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Author: Danny Choo
Publisher: Culture Japan Date Published: 2014 (Second Edition) Language: Japanese, English Size: 88 x 63mm Pages: 56 (cards) Format: Playing Cards Available From: Amazon, J-List Publication Quality: High quality colour prints on gloss card |
The Moekana Second Edition (MSE) card set created by Danny Choo and his Culture Japan team is intended for use as a teaching / study aide for English speakers who wish to learn the Japanese Language (specifically the Hiragana and Katakana syllabuses) at a beginner level. This card set is also of value as an entertaining palm-sized art collection featuring theme-based chibi style illustrations of the Culture Japan mascots.
MSE is intended to supplement the original Moekana language card set created by Danny Choo. In effect, MSE serves as an expanded and revised copy of the first edition set. Although the overall objective of the card sets are unchanged (entertaining language study) there are a few noteworthy differences between the two editions. The first edition featured Culture Japan’s original mascot group (Mirai, Haruka, Kanata) and focused on the Hiragana syllabuses. A booster pack was later developed by Danny Choo to assist with the study of Kanji. The MSE set features a wider selection of Culture Japan’s current mascots (Mirai, Haruka, Kanata, Chitose, Eiji, Retrokyu), and sought to function as a more complete study aide; providing a sufficient level of introductory language education without the need of a booster pack.
In regards to the MSE’s value as an educational aide, Danny Choo has adopted the philosophy of learning through play to great effect. The illustrations featured on each of the 56 cards depicts one of the Culture Japan mascots in a scenario related to the card’s chosen vocabulary. This picture and word combination can assist new students of the Japanese language with word and subject recognition, along with basic pronunciation. In addition, Danny Choo developed a turn based language game to enhance the cards’ utility as a teaching aide, and as a source of entertainment for small social groups.
To assist with further enhancing the MSE set’s versatility, two quick reference cards are included in the pack. These reference cards present the Hiragana and Katakana iconography, and their English translations, featured in the main card set. The intended purpose of these cards is to aide with or encourage impromptu revision and personal language testing.
Overall, the MSE card set serves the purpose of an introductory study aide quite well. This card set also has value as a collector’s item (artwork set), and as a sample of Culture Japan’s artistic talent. However, the card set should not be relied upon as a stand-alone teaching tool. Additional materials (and interpersonal guidance) may be required to teach correct grammatical use and pronunciation of the cards’ chosen syllabus.
In regards to the MSE’s value as an educational aide, Danny Choo has adopted the philosophy of learning through play to great effect. The illustrations featured on each of the 56 cards depicts one of the Culture Japan mascots in a scenario related to the card’s chosen vocabulary. This picture and word combination can assist new students of the Japanese language with word and subject recognition, along with basic pronunciation. In addition, Danny Choo developed a turn based language game to enhance the cards’ utility as a teaching aide, and as a source of entertainment for small social groups.
To assist with further enhancing the MSE set’s versatility, two quick reference cards are included in the pack. These reference cards present the Hiragana and Katakana iconography, and their English translations, featured in the main card set. The intended purpose of these cards is to aide with or encourage impromptu revision and personal language testing.
Overall, the MSE card set serves the purpose of an introductory study aide quite well. This card set also has value as a collector’s item (artwork set), and as a sample of Culture Japan’s artistic talent. However, the card set should not be relied upon as a stand-alone teaching tool. Additional materials (and interpersonal guidance) may be required to teach correct grammatical use and pronunciation of the cards’ chosen syllabus.
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