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  • Hiragana/Katakana table, and Hiragana/Katakana-Kanji origin table [free download!]

    Hiragana/Katakana table, and Hiragana/Katakana-Kanji origin table [free download!] Hello. This is Rakurakumom (author name: Misuzu Oba). I work in writing activities and support parenting in Japan. I have launched an English version of my website that provides study materials and support tools for people interested in Japan, Japanese culture, and learning the Japanese language. These resources are also useful for children whose native language is not Japanese and for those with learning disabilities studying in Japan. The website covers various subjects such as study techniques, homework assistance, and tools to support school life. This time, I've created a "Hiragana Table" and "Katakana Table" with the alphabet Furigana (pronunciation keys), in addition to a "Hiragana/Katakana-Kanji origin Table." These are designed in a convenient postcard size for portability, but you can adjust the size to your preference for individual use and convenience on a tablet or smartphone. Now, let me explain each of them. ■Hiragana/Katakana table It is organized in 50 sound characters with color-coded indexes. Hiragana and Katakana are phonograms, and each letter has one pronunciation. ( Kanji has multiple readings for one character.) It is a regular combination of the vowel "a-i-u-e-o" and the consonant "k-s-t-n-h-m-y-r-w", and "n". But some letters are also assigned verbal spellings when pronounced by English speakers. The fundamental writing system in Japanese involves a combination of Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. The distinction between Hiragana and Katakana lies in the fact that Hiragana is often used for connecting particles, expressing sentence endings, and conveying simple or informal language. On the other hand, Katakana is frequently employed for representing foreign words and expressing new concepts. Katakana is extremely useful for using foreign words as they are, but, the distinct pronunciation of English by many Japanese individuals, which may sound peculiar to foreigners, is believed to be influenced by Katakana. Within Japanese circles, if someone's English pronunciation is not fluent, it is sometimes mockingly referred to as "Katakana English." And Japanese has two writing types, ↓vertically and →horizontally. Japanese elementary school Japanese-language textbooks are vertical writing, and the Hiranaga table for Japanese students is also usually presented vertically. Therefore, I have created this chart in a vertical format. Other subjects may use horizontally written textbooks. This Hiragana/Katakana Table includes not only the basic 50 sounds but also Daku-On(voiced sounds), Handaku-On (semi-voiced sounds), and Yo-On(contracted sounds). In Japanese, there is a convention to add two small dots or a circle to specific Hiragana or Katakana characters or write certain characters in a smaller size to indicate a different pronunciation, such as changing Ta to Da, Ha to Pa, or combining Hi and Ya to produce Hya. ...When I reflect on it, even my eldest son, a true-born and raised Japanese, was exasperated during his first year of elementary school, saying, "Ah, Japanese is so confusing! 'Pya Pyu Pyo' makes my eyes spin!" 👀, while he was struggling with his homework. So, I've incorporated color coding to make it easier for those encountering Japanese for the first time to grasp the patterns of Daku-On, Handaku-On, and Yo-On. In recent times, there has been an increase in foreign children attending Japanese elementary and middle schools, and many people from overseas are interested in learning Japanese, influenced by Manga and anime. To accommodate this, I have added alphabet furigana (pronunciation guides). (Given the mix of vertical and horizontal writing, creating this was quite challenging...😂). The small characters written alongside the main text, "Furigana," are commonly used in Japan. This is because there are many Kanji characters with challenging readings, even for native Japanese speakers. Particularly for elementary school students with a multitude of yet-to-be-learned Kanji, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities, Furigana serves as a helpful aid for understanding the text. Furthermore, Furigana is also widely used for the unique and sometimes unconventional readings of Manga dialogue. ■Hiragana/Katakana-Kanji origin table This chart is designed for advanced learners of Japanese and individuals familiar with Chinese characters. It provides a list of Hiragana and Katakana characters along with the original Chinese characters from which they originated. The information about the origin of the characters is based on references such as Japanese 6th-grade elementary school textbooks. The characters in gray indicate cases where the original character is not clearly defined. In Japan, it's commonly known that Hiragana and Katakana originated from Chinese characters during the Heian period (8th to 12th centuries). However, the interesting fact is that they were created differently, so the original Chinese characters from which they were derived are also different (although there are some common characters). In simpler terms, Hiragana can be described as a casual, somewhat careless script derived from breaking down the original Chinese characters into a cursive style (equivalent to cursive writing in English). On the other hand, katakana involves extracting parts of the original Chinese characters and considerably simplifying and abbreviating them. That's the basic distinction between the two.  (*1 ) Absolutely, the casual and somewhat careless ingenuity and practical shortcuts are crucial for the development of culture! [free download!] 🇺🇸 HIragana with Furigana (PDF,2pages) 🇯🇵Hiragana (without Furigana) 🇺🇸 Katakana with Furigana (PDF,2pages) 🇯🇵Katakana (without Furigana) Hiragana/Katakana-Kanji origin table(PDF,2pages) Please read my website terms of use for more information. → [About using support tools] info: " Rakurakumom's Official Website " is also available in English. We would be delighted if families with foreign children living in Japan, teachers, and individuals from around the world interested in the Japanese language and culture could find our website useful. We are gradually enhancing and updating the content, with the assistance of automatic translation and the enthusiasm of my son who loves English. Support tools will also be progressively adapted for translation. 🇯🇵 Original post of this article ( Switch to 🇯🇵 mode) (*1) There are various theories. The origin of Katakana remains a mystery, and while it is not adopted in Japanese textbooks, there are even theories suggesting a connection with ancient Hebrew characters. For fans, those who enjoy archaeology and occult mysteries, delving into the origins of Katakana might be a "WAKU-WAKU" exciting venture.

  • Japanese TODOFUKEN-Prefectural Kanji [free download!]

    TODOFUKEN Prefectural Kanji -with Furigana Japanese TODOFUKEN-Prefectural Kanji [free download!] The added card to the "Kanji List by Grade" is the "TODOFUKEN-Prefectural Kanji -with Furigana." You can download the PDF for free at the end of the document. ■About TODOFUKEN In Japan, there are 47 prefectures called "都道府県" (to-dou-fu-ken). However, unlike the significant authority held by the "states" in the United States, the role of the Japanese prefectures is closer to that of "counties." The history of prefectures dates back to the Meiji era in 1871 when the Meiji government abolished the system of "藩" (han), which were regions ruled by Daimyos (feudal lords) that numbered between 200 and 300 during the Edo period. This was part of the government's efforts to modernize the political system. They gradually integrated and changed administrative divisions. As of now, the prefectures consist of 1 "To" which means 1 capital(Tokyo-to), 1 "Dou" which means multiple countries to 1(Hokkai-do), 2 "Fu" is the 2 centers of a magistrate (Osaka-fu and Kyoto-fu), and 43 "Ken" prefectures (others-ken). ■Kanji study of TODOFUKEN In the curriculum of Japanese elementary schools, 4th-grade students have to memorize the locations, shapes, and names of the prefectures. They have tests and homework where they must provide the names of the prefectures in Kanji characters. The Kanji characters used for the prefectures are numerous, some are complex, and many have unique readings. Even for Japanese elementary school students, memorizing them can be quite challenging. This difficulty is particularly pronounced for children with learning disabilities, and my eldest son, despite memorizing all the prefecture names and their shapes, struggled to write them in Kanji😭. He had to redo tests where he was required to write all 47 prefecture names in Kanji multiple times. So, As a support tool for children with learning disabilities and those preparing for junior high school entrance exams, I have created and shared this "Prefectures Kanji table" on the 🇯🇵 Japanese version of my website in Japanese. But, 🇺🇸English version is for anyone interested in Japan and is welcome to make use of it. The features of this "Prefectures Kanji " include: Arrangement of Kanji characters used in prefecture names in 50 sounds "a-i-u-e-o" order. Common color-coded index with the " Kanji list by grade ," for easy reference. Designed in a postcard size, making it convenient for reference on study desks. 🇺🇸The English special version has a Furigana(pronunciation key) of the alphabet. Like the Kanji list, it is suitable for various purposes such as homework assistance, reasonable accommodation at school, and Kanji checking for exam preparation. You can adjust and print it in your preferred size for your child's convenience. In total, there are 73 kanji characters used in prefecture names, as indicated when listed. While this may seem challenging at first, upon closer inspection, you'll find that more than half of them are relatively simple Kanji. For context, my eldest son used to say things like, "I like Ishikawa and Yamaguchi! Niigata! Ehime! Okinawa! You three brothers have too many strokes in your names!" while grumbling about his homework. 😅 ■Useful Games for learning Japanese geography and history For those who want to learn more about Japan's geography and historical landmarks on maps in a fun and engaging way, we recommend the following games, as enjoyed by my children. *The link below is the official website of the game company. NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION (by KOEI TECMO GAMES) 🇺🇸 A historical simulation game set primarily in the Sengoku period. Players choose their favorite Sengoku Daimyo, strategize battles and diplomacy, gradually expanding their territory through meticulous planning to achieve national unification. While it may seem a steady-paced game, once you get into it, it fosters a deep love for Japanese history If you fall in love with the game, the geography and former names of provinces across Japan become ingrained in your memory. MOMOTETSU (by KONAMI) 🇯🇵 *Not available in English A board game in the form of a thrilling race across Japan, aiming to become a real estate tycoon, suitable for family or friends (solo play is also okay). This Sugoroku-style game not only features famous landmarks and locations, but also offers an enjoyable way to learn intricate geographic details such as local specialties, traditional crafts, and railway routes from various regions in Japan. It's not just a geography lesson; it doubles as an introduction to economic concepts like stocks and real estate investment. However, be cautious of getting too caught up in the excitement! A global version, " MOMOTETSU World ," is also available, and you can find the analog version at toy stores in Japan. ■Tools share [free download!] TODOFUKEN-Prefectural Kanji -with Furigana (PDF,1page) Please read my website terms of use for more information. → [About using support tools] For Japanese children/advanced learners(without Furigana) → 🇯🇵[Japanese version] Download 🇯🇵  Original post of this article ( Switch to 🇯🇵 mode) 🇯🇵  Original post about games ( Switch to 🇯🇵 mode)

  • Kanji List by Grade [free download!]

    Kanji List by Grade [free download!] This is a kanji list tailored to the learning curriculum for elementary school students in Japan. (The download links are provided at the end of the document.) ■About the Japanese Kanji learning curriculum In Japan, education follows the curriculum recommended by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology ( MEXT ), with specific learning objectives set for each grade. The Kanji characters taught in elementary school are also designated by grade, and textbooks introduce them gradually, aligning with the curriculum guidelines. Japanese elementary school students aim to master 1,026 kanji characters in six years. This is a challenging task even for native Japanese speakers, and students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), developmental disorders, those whose native language is not Japanese, or returnees face particular difficulties in learning kanji. Therefore, I have been creating support tools for Japanese elementary school students and distributing them through a website. However, this time, I have improved them to be more user-friendly for individuals overseas and children from foreign backgrounds. This kanji list is aligned with the latest curriculum guidelines revised in the 2020 academic year in Japan. ■On-Yomi and Kun-Yomi index The index uses the same color coding as the Hiragana chart and is arranged in the order of On-Yomi(Chinese-derived reading) followed by Kun-Yomi (native Japanese reading). While Kanji characters have been transmitted from China since ancient times, Japan had its original language before that, leading to multiple readings of the same kanji. "On-Yomi" represents a pronunciation closer to Chinese, while "Kun-Yomi" reflects a reading closer to the original Japanese language. For example, the Kanji meaning "花" is pronounced as "Ka" in On-Yomi and "Hana" in Kun-Yomi. The usage tends to differ; On-Yomi is often used in combination with other Kanji to form compound words, while Kun-Yomi is commonly used when the Kanji is standalone or combined with Hiragana. However, there are various combinations of On-Yomi and Kun-Yomi in compound words, as well as words where Hiragana is inserted between Kanji characters, resulting in a variety of combinations and pronunciations. My children at home often get confused by these different combinations and readings 😂. We have also made available downloadable kanji lists with furigana (in Katakana/Hiragana, and the Alphabet) prioritizing commonly used readings in the order of On-yomi/Kun-yomi. ■Usage Usage example (Japanese Ver) The printouts are designed to be postcard-sized( The kanji list with furigana is designed for A4 size) . Punch holes in the corners and secure with rings for convenient portability. Adjust the size as needed for A4/B5 or other formats, print, laminate, or place in a transparent file for use as a substitute for a desk mat. You can also save the images on tablets or smartphones. The basic usage is the same as the Hiragana/Katakana Tables . As a learning resource for those who want to study Japanese! To support the homework and reasonable accommodations for foreign children studying in Japan! For the comprehensive kanji checklists for Japanese children studying abroad for six years! Feel free to use it as you like. [free download!] 🇺🇸 Kanji List by Grade (PDF, 6 pages, postcard size) 🇺🇸 Kanji List by-Grage [with Furigana in Alphabet](A4 size) For Japanese students/advanced learners↓ 🇯🇵 [Japanese version](postcard size) 🇯🇵 [Japanese version with Furigana in Katakana/Hiragana](A4 size) Please read my website terms of use for more information. → [About using support tools] 🇯🇵 Original post of this article ( Switch to 🇯🇵 mode)

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Other Pages (29)

  • Home | Rakurakumom's Official Website

    Parenting for children with developmental disabilities and gray zones "Tips" and "ingenuity" will make it much easier and more enjoyable! Rakurakumom's official website will introduce our efforts and support tools together! \10th anniversary / Parenting for children with developmental disabilities and gray zones "Tips" and "ingenuity" will make it much easier and more enjoyable! Rakurakumom's Official Website🇯🇵 will introduce our efforts and support tools together! "Rakurakumom's Tutawaru! KOEKAKE-Henkan” Author Misuzu Oba (Rakurakumom ) / Asa Publishing (published June 27, 2020) ※English version not supported Bestseller Amazon.jp * Click here for the author's autograph message to the purchaser. 4 languages around the world! Tutawaru! The KOEKAKE-Henkan Sheet [definitive edition] [Mom/Dad Support Edition] is now available on the Asa Publishing special website. Anyone can download it for free! Asa Publishing special site * Click here for free downloads such as "KOEKAKE-Phrase Translation Sheet". Share of support tools Site MAP 🇺🇸New Blog Common Kanji Table [free download!] Common Kanji Table (🇯🇵JOYO Kanji Hyo)that includes all 2,136kanji designated for mastery in Japanese schools from middle to high school. Jan 22, 2025 Japanese Historical Anime Streaming Videos List ■Learning Japanese History Through Streaming Video Anime in Chronological Order In Japan, the study of "history" begins in the sixth... Jun 21, 2024 "Deko-Boko Translation Table" Weaknesses to Strengths for Self-esteem and Positive Parenting [Free Download] Deko-Boko Translation Table [Free Download] English Ver. ■About this: Weaknesses to Strengths for Self-esteem and Positive Parenting I... Jun 7, 2024 1 2 3 4 🇯🇵PickUP Blog [PickUP! #tag] No posts published in this language yet Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. NEWS 1/6/26 出版情報 ポプラ社より刊行の『108の子育て法 』『120の子育て法 』が電子書籍で読めるようになりました。 Read All 前へ 次へ SIte Info 12/26/25 ページ更新 「プロフィール」ページ を更新しました。 Read All 前へ 次へ Rakurakumom's BOOK From Rakurakumom 前のページ 発達障害&グレーゾーン子育てから生まれた 楽々かあさんの伝わる!声かけ変換 Author:Misuzu OBA ASA Publishing2020 Amazonで見る 次のページ Hello. My name is Misuzu Oba, called Rakurakumom, who is currently raising three children with developmental disabilities and gray zones in Japan. This site is the "Rakurakumom's Official Website" that supports child-rearing by sharing various ideas, ingenuity, support tools, etc. that we have practiced in child-rearing. Children with developmental disabilities have rich sensibilities and creativity, and have a wonderful personality that glitters like jewels. However, there are many things that I am not good at, and I cannot fully demonstrate my strengths, and my children and parents tend to lose their self-confidence. This site will support such wonderful children and mothers who are working hard every day so that they can reduce the burden as much as possible and increase the "I was able to do it!" May all children and mothers have fun and enjoyment as much as possible! 2014.5. From Rakurakumom

  • Sharing support tools 1 | Rakurakumom's Official Website

    You can download printable support tools created by Rakuramom🇯🇵 for free. This page is a collection of useful resources for positive parenting, communication with children, therapeutic education for children with developmental disabilities, parent training, and more. Sharing support tools You can download printable support tools created by Rakuramom🇯🇵 for free. This page is a collection of useful resources for positive parenting, communication with children, therapeutic education for children with developmental disabilities, parent training, and more. 前のページ Bestseller 発達障害&グレーゾーン子育てから生まれた 楽々かあさんの伝わる!声かけ変換 Author:Misuzu OBA ASA Publishing2020 Amazonで見る 次のページ KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[2020] KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[2023] KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[2014] KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[Additional] Deko-Boko Translation table My Child Correspondence Table When you're trying too hard at Parenting Reassure the child Voice/Action SIte MAP 利用規約 *Before using this tool... Please read and agree to the terms of use here [About using this tool] before using this tool. If you would like to share the KOEKAKE- Conversion table widely, please agree [here] , too. KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[2020] This is the definitive "KOEKAKE- Conversion Table" (published in 2020) that carefully selects alternative expressions that are easy for any child to understand from the 166 examples published in my book. 🇯🇵Asa Publishing website 🇯🇵Blog KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[2023] The author selected 26 examples of comforting words for moms and dads who work hard every day raising their children from the book (The Table Released in 2023). 🇯🇵Asa Publishing website 🇯🇵Blog 決定版 ママ・パパ応援編 KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[2014] The original version released in 2014. A list of instructions, orders, and prohibitions commonly used in child-rearing situations, converted into easy-to-understand and efficient phrases for any child, including those with developmental disabilities. KOEKAKE-2014 🇯🇵Download 🇯🇵Blog KOEKAKE- Conversion Table[Additional] This is an additional table for encouraging children to do things that have been added in response to their growth and changes in their environment. The chart includes the "encouraging version" , the "situational judgment version" , and the "graduation version". KOEKAKE-Add 🇯🇵Download 🇯🇵Blog Deko-Boko Translation Table Weaknesses of children, others, and yourself into strengths and advantages.It's for positive parenting, enhancing self-esteem and promoting self-understanding. dekoboko-Translation-Eng 🇺🇸Download 🇺🇸Blog My Child Correspondence Table A summary of how to raise and interact with children with developmental disorders and the gray zone. Based on the author's own experience raising children, a list of things I could do right away and things I could do in the long term. My Child correspondence table 🇯🇵Download 🇯🇵Blog When you're trying too hard at Parenting This postcard is a collection of helpful coping strategies for parents when they feel tired or overwhelmed from trying too hard to raise a child with a developmental disorder. When you're.. 🇯🇵Download 🇯🇵Blog 追加の声かけ変換表 指示・命令・禁止 凸凹変換表 うちの子対応表 育児を頑張りすぎている時 Reassure the Child Voice/action This is a list postcard that helps you review common actions and phrases that reassure your child, and can also be used to deal with tantrums and panic attacks. Reassure Child 🇯🇵Download 🇯🇵Blog 子どもを安心させる

  • illustration | Rakurakumom's Official HP

    Share illustrations 1 Some of the illustrations drawn by Rakurakumom for writing articles and posting on SNS are distributed free of charge for educational purposes. 前のページ 次のページ Bestseller 発達障害&グレーゾーン子育てから生まれた 楽々かあさんの伝わる!声かけ変換 Author:Misuzu OBA ASA Publishing2020 Amazonで見る *Before using this images... Please read and agree to the terms of use here [Regarding the Use of Images] . SIte MAP

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