Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 grammar review of New Full Master Grammar. See its features, strengths, limitations, specs, and who should use it.

If you are preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 and want a book focused specifically on grammar, New Full Master Grammar Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 is a serious option worth considering.

The book is published by 3A Network and is written by Etsuko Tomomatsu, Sachi Fukushima, and Kaori Nakamura. The publisher describes it as an N2 grammar preparation book covering the grammar needed for the exam, with question-format guidance, practice exercises, and a mock test.

Its biggest advantage is exam-focused grammar practice rather than general Japanese grammar study. The biggest drawback is that this is a relatively specialized N2 study book, so it is not the obvious choice for someone who is still building basic Japanese grammar.

Amazon currently lists the English-and-Japanese edition at 230 printed pages, with English and Japanese as the listed languages.

Overall: If your Japanese is already around the intermediate/upper-intermediate range and your goal is specifically N2 grammar, this book deserves a place on your shortlist.

Overview

New Full Master Grammar Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 is part of the Shin Kanzen Master series from 3A Network. It is designed specifically around grammar preparation for the JLPT N2 rather than being a broad Japanese-language textbook.

The publisher places the book at the intermediate level and categorizes it under grammar and JLPT preparation.

The book is structured into three major sections:

1. Question introduction — an explanation of the grammar question formats and how to approach them.
2. Skills development — exercises covering the different grammar question types, together with grammar knowledge and practice.
3. Mock test — practice intended to help learners check their level.

One particularly useful design choice is the way the skills-development section separates grammar-form study from meaning and function. The publisher says the exercises for the grammar sections are arranged so learners can study the grammar form and its meaning/function separately, with detailed explanations and practice.

At a glance

The page-count information deserves a small clarification: the publisher currently lists the Japanese edition as 211 pages plus a separate 9-page answer section, while Amazon’s U.S. listing gives 230 pages. This likely reflects differences in how the edition/answer material is counted, so buyers should check the specific Amazon edition before ordering.

What Does This Book Actually Teach?

The important point is that this isn’t simply a book containing random N2-level grammar explanations.

It is built around the types of grammar knowledge required for the JLPT N2.

The publisher specifically describes three areas of exam grammar practice:

• Bun no Bunpo 1 — identifying the appropriate grammar form
• Bun no Bunpo 2 — understanding sentence construction
• Bunshou no Bunpo — grammar within passages/texts

The book then provides a skills-development section and a mock examination.

That structure matters because knowing what a grammar expression means is only one part of solving an N2 grammar question.

You also need to recognize:

• which form fits the sentence,
• how words should be connected,
• how similar expressions differ,
• and how grammar functions in a longer piece of Japanese.

This makes the book more relevant to JLPT-oriented study than a conventional grammar reference book.

Key Features Explained

1. Dedicated N2 Grammar Preparation

The strongest reason to consider this book is its narrow focus.

Rather than attempting to teach Japanese from beginner level onward, it concentrates on the grammar expected at N2 level.

That makes it useful if you already have a solid foundation and now need to move toward more sophisticated grammar.

Why this matters

N2 grammar can be difficult because many expressions have similar meanings but different usage conditions.

A learner may understand the individual words in a sentence and still choose the wrong grammar structure.

An exam-focused book can help you practice those distinctions in context.

2. Explanation of JLPT Grammar Question Formats

The publisher says the first section introduces the question formats and gives an overview of how to solve them.

This is useful because JLPT preparation isn’t only about memorizing grammar.

You also need to understand how the exam tests that grammar.

For example, knowing a grammar pattern doesn’t automatically mean you’ll recognize the correct answer when several possibilities appear in a multiple-choice question.

The question-format section is therefore useful for learners who understand Japanese grammar but aren’t yet comfortable with N2-style questions.

3. Separate Attention to Form, Meaning, and Function

This is one of the more interesting aspects of the book.

The publisher explains that the exercises are arranged so learners study grammar form separately from meaning and function.

That is useful because Japanese grammar becomes increasingly subtle at higher levels.

Simply translating a grammar pattern into English can create problems.

Instead, you need to understand:

What form is used?

What does it mean?

What does it actually do in the sentence?

That distinction can make grammar study more analytical and less dependent on memorizing one English translation.

4. Plenty of Practice

The publisher specifically highlights detailed explanations and practice exercises.

For N2 preparation, this is important.

Grammar books are most useful when you actively solve problems rather than simply reading explanations.

A practical study cycle would be:

Learn → Practice → Check → Review mistakes → Practice again

The book is particularly suited to that approach.

5. Mock Test

The final section is a mock test, allowing learners to check their level after working through the material.

This is valuable because it gives you an opportunity to move from learning individual grammar points to testing your ability to apply them.

However, one mock test should not be treated as a complete prediction of your actual JLPT result.

Your N2 preparation also needs reading, listening, vocabulary, kanji, and full-length exam practice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Specifically focused on JLPT N2 grammar
• Structured around actual grammar question types
• Includes explanations as well as exercises
• Covers sentence construction and grammar-in-context
• Includes a mock test
• Published by 3A Network, a well-known Japanese-language textbook publisher
• Available as an English-and-Japanese edition on the Amazon listing
• Can work well as a dedicated grammar component of a larger N2 study plan

Cons

• It is specialized for N2 rather than general Japanese learning.
• Beginners are unlikely to get the most value from it.
• Grammar alone is not enough for the complete JLPT N2.
• The Amazon listing and publisher page report different page counts, so buyers should verify the particular edition.
• The publisher lists a separate answer section rather than treating the answers as part of the main book.

Who Should Buy It?

Intermediate Japanese Learners Preparing for N2

This is probably the clearest audience.

If you’ve already studied intermediate Japanese and are moving toward N2, a dedicated grammar book can give your study routine much more structure.

Instead of wondering which grammar points to study next, you have a resource organized around the N2 target.

Learners Who Struggle With Similar Grammar Patterns

N2 grammar can be frustrating when several expressions appear to have nearly identical meanings.

If your biggest problem is:

“I know these grammar patterns, but I don’t know which one belongs in this sentence.”

then this type of practice book can be particularly useful.

Self-Study Learners

The structure also makes sense for people studying independently.

You can work through a section, complete the exercises, check your answers, and identify weak areas.

A teacher can obviously provide additional explanation, but the book’s question-oriented structure makes it suitable for independent practice.

Students Taking an N2 Course

It can also work as a supplementary textbook alongside a Japanese course.

Your class can provide explanation and conversation practice while this book gives you targeted grammar exercises.

Who Should Not Buy It?

You probably shouldn’t make this your first Japanese grammar book if you’re a complete beginner.

If you’re still learning:

• basic particles,
• basic verb conjugation,
• です/ます forms,
• basic adjective patterns,
• elementary sentence structure,

an N2 grammar book is likely to be too advanced.

Likewise, if your main goal is conversational Japanese, rather than JLPT preparation, a conversation-focused resource may give you more practical value.

And if you’re preparing for the complete N2 examination, don’t treat a grammar book as your entire study plan.

The publisher itself lists separate N2 books for vocabulary, reading, listening, and kanji, which reflects the fact that N2 preparation covers multiple areas.

Detailed Review

Study Design

The strongest aspect of this book is its exam-oriented organization.

The publisher doesn’t present it simply as a collection of grammar explanations. Instead, the book starts by explaining the question formats, moves into skills development, and finishes with a mock test.

That progression makes sense:

Understand the question → learn the required grammar → practice → test yourself.

For a learner preparing specifically for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2, that’s a much more purposeful structure than simply reading through a reference grammar.

Ease of Use

The book is likely easiest to use when you already have enough Japanese knowledge to work through intermediate-level explanations and examples.

Amazon lists the edition as English and Japanese, which may make it more approachable for learners who aren’t comfortable studying entirely through Japanese.

However, prospective buyers shouldn’t interpret “English and Japanese” as meaning the book is designed for beginners.

Its target remains N2-level grammar.

Practice Value

This is where the book makes the most sense.

Grammar knowledge that stays in your head isn’t particularly useful if you can’t recognize the correct construction in a sentence.

The exercises are designed around different grammar-question formats, including grammar-form identification, sentence construction, and grammar used within text.

That provides more varied practice than simply memorizing lists of grammar expressions.

Organization

The three-part structure is straightforward:

The structure is one of the main reasons this book makes sense for a dedicated N2 study plan.

Portability

Amazon lists dimensions of 7.2 × 0.59 × 10.12 inches.

That’s a relatively substantial textbook format rather than a tiny pocket reference.

For home study, desk study, or classroom use, that isn’t necessarily a problem. But if you specifically want something designed for casual mobile revision, a smaller digital or pocket resource could be more convenient.

Durability and Materials

There isn’t enough verified information in the available product listing to make a meaningful claim about the physical durability, paper quality, binding construction, or cover materials.

So I wouldn’t describe the book as “premium,” “heavy-duty,” or exceptionally durable without direct physical testing.

That is an area where the buyer should rely on the specific edition and seller information.

Product Specifications

The differences in page count and publication information are worth noting because Amazon and the publisher are presenting information for their respective listings/editions.

Value for Money

Whether this book is good value depends heavily on what you’re trying to accomplish.

If you only want a general Japanese grammar reference, a specialized JLPT N2 textbook may not be the best use of your money.

But if your specific goal is Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 preparation, the value proposition is stronger.

You’re getting a resource organized around:

• N2 grammar,
• JLPT question formats,
• grammar-form recognition,
• sentence construction,
• grammar in passages,
• practice exercises,
• and a mock test.

Amazon’s current product page did not expose a reliable direct selling price for the item when checked; instead, it indicated that product details should be viewed by adding the item to the cart.

For that reason, I wouldn’t quote a current Amazon price in a permanent article.

Prices, availability, sellers, and shipping can change.

The publisher currently lists the Japanese edition at ¥1,320 including tax, but that should not be treated as the current U.S. Amazon price.

Alternatives

Instead of automatically choosing another specific book, consider what you actually need.

3A Network’s own N2 series includes separate resources for vocabulary, reading, listening, and kanji, so learners can build a broader N2 preparation system around the grammar book.

FAQ

Is this book suitable for JLPT N2?

Yes. The book is specifically designed for grammar preparation for the JLPT N2. The publisher categorizes it as N2 grammar and describes its purpose as developing the grammar required for N2.

Is it suitable for beginners?

No. It is designed for the N2 level, which is substantially beyond beginner Japanese.

Is the book in English or Japanese?

Amazon lists the edition’s languages as English and Japanese.

How many pages does it have?

Amazon lists 230 pages. The publisher lists 211 pages plus a separate 9-page answer section.

Does it include exercises?

Yes. The publisher specifically describes detailed explanations and practice exercises in the skills-development section.

Does it include a mock test?

Yes. A mock-test section is included as the third major part of the book.

Does it cover the entire JLPT N2?

No. It is a grammar book. Passing N2 requires preparation across multiple areas, including vocabulary, kanji, reading, listening, and the relevant language-knowledge skills.

Is there a separate answer section?

Yes. 3A Network lists a separate 9-page answer section for the book.

Does it include audio?

The publisher’s product information does not list audio as an included component.

Can I use it for self-study?

Yes, its structured explanations and exercises make it a reasonable resource for self-study, although learners may still need another resource when they encounter grammar they don’t understand.

Is it worth buying if I already know N2 grammar?

It depends. If you consistently perform well on N2 grammar questions, another grammar textbook may offer less benefit than dedicated reading, listening, vocabulary, or full-test practice.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

For the right learner, yes.

The strongest reason to consider New Full Master Grammar Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 is its focused approach. It isn’t trying to be everything at once. It concentrates on N2 grammar and connects grammar knowledge with the kinds of question formats learners encounter in JLPT preparation.

I particularly like the progression from question-format introduction to skills development and then a mock test. It gives the book a clear purpose instead of turning it into a passive grammar reference.

The main limitation is equally clear: this is not a complete N2 preparation solution.

You shouldn’t buy it expecting one book to cover every part of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2.

Best reason to buy

You want a dedicated, structured resource for improving N2 grammar and grammar-question performance.

Biggest limitation

It is specialized. Beginners and learners who need conversation, listening, or broader Japanese instruction will need something else.

Ideal buyer

An intermediate or upper-intermediate Japanese learner who is seriously preparing for N2 and wants additional grammar practice.

Consider an alternative if…

Your Japanese isn’t yet at the N2 stage, or your biggest weakness is something other than grammar.

Check the Current Amazon Listing

If this book matches your N2 study goals, you can check the current Amazon listing for the latest price, availability, edition information, and customer feedback: