Japanese Learning Apps & Services

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.

Contents

Japanese Learning Apps & Services
Recommended Apps & Services by Learning Category

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!