Book Details
- Level:N1
- Author:Tomomatsu Etsuko, Miyamoto Yoko
- Publisher:3A Corporation
- Price:Β₯5,099Prices may vary
Why This Book?
Shin Kanzen Master N1: Grammar
By Tomomatsu Etsuko, Miyamoto Yoko
The definitive resource for JLPT N1 grammar preparation, covering all the complex grammatical structures needed for the highest level of Japanese language proficiency.
Why is Shin Kanzen Master N1: Grammar recommended for N1?
Shin Kanzen Master N1: Grammar 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 with N2 mastery targeting the highest level of Japanese proficiency. Essential for those preparing seriously for N1 or aiming for professional Japanese fluency. Best for disciplined self-studiers comfortable with Japanese-only explanations.
Study Tips for This Book
- Study grammar patterns in groups of similar forms to understand subtle nuances
- Create your own example sentences for each pattern to internalize usage
- Review earlier patterns regularlyβN1 builds heavily on N2/N3 grammar
- Use Japanese-Japanese dictionaries to deepen understanding of explanations
- Complete all practice exercises thoroughly, not just reading through examples
Prerequisites
Strong N2 completion required. Must be comfortable reading complex Japanese explanations. Approximately 1000+ kanji knowledge essential.
How It Compares to Other Books
The gold standard for N1 grammar preparation. More comprehensive and systematic than Nihongo So-Matome N1. Entirely in Japanese, making it more challenging but excellent for immersion. Used by most serious N1 candidates worldwide.
Best Paired With
- Shin Kanzen Master N1 Vocabulary
- Shin Kanzen Master N1 Reading
- A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
How to Use Shin Kanzen Master N1: Grammar 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
Essential but Demanding N1 Grammar Reference
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Grammar covers the most challenging JLPT grammar comprehensively, though its dense presentation demands multiple passes. After 4 months of study, I scored 38/60 on N1 grammarβrespectable given the difficulty.
First-Hand Experience
I approached N1 grammar with this book after passing N2 in December 2021, spending January-April 2022 working through all sections. The complexity increase from N2 to N1 was dramaticβmany grammar patterns appear exclusively in written formal contexts, literature, or legal documents. Chapter 2's section on ο½γγγ£γ¦γο½γ«ε³γγ¦γο½γ«ιγΏγ¦ (pages 45-52) introduced patterns I'd never encountered in normal reading. I found success studying in small chunks: 2-3 grammar points per session rather than full chapters, reviewing each point across multiple days. The example sentences often pulled from formal speeches or newspaper editorials, providing authentic context but requiring substantial comprehension skill. I kept a dedicated notebook for confusing patterns, eventually accumulating 40+ pages of personal notes and examples. Reading novels by ζδΈζ₯ζ¨Ή and ζ±ιεεΎ helped reinforce these patterns in natural context. The mock tests were genuinely challengingβI scored 50-60% initially, improving to 75% after reviewing all chapters twice. During the actual December 2022 N1 exam, I recognized 80% of grammar patterns from this book, validating its comprehensive coverage. However, I needed "Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar" for deeper understanding of particularly complex patterns.
Pros
- Exhaustive coverage of all N1 grammar points including rare literary forms
- Example sentences pulled from authentic formal sources
- Functional organization helps compare similar advanced patterns
- Mock tests accurately reflect actual N1 difficulty and format
- Compact format enables studying anywhere
- Answer explanations identify common confusion points
- Progressive difficulty within each chapter builds skill systematically
Cons
- Dense presentation overwhelming without multiple review passes
- Minimal explanations assume advanced comprehension already
- Many patterns rarely appear in conversational or casual contexts
- No audio materials limits phonetic pattern recognition
- Purely Japanese text challenging even for advanced learners
- Some grammar points so rare that practical application is limited
- Cultural and historical context often assumed rather than explained
Best For
N1 test-takers with solid N2 foundation, advanced learners reading native materials regularly, those comfortable with formal/literary Japanese, determined students willing to review material multiple times
Not Recommended For
Learners below N2 level, those wanting conversational Japanese focus, beginners to advanced study, students needing detailed English explanations
Our Verdict
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Grammar is essential for serious N1 test-takers, but requires patience and multiple passes to fully absorb. The advanced patterns demand strong N2 foundation and extensive reading experience to contextualize. I recommend studying 2-3 points weekly while reading novels or news articles to see patterns in natural use. Don't expect to master everything on first passβI reviewed this book three times before feeling confident. The comprehensive coverage means if a grammar pattern appears on N1, this book covered it. However, pair with advanced reading materials and possibly "Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar" for deeper understanding. Despite the challenging presentation, this book was instrumental in my N1 grammar preparation and ultimate pass in December 2022.
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Customer Reviews
Read what other Japanese learners have to say about Shin Kanzen Master N1: Grammar
The gold standard for N1 grammar prep. Thorough, well-organized, and challenging. You need to know N2 grammar well before tackling this.
Difficult but essential. This book covers grammar points I have never seen anywhere else. Combined with lots of reading practice, it prepared me perfectly for N1.
Comprehensive and challenging. The example sentences are from actual literature and news articles which makes learning more practical. Passed N1 on first attempt using this.
Incredibly detailed but requires strong Japanese foundation. The practice drills are excellent but time-consuming. Definitely worth it for serious N1 candidates.
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