Pros
- Learners who want meanings, readings, and example words in one book
- People who will finish a long mnemonic sequence
- Students who found RTK’s delayed readings unworkable
Cons
- WaniKani already owns the sequence
- You will not finish the stories
- You only needed a writing workbook
The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Course is Andrew Scott Conning’s mnemonic textbook for 2,300 kanji, including all jōyō characters. Each entry has a keyword, a memory aid, and example words that only use kanji you already met.
That is a different job from Remembering the Kanji. RTK teaches meaning and writing first and delays readings. KLC keeps meaning, writing, and useful readings in the same book.
Who it fits
It fits adults who will finish a long sequence and then read. The official site also points to companion reading sets and a writing book. Those are extras, not a reason to buy three products at once.
Limits
It is not WaniKani. Running both is two sequences. Pair any kanji book with words in sentences, such as NHK News Web Easy.
Sources checked
- Kodansha Kanji Learner's Course official site official publisher · Official course site used for the 2,300-kanji mnemonic method, keywords, sample vocabulary, and sequence.
- Kodansha USA catalog official publisher · Official publisher listing used for authorship, the 2,300-character scope, and the print edition.