Learning Japanese is challenging because of the writing system, which is pictorial with many thousands of Kanji and three alphabet systems which is unlike any other language in the world. The second challenge comes for some of the people with native languages like English and other European languages in which the grammar subject pattern is Subject + Verb + Object, against the Japanese sentence pattern of Subject + Object + Verb, which is the same as some other Asian languages like Hindi.
Considering all these challenges, it is very important to utilize as many language-learning resources as possible to learn Japanese.
We have compiled a list of Japanese learning apps for you to learn and practice Japanese language skills. While you explore some of these best Japanese language apps, please refer to our other resource list for learning Japanese online.
Please also note that the following list of Japanese learning apps for Android and iOS is continuously updated to make it the most exhaustive resource list for learning Japanese. So, do keep an eye on this page for added resources.
Websites with a List of Recommended Apps:
Motto Japan
Motto Japan recommends the 5 best apps for improving your Japanese skills.
FluentU
FluentU brings Japanese to life with real-world videos. This link leads you to a list of over 20 apps they recommend for studying Japanese.
Gaijin Pot
Gaijin Pot is a website founded by two foreigners working in Japan as English teachers. They have expanded their website for newcomers in Japan. This link leads to the apps they recommend for studying Japanese.
Nihongo e-na
“Nihongo e-na” is a website where you can find recommended apps and sites/tools to learn Japanese. These links list several apps for learning Japanese on iOS and Android devices.
Nippon.com
This website lists free apps you can use to learn Japanese on your smartphones and tablets.
Nippon.com’s article about Japanese Learning Apps
Links to Apps for Learning Japanese:
Genki Apps
If you are using the “GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese” published by The Japan Times, they also have free apps to use with the textbooks. You can also use them without the textbooks to study vocabulary and kanjis in each app Below are the apps they offer.
GENKI Vocal 3rd Edition iOS App
GENKI Vocal 3rd Edition Android App
GENKI Kanji for 3rd Edition iOS App
GENKI Kanji for 3rd Edition Android App
GENKI Conjugation Cards iOS App
GENKI Conjugation Cards Android App
OTO Navi
OTO Navi – Sound Navigator is an audio player for books published by The Japan Times. It is a handy app to have if you are using Japan Times Publishing books to study Japanese so you can also practice your listening skills.
Anki App
Anki is an app to help you make remembering things easy. You can make flashcards of words that you want to memorize with easy steps and use them to memorize.
The online resource list for Japanese learning is compiled by Ryoko Nagai. Ryoko is a native Japanese and is a graduate of Molecular Biology & Medical Biology from the University College Utrecht, Netherlands.