As I told you before, I'm using a series of books called "Japanese for Busy People", which promises to teach you "educated adult Japanese". It's quite good, though I have only used it in the context of a Japanese class, so I can't say exactly how good it is as a self-study book.
There are three volumes, and they come in kana and romaji editions. I have the first book in romaji edition, that means the chapter reading texts are written in kana, transcribed in romaji, and translated in English. Vocabulary lists are in romaji, and all the explanation is in English. I have the second book in kana edition, which means that the chapter reading texts are in full Japanese, with kanji and furigana, they are not transcribed in romaji, but are translated into English only. Vocabulary lists are in Japanese, with furigana, and all the explanation is still in English.
They're not quite as expensive as the Genki books, somewhere around €20-25 I think. Also, it seems that they are doing some overhaul on the books, releasing new revised editions since last year, so you wanna look carefully before you order online. ^^
They do treat kanji in the book, but not until the second volume (though that may have something to do with the fact that my first volume is romaji edition). If you really want to learn kanji well though I recommend you get a separate book for that. I have one called "Let's Learn Kanji". I haven't done much in it yet but it came recommended by one of my classmates in Japanese class.
There are three volumes, and they come in kana and romaji editions. I have the first book in romaji edition, that means the chapter reading texts are written in kana, transcribed in romaji, and translated in English. Vocabulary lists are in romaji, and all the explanation is in English. I have the second book in kana edition, which means that the chapter reading texts are in full Japanese, with kanji and furigana, they are not transcribed in romaji, but are translated into English only. Vocabulary lists are in Japanese, with furigana, and all the explanation is still in English.
They're not quite as expensive as the Genki books, somewhere around €20-25 I think. Also, it seems that they are doing some overhaul on the books, releasing new revised editions since last year, so you wanna look carefully before you order online. ^^
They do treat kanji in the book, but not until the second volume (though that may have something to do with the fact that my first volume is romaji edition). If you really want to learn kanji well though I recommend you get a separate book for that. I have one called "Let's Learn Kanji". I haven't done much in it yet but it came recommended by one of my classmates in Japanese class.
I hope that helps! ^^
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