KANJI 1 – Self Study Read through these Kanji, the readings, and the mems. Some are the numbers, so you don’t need mems. When you have finished, import the kanji 2-1 and kanji 2-2 decks into Anki.

This kanji is made up of the nail radical. Where would you hate to see nails? The worst place to scatter nails would be the street because of all the cars driving by. Imagine someone spreading nails out all over the street and watching cars hitting them and popping all the tires. Who would do such a terrible thing? Who is spreading these nails on the street? That is Mrs. Cho, who will be popping up from time to time in the future as well (so be sure to get a good image of her in your head). Mrs. Cho is an evil little lady. She hates everyone and does bad things to others for her enjoyment. Her laugh even sounds like her name. Imagine her laughing, saying “cho cho cho cho” like some evil Santa Claus, or something.

Think about it this way. There is a famous fishing lure inventor, working on his best work ever. He’s old, and he’s been trying to make the best fishing lure for the last 50 years, and knows this will be his last invention. Then he figures it out. He takes one barb, and connects the end of it to the top of anotherbarb. When he does this, he knows his work is finally finished. Make sure you look at this amazing fishing lure too – hold it in your hand, see the two barbs fused together. Think about how strange this lure is. Is this really the best in the world? Will this really finish all other fishing lures? How does the fish lure maker test his new lure out? The one he just finished? He gets in a row boat. Make him think that he can’t just use his new lure on the side of the lake / ocean / whatever. He has to get out there, but unfortunately all he has is a crappy row boat. Imagine the row boat being terrible, leaky, and dangerous, which is why you’re surprised when he goes for it. That’s a terrible row boat to use!

You’re sitting on your stool again!!? There’s someone you know who carries a stool around with her all the time. Why? Because she’s super pregnant and can’t walk too far. You’re walking with her, but she has to stop every few feet and sit on her stool, again and again. Feel irritated about this, because it will help you to remember the meaning of this kanji better. Imagine this scene taking place several times as you’re trying to walk to your destination together, but she’s too slow and it’s super-duper irritating.