There are plenty of apps and services available for learning Japanese, each with its own unique features and strengths. Choosing the right tool that matches your learning goals and the skills you want to improve is the first step towards effective learning. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of Japanese learning apps and services categorised by purpose or skills you wish to improve.
Japanese Learning Apps & Services
Practical Apps for Self-Study
Bunpro
- Overview: Bunpro is a tool that allows you to systematically learn grammar across JLPT levels (N5 to N1), using a Spaced Repetition System (SRS) to reinforce learning.
- Focus Areas: Grammar, Vocabulary
- Key Features: Detailed grammar explanations, native audio examples, customizable SRS settings, integration with WaniKani for vocabulary learning.
- Service Type: Web-based platform
- Learning Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Official site:https://bunpro.jp/
Realkana
- Overview: RealKana is a simple and easy-to-use tool designed to help users practise recognising hiragana and katakana.
- Focus Areas: Hiragana, Katakana
- Key Features: Customizable practice sessions with various font and timing options.
- Service Type: Web-based platform
- Learning Level: Beginner
- Official site: https://www.realkana.com/
WaniKani
- Overview: WaniKani is an app that helps learners effectively master kanji and vocabulary using SRS.
- Focus Areas: Kanji, Vocabulary
- Key Features: Mnemonic-based learning, Spaced Repetition System (SRS), and a large kanji database.
- Service Type: Web-based platform
- Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Official site: https://www.wanikani.com/
Anki web
- Overview: Anki is a powerful and customizable flashcard application that supports learning of all kinds, including Japanese.
- Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Kanji, Grammar (depending on the deck)
- Key Features: Highly customizable or downloadable flashcards, SRS for effective memory retention.
- Service Type: Web-based platform and mobile app (web version and Android version are free).
- Learning Level: All levels
- Official site: https://apps.ankiweb.net/
Kanji Study
- Overview: Kanji Study is a mobile app focused on helping learners master kanji through customizable learning paths.
- Focus Areas: Kanji
- Key Features: Kanji recognition, writing practice, custom quizzes, progress tracking.
- Service Type: Mobile app
- Learning Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Official site: https://mindtwisted.com/
Ringotan
- Overview: Ringotan is an app designed to improve your kanji writing skills using a unique handwriting recognition system.
- Focus Areas: Kanji
- Key Features: Handwriting recognition, kanji writing practice, progress tracking.
- Service Type: Mobile app
- Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Official site: https://www.ringotan.com/
JapanesePod101
- Overview: JapanesePod101 is a podcast-based learning platform offering lessons for learners of all levels, with a focus on listening and comprehension.
- Focus Areas: Listening, Vocabulary, Grammar
- Key Features: Audio lessons, multiple difficulty levels, cultural insights.
- Service Type: Web-based platform and mobile app
- Learning Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Official site: https://www.japanesepod101.com/
Renshuu
- Overview: Renshuu is a flexible and comprehensive Japanese learning platform offering customizable tools for vocabulary, kanji, grammar, and more.
- Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Kanji, Grammar, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking
- Key Features: Customizable learning schedules, SRS-based learning, gamified quizzes, community interaction, progress tracking.
- Service Type: Web-based platform and mobile app
- Learning Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Official site: https://www.renshuu.org/
Apps and Webs with Learning Resources
Tofugu
- Overview: Tofugu provides a broad blog and resource database aimed at helping people learn Japanese, particularly kanji, along with tips on Japanese culture and language.
- Focus Areas: Kanji, Vocabulary, Cultural Insights
- Key Features: Detailed kanji learning guides, cultural insights, various language learning resources.
- Service Type: Blog and resource website
- Learning Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Official site: https://www.tofugu.com/
Kanshudo
- Overview: Kanshudo is a comprehensive learning tool that covers various aspects of Japanese, with a focus on kanji and vocabulary.
- Focus Areas: Kanji, Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing
- Key Features: AI-driven learning sessions, kanji learning games, grammar lessons, customizable flashcards.
- Service Type: Web-based platform
- Learning Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Official site: https://www.kanshudo.com/
Tae Kim’s Guide
- Overview: Tae Kim’s Guide is a free online resource offering a comprehensive guide to detailed Japanese grammar.
- Focus Areas: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading
- Key Features: Detailed grammar explanations, practical usage examples, downloadable guides.
- Service Type: Web-based platform
- Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Official site: https://guidetojapanese.org/learn/
Human Japanese
- Overview: Human Japanese is designed to teach Japanese in a beginner-friendly way, focusing on understanding the language’s structure and culture.
- Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Culture
- Key Features: Clear explanations, interactive quizzes, cultural notes.
- Service Type: Mobile app
- Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Official site :https://www.humanjapanese.com/
Services for Interactive Learning
iTalki
- Overview: iTalki is a platform that connects learners with native Japanese teachers for one-on-one lessons and conversation practice.
- Focus Areas: Speaking, Listening, Grammar, Writing
- Key Features: One-on-one lessons with native speakers, flexible scheduling, a wide range of teachers.
- Service Type: Web-based platform
- Learning Level: All levels
- Official site: https://www.italki.com/
Busuu
- Overview: Busuu is a language learning platform that offers comprehensive lessons with a focus on interactive communication skills in Japanese.
- Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing, Conversation
- Key Features: Interactive exercises, feedback from the community, offline mode.
- Service Type: Mobile app and web-based platform
- Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Official site: https://www.busuu.com/
Speechling
- Overview: Speechling is a language learning app that focuses on improving speaking and listening skills through real-time feedback from native speakers.
- Focus Areas: Speaking, Listening
- Key Features: Audio recordings by native speakers, personalised feedback, SRS for pronunciation practice.
- Service Type: Mobile app and web-based platform
- Learning Level: All levels
- Official site: https://speechling.com/
Apps for Casual Japanese Learning
Duolingo
Overview: Duolingo is a comprehensive language learning app that uses gamification to make learning Japanese fun and accessible.
Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing
Key Features: Game-like structure, daily challenges, focus on practical phrases.
Service Type: Mobile app and web-based platform
Learning Level: Beginner
Official site: https://en.duolingo.com/
LingoDeer
Overview: LingoDeer offers a structured Japanese course with a focus on grammar and sentence structure.
Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing
Key Features: Structured lessons, interactive exercises, native speaker audio.
Service Type: Mobile app and web-based platform
Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Official site: https://www.lingodeer.com/
Recommended Apps & Services by Learning Category
Grammar
- Tae Kim’s Guide: Great for building a foundational understanding of Japanese grammar
- Bunpro: Ideal for systematic grammar practice
Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji
- Realkana: Quickly master hiragana and katakana through simple practice
- WaniKani: Effectively learn kanji and related vocabulary using SRS
Vocabulary Building
- Anki web: Perfect for memorising vocabulary at your own pace with highly customizable flashcards using SRS
- Renshuu: Offers quizzes and personalised vocabulary learning paths to efficiently expand your vocabulary bank
Listening
- JapanesePod101: Provides over 1,000 audio lessons with features to help Japanese learners of all levels
- YouTube: Offers a wide range of authentic Japanese content, from vlogs to news
Reading
- Satori Reader: An app created by the company that developed Human Japanese provides reading materials at all levels with translations and explanations
- NHK Web Easy News: Great for intermediate learners to practise reading real content
Writing
- iTalki: Receive personalised feedback from native instructors offering writing lessons
- Hello Talk: Provides casual, practical writing practice through messaging
Speaking
- iTalki: Practise real conversations with native speakers and receive individualised feedback
- Speechling: Practise speaking at your own pace and receive feedback from native speakers at an affordable rate
When learning Japanese, it’s essential to choose tools that match your level and goals. Incorporating the “13 Steps to Effective Japanese Learning” into your study routine can further maximise your results. Find a learning method that suits you and efficiently boost your Japanese skills!
