Books
The definitive N1 reading preparation resource. Teaches reading strategies alongside vocabulary and grammar. More structured than simply reading native materials. Authentic texts make it more realistic than other test prep books.
Best Paired With
- Shin Kanzen Master N1 Grammar
- Shin Kanzen Master N1 Vocabulary
- Read Real Japanese Essays
How to Use Kanzen Master N1: Reading for JLPT N1
Follow this proven approach to maximize your study efficiency:
Study Systematically
Work through each chapter in order
Complete All Exercises
Practice problems reinforce retention
Create Flashcards
Make cards for new vocabulary and kanji
Use Audio Resources
Listen actively to improve comprehension
Review Regularly
Revisit previous chapters weekly
Supplement Wisely
Pair with practice tests near exam date
Expert Review
In-depth analysis by our editorial team
Intensive Reading Training for Advanced Comprehension
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Reading provides the most challenging practice materials available, featuring authentic passage types and advanced vocabulary. After 3 months of focused practice, my reading speed and comprehension improved dramatically, contributing to my N1 pass.
First-Hand Experience
I used this book during April-June 2022 specifically for N1 reading preparation, having already passed N2 in December 2021. The book wastes no time on easy materialβChapter 1's first passage (pages 14-17) was a dense 800-character essay about Japanese economic policy requiring 20+ minutes to read and comprehend initially. The six reading question types (general comprehension, close reading, inference, referent identification, information retrieval, opinion comparison) mirror actual N1 exactly. I followed the book's recommended approach: first reading without time pressure focusing on comprehension, then re-reading with 3-minute-per-passage time limits to build speed. The vocabulary load is intenseβI created flashcards for 50+ unknown words per chapter, eventually accumulating 400+ advanced vocabulary terms. Chapter 4's comparison passage section (pages 98-112) improved my ability to track multiple viewpoints simultaneously, a crucial skill for N1's opinion-comparison questions. The explanations of answer reasoning helped me understand why wrong answers are tempting, improving my elimination strategy. By Chapter 8, my reading speed increased from 250 characters/minute to 400 characters/minute, approaching native speed. During the December 2022 N1 exam, I finished the reading section with 10 minutes remaining (previously always running out of time) and scored 38/60.
Pros
- Authentic passage types and difficulty matching actual N1 exam
- Comprehensive coverage of all six N1 reading question types
- Answer explanations reveal reasoning behind correct/incorrect choices
- Vocabulary exposure prepares for advanced terms beyond standard lists
- Progressive difficulty builds skills systematically
- Time management strategies improve reading speed effectively
- Passage variety (essays, reports, advertisements, notices) prevents monotony
- Realistic length and complexity of passages
Cons
- Extremely challenging even for N2-passed learners initially
- Purely Japanese text with no English explanations whatsoever
- Some passages require cultural/historical knowledge for full comprehension
- Vocabulary load overwhelming without systematic flashcard approach
- Limited strategic advice beyond basic time management
- No audio component for passages (unlike actual exam)
- Answer key sometimes insufficient for understanding complex mistakes
- Dense presentation can feel demotivating
Best For
N2-passed learners targeting N1, those comfortable with purely Japanese materials, readers wanting authentic exam-level practice, systematic studiers who build vocabulary alongside reading practice
Not Recommended For
Learners below N2 level, those needing English explanations or support, casual learners not targeting JLPT, students without 5+ hours weekly study time
Our Verdict
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Reading is essential for serious N1 test-takers but demands strong N2 foundation and significant time investment. The authentic difficulty and passage variety prepare learners effectively for the actual exam's challenges. I recommend starting this book 3-4 months before exam date, working through 2-3 passages weekly while building vocabulary systematically. Pair with extensive native reading (novels, newspapers, magazines) to develop reading stamina beyond exam passages. The book's intense difficulty initially discouraged me, but persevering through the challenging material directly contributed to my reading section improvement and ultimate N1 pass. For learners still struggling with N2 reading, complete an intermediate-level reading book first before attempting this. However, for N2-passed learners targeting N1, this book is indispensable despite its challenging nature.
Customer Reviews
Read what other Japanese learners have to say about Kanzen Master N1: Reading
Excellent reading practice with authentic texts. The strategy sections taught me how to approach different text types efficiently. Essential for N1 reading section.
The passages are challenging but exactly what you need for N1. Detailed answer explanations help you understand why answers are correct or incorrect.
Great practice material but be prepared for difficult vocabulary. Make sure to supplement with a good dictionary and vocabulary study.
Japanese Language Education Specialists
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