Amazon.com description: Product Description: This handy guidebook offers an integrated, communicative approach to writing and reading hiragana script, the entry point to the Japanese language. With step-by-step explanations of 46 basic characters and scores of derivatives, plus writing practice, grammar lessons, flashcards, and quizzes to consolidate learning, the Absolute Beginner's Guide is a great way to make headway on your own, or to reinforce formal Japanese classes. Find out for yourself just how accessible the language can be.