This book utilises a learning method that has helped thousands of students learn hiragana successfully in the United States and Japan. Picture mnemonics enhance memory by associating the shape and sound of each hiragana character with combinations of images and English words already familiar to students. This book is organised into three main sections. The first introduces the basic 46 hiragana characters along with writing tips and opportunities to practice writing them. The second teaches the usage rules that allow students to write all Japanese sounds, providing more opportunities for practice. The third strengthens students' skills through a wide range of exercises (word searches, crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, visual discrimination, timed recognition quizzes, etc) designed to both increase the knowledge of the Japanese language and reinforce newly acquired writing skills. Contents include: Section 1: The basics 46 hiragana; The basic 46 hiragana chart; Reading practice 1 (wa - so); Reading practice 2 (ta - ho); Reading practice 3 (ma - n); Section 2: Hiragana usage rules; The additional syllable chart; Rule 1: Tenten and maru; Reading practice 4 (tenten and maru); Rule 2: Combined characters; and Reading practice 5 (combined characters).