An effective way to learn the kanji relatively quickly is by using James Heisig's Remembering the Kanji book. His method uses systematic mnemonics and visual imagery/stories rather than rote memorization, like you would in school. I found it to be a very effective method, and am using it to introduce myself to the kanji. Unfortunately, it doesn't teach you readings or compounds so I'll have to teach those to myself later. But hey, divide and conquer.
An effective way to learn the
An effective way to learn the kanji relatively quickly is by using James Heisig's Remembering the Kanji book. His method uses systematic mnemonics and visual imagery/stories rather than rote memorization, like you would in school. I found it to be a very effective method, and am using it to introduce myself to the kanji. Unfortunately, it doesn't teach you readings or compounds so I'll have to teach those to myself later. But hey, divide and conquer.
You can find a free sample here:
http://nirc.nanzan-u.ac.jp/publications/miscPublications/pdf/RK4/RK%201_...