JLPT N5 Kanji: The First 100 Characters and the Order That Makes Them Stick

Did you know that to pass the JLPT N5 exam, you only need to learn 100 kanji? Yes, just 100! But the question is—which ones should you learn first, and how do you learn them so they stick? When I was in Japan, I was intimidated by kanji at first. But later I realized that with the right order and techniques, it's actually fun. Today I'll share those tips with you, learned from my own experience.

Why Kanji Matters: Its Importance for JLPT N5

Dreaming of studying in Japan? Then start your JLPT N5 preparation today. Japanese language schools generally require JLPT N5 or equivalent for admission. Not just for the exam, but kanji is essential in daily life too. You'll see kanji everywhere—on streets, in shops, at train stations. For example, '駅' (eki) means station, '学校' (gakkou) means school.

I once told a student, "If you learn 5 kanji a day, you'll finish 100 in 20 days!" She was surprised, "Is it that easy?" Yes, it's easy—if you learn the right way.

The First 100 Kanji: The Order That Makes Them Stick

Most students try to memorize kanji alphabetically or from first to last, which is a mistake. The right method is to group them by meaning and usage. Below is an effective order I've used myself and taught my students.

Step 1: Numbers and Time (1-15)

Start with numbers and time kanji: 一 (ichi), 二 (ni), 三 (san), 四 (shi), 五 (go), 六 (roku), 七 (nana), 八 (hachi), 九 (kyuu), 十 (juu), 百 (hyaku), 千 (sen), 万 (man), 日 (nichi), 月 (getsu). These are used most in daily life.

Step 2: People and Body (16-30)

Next, people and body parts: 人 (hito), 女 (onna), 男 (otoko), 子 (ko), 目 (me), 耳 (mimi), 口 (kuchi), 手 (te), 足 (ashi), 心 (kokoro). These kanji form many words, like '日本人' (nihonjin) meaning Japanese person.

Step 3: Places and Directions (31-45)

Now places and directions: 上 (ue), 下 (shita), 左 (hidari), 右 (migi), 中 (naka), 外 (soto), 前 (mae), 後 (ushiro), 東 (higashi), 西 (nishi), 南 (minami), 北 (kita), 山 (yama), 川 (kawa), 田 (ta). These are crucial when living in Japan.

Step 4: Verbs and Adjectives (46-70)

Now some important verbs and adjectives: 行く (iku) meaning to go, 来る (kuru) to come, 見る (miru) to see, 聞く (kiku) to listen, 食べる (taberu) to eat, 飲む (nomu) to drink, 大きい (ookii) big, 小さい (chiisai) small, 新しい (atarashii) new, 古い (furui) old.

Step 5: School and Daily Items (71-100)

Finally, school and daily items: 学校 (gakkou), 先生 (sensei), 学生 (gakusei), 本 (hon), 鉛筆 (enpitsu), 机 (tsukue), 椅子 (isu), 時計 (tokei), 電話 (denwa), 電車 (densha), 車 (kuruma), 駅 (eki), 店 (mise), 会社 (kaisha), 仕事 (shigoto), etc.

Effective Techniques to Remember Kanji

Order isn't everything; how you learn matters too. I always advise my students to follow these methods.

1. Create Stories (Mnemonics)

Attach a small story or image to each kanji. For example, '木' (ki) means tree—the character looks like a tree. '森' (mori) means forest—three trees together. Stories help your brain remember easily.

2. Write and Read Repeatedly

Practice writing kanji for 10-15 minutes daily. Say the pronunciation aloud as you write. This develops listening, speaking, reading skills all at once.

3. Use Flashcards

Use Anki or other flashcard apps. Download an app and practice while commuting on the bus or train.

4. Immerse Yourself in Japanese

Watch Japanese songs, anime, or dramas. With subtitles, you'll see kanji and learn. I learned many kanji from watching Japanese TV shows.

Preparing for Studying in Japan Alongside Kanji

While you're learning kanji, you also need other preparations for studying in Japan: language school admission, visa, COE (Certificate of Eligibility), etc. Check our Study in Japan guide.

Language School Admission

For admission to Japanese language schools, you generally need 12 years of schooling and some Japanese knowledge. With JLPT N5, many schools accept you directly. Consider course duration, fees, and location when choosing a school.

Visa Process

A Japan student visa requires a COE. To get a COE, you first get admitted to a language school, and the school applies on your behalf. See our COE guide and visa requirements for details.

Costs and Scholarships

Studying in Japan costs vary by school and city. Tuition is roughly 5-7 lakh yen per year (approx. 5-7 lakh BDT, exchange rates vary). However, with scholarships and part-time job opportunities, many students manage the expenses. For study abroad with part-time job, Japan is a budget-friendly option. If you're looking for scholarship for Bangladeshi students, Japan offers several.

Start Today: A 7-Day Plan

Want to start this week? Follow this plan:

• Day 1-2: Learn numbers and time kanji (1-15) and make 5 words from each.
• Day 3-4: Learn people and body kanji (16-30). Try drawing pictures to remember.
• Day 5-6: Learn places and directions kanji (31-45). Practice by drawing arrows on paper.
• Day 7: Review the first 45. Write down the ones you forget separately.

By learning 45 each week, you'll finish 100 in a month. Later, our JLPT guide will also help.

"Kanji isn't hard, but if you don't practice regularly, you'll forget. So do a little every day." — This is what I always tell my students.

I counsel students at Inochi Global Education Institute's Dhaka office (North Badda, Pragati Sarani—13 minutes from the Japan Embassy). For any questions about studying in Japan and language learning, feel free to use our Study in Japan service. We'll help you move forward on the right path.