The Tsugawa Learning Method Coming to Nintendo DS

On June 28th, yet another kanji game will be hitting the Nintendo DS. This one features the kanji learning methods of Hiroyoshi Tsugawa (津川博義) and is titled まる書いてドンドン覚える驚異の津川式漢字記憶実. That's an insane mouthful, so let's just call it Tsugawa Method DS. The game looks pretty interesting after checking out the official website, and I am looking forward to purchasing it and reviewing the title. It looks to contain not only Tsugawa's learning style, but also a few different types of tests and loads of other functions.

His methodology is fairly easy, though I'm sure I will oversimplify. All you do is take a kanji that you have trouble writing and circle the problem spot on it. For example, the website features an example of the kanji for apple, 林檎（りんご）.
Once you've circled your problem spot, you can either visualize it in your head or write it down a few times somewhere. Mr Tsugawa claims that this will help you overcome your weaknesses and write all those kanji you couldn't remember!

I had never thought of a strategy like this, but I am thinking it might work pretty well. It's usually pretty easy to remember most of a kanji since many characters are made up of the same components, but there's always a tricky spot or two that you fumble with.

I'll be picking up the game when it comes out and will report back!

You can also learn more about the Tsugawa Method at the official website.