@Joel: I have probably ordered the same one, or something similar. It’s a joint N4/5 study workbook, comes with a CD of listening exercises too I think. Got it from Amazon.co.jp. It is all in Japanese as well.

@マーク: I have Tae Kim’s guide in print form (he released it in paperback on Amazon.com around the end of last summer?). I decided I would read through Textfugu, and then move onto his book for further expansion of my grammar knowledge.

I’m also a subscriber to WaniKani. I am currently level 6 on there… I wonder what level WaniKani = what level JLPT Kanji/Vocab. Either way, that has certainly helped expand my vocab beyond what is offered here on Textfugu. I’ve also just gotten to the point in Textfugu where Koichi recommends using Lang-8 for content creation. I am hopeful this will increase my vocab as well. I’ll probably get around to my first submission later this week.

As for listening comprehension… I have been buying all my favorite (American) movies/shows dubbed in Japanese. I have been watching these DVDs almost exclusively. I have Japanese audio and subtitles on, but may have to try for no subtitles, as I definitely catch myself reading more than I listen. It helps that I already know the plot of the movies… aids in piecing together random verbs/words that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to place.

I would hope that through these few resources I could be ready for the N4 by this December. I suppose all I can do is try!