MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: 90

PC Compatible, Pentium 75 MHz or faster Windows 95 and higher, including XP

50 MB HD, 16 MB RAM 800 x 600, High color display; 4X CD-ROM Drive Speakers, Mouse

Microphone, Printer and Internet Access are all optional

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PC

Average Customer Review: ( 15 customer reviews )
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The other CDs are useful as well, but are only programs to test how much you know; not teach you (there is also a good translator program on disc 4, JQuickTrans).

18 of 19 found the following review helpful:

Pretty good software.Jan 14, 2005
By Osiris "almost died of happy"
I didn't buy this off of Amazon, but at the discount aisle at Fry's Electronics. I thought it was alright. I gave these a confusion level. 5 is the most, 0 is the least.

The first CD, Talk Now, was awesome. It teaches some basic words and phrases, along with colors, food, numbers, and a few other things. When you think you're ready to play the quiz game, you can get printable awards depending on how you did.

Confusion Level: 0

The second CD, World Talk, confused me so much. Just...no. I'm sorry if they meant well, but they sure as sugar DIDN'T do well on this one.

Confusion Level: 48,592,703,271,623,028

The third CD is Human Japanese. It's nice to know that it's not textbook Japanese and I actually learned grammar. You get writing lessons, grammar lessons, and how to pronounce the words correctly. I loved it and it's still one of my favorite Japanese programs. Every once in a while it all seems a bit overwhelming, though.

Confusion Level: 1.5

The fourth one, JquickTrans, is like a dictionary. You type in a word and it gives you the word in Japanese and some related words. It's kind of confusing at first, so play around with it until you're comfortable. It can find pretty much any word you type in, even rare-ish words that you don't hear in everyday conversation, like "phantasm."

Confusion Level: 2.5

Overall, I think it's a good bit of software and if you are just starting out, I suggest getting this one.

20 of 22 found the following review helpful:

A WinnerMar 01, 2004
By Sean Burns
If you're starting to learn Japanese, a feat to be applauded in itself, this is an amazing package. It's fun, interactive, and educational. Don't even think about trying to get a foot in the door without this. Books are great but to be able to see people pronounce the words with enthusiasm in correlation to the picture of the word is SO helpful and helps it stick amazingly well too. Another commenter posted that the games were worthless but they're only useless if your not focused on learning. This makes it so simple AND enjoyable, something I've never found with any other software out there. I was at first hesitant by the low price wondering how it could possibly deliver. BUY this as it's a steal and for the dedicated learner, a great way to start.

18 of 20 found the following review helpful:

maybe good if you get something else,tooDec 15, 2005
By M. Pizzullo "Sonuvspam"
I'm not sure if this is the exaxt same product, because the one I have has 6 cd's in it, but it's Instant Immersion Japanese, so I'm going with it.

This was given to me by a friend who's trying to learn Japanese because he found it worthless, as in way too difficult for a beginner. I also found it too difficult. I gave it to a japanese friend of mine and he said it's correct but there's no way a westerner is going to learn Japanese from it.

I found the whole approach ineffective. They didn't lie when they said it's instant immersion, they just immediately start speaking Japanese at a normal rate and don't let up, rarely if ever pausing to let you know what they said. I can learn more Japanese by watching imported DVD's than I can with this, at least there you get some some context clues and some gesticulation if you're observant.

I know it's cheap, but you generally get what you pay for. Pimsleur is expensive but worth every penny. It's only weakness is that you have to get your expanded vocabulary elsewhere, but the grammar and pronunciation are outstanding. Rosetta stone is great for vocabulary, but weak in grammar...the two work fantastic together if you don't mind the cost - but education is expensive. You're better off spending the money for one or two good programs than you are dropping 40 or 50 dollars a pop on cheap programs over and over until you find one you can actually learn something from.

This may be a very good addition to an ongoing study, but don't get your hopes up if you're a complete beginner and this is the only program you're planning to buy. You'll be lucky if you learn how to hail a taxi.

16 of 18 found the following review helpful:

Very Good but Better With Behind the Wheel JapaneseJun 01, 2005
By FIGMUFFIN
Instant Immersion Japanese is a very good course and I have learned a good deal of Japanese from it. I highly recommend it.

I do feel strongly that a good 'car based' course such as Behind the Wheel Japanese is necessary to get the practice you need while driving.

My personal study itinerary involves using Instant Immersion Japanese at home and Behind the Wheel Japanese in my car. I am learning to speak and Japanese at a very rapid pace and am enjoying the process.

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