Japanese kanji resources

Kanji study is a sequence problem before it is a memory problem.

Published Updated 3 min read
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WaniKani

A guided radical-to-kanji-to-vocabulary course with a managed review queue.

BeginnerPaidEasyKanjiVocabularyWeb

Kanji Damage

A free mnemonic kanji guide with a readable order and blunt stories.

BeginnerIntermediateFreeEasyKanjiWeb

Kanji Koohii

Community kanji stories and reviews for Remembering the Kanji users.

BeginnerIntermediateFreeModerateKanjiWeb

Kanji Study

An Android kanji workbook with writing practice, quizzes, and JLPT lists.

BeginnerIntermediatePaidEasyKanjiAndroid

Kanshudo

Kanji, vocabulary, and grammar in one system, with flashcards attached.

BeginnerIntermediateFreemiumModerateKanjiDictionaryWeb

renshuu

A community Japanese site with quizzes, SRS, kanji, and grammar in one place.

BeginnerIntermediateFreemiumModerateKanjiGrammarWeb

Skritter

Spaced-repetition handwriting practice for Japanese kanji and words.

BeginnerIntermediatePaidModerateKanjiFlashcards & SRSWeb, iPhone, Android

Remembering the Kanji

A book method that teaches kanji meanings and writing before Japanese readings.

BeginnerIntermediatePaidInvolvedKanjiTextbookPrint

Kodansha Kanji Learner's Course

A mnemonic textbook for 2,300 kanji, including all jōyō characters.

BeginnerIntermediatePaidInvolvedKanjiPrint

Kanji Look and Learn

Japan Times kanji textbook covering 512 characters with mnemonic illustrations.

BeginnerIntermediatePaidModerateKanjiTextbookPrint, Digital

Showing 10 resources.

Isolated kanji study is optional. Immersion-focused lists often say so, and they are right for some learners. Others stall because they have no order at all.

If you need a managed sequence

WaniKani supplies radicals, mnemonics, unlocks, and reviews. You accept the order. That is the product. If the alternative is an Anki kanji deck, read Anki vs WaniKani before running two sequences.

If you want a free guide

Kanji Damage is a blunt mnemonic walkthrough. Kanji Koohii helps only if you already chose Remembering the Kanji. Kanji Look and Learn is a 512-character Japan Times book with pictures, not a 2,000-kanji path.

If you drill on Android

Kanji Study is a workbook with writing practice and quizzes. It is not a reading tutor.

What to pair with any of them

Kanji recognition still needs words in sentences. Add NHK News Web Easy or Satori Reader once the first characters feel familiar.

Do not run two sequences at once. Do not add a kanji course because a list called it essential.

Use the kanji apps and methods shortlist to compare a managed sequence, handwriting practice, book methods, and a reading-first route.

App JLPT kanji lists are not an official syllabus. The organizers do not publish a kanji list. If the exam itself is the job, use JLPT study resources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to learn kanji?

Pick one sequence or learn characters from reading. Do not run WaniKani and Remembering the Kanji together. Pair any method with words in sentences.