# kotu.io > kotu.io combines search, flashcards, media tools, and pitch-accent tests. The tests are the pronunciation job. The homepage offers an account. Canonical: https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/kotu Last updated: 2026-09-01 A Japanese study toolkit. Use the pitch-accent tests for ear training. It is not a beginner podcast or a pronunciation coach. Published: 2026-08-13 5 min read intermediate · free · moderate · Listening · Web [Visit kotu.io](https://studyjapanese101.com/go/kotu) ## Key facts | Fact | Details | | --- | --- | | Best for | Learners who can already hear mora timing | | Avoid if | You still need basic listening from zero | | Pricing | Free; the homepage offers Create Account and Log In | | Platform | Web | | Ease of use | moderate | ## Pros - Learners who can already hear mora timing - People who want pitch-accent perception and recall tests - Intermediate students pairing listening with speaking ## Cons - You still need basic listening from zero - You want news or podcast lessons - You needed a human coach on a recording kotu.io is a Japanese study toolkit. The homepage, checked 1 Sep 2026, describes advanced search, flashcards, media companion tools, and focused tests. Search looks up words, examples, and pronunciations. Flashcards turn words, sentences, and audio clips into cards. Tests practice pronunciation, listening, recall, and understanding. The pronunciation job is the test list, not the whole toolkit. ## Pitch-accent tests The tests page, checked the same day, lists Japanese pitch-accent work in four groups: - Perception: minimal pairs (easy) and isolated words (medium) - Recall: isolated words (medium) and Japanese names (hard) - Repetition: isolated words (medium) - Production: isolated words (medium) Minimal pairs are the narrow ear-training drill. If every item is noise, come back after more input. [Irodori](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/irodori) or [JapanesePod101](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/japanesepod101) is a better first listen. The tests page also links a Yomitan pitch dictionary zip and an Anki plugin. Those are extras on that page. They are not a reason to skip [OJAD](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/ojad) for textbook lookup. ## Limits kotu.io will not teach grammar, news listening, or beginner comprehension. The checked pages do not describe a human coach. For lookup, use OJAD. For a recording plus a later comment, use [Speechling](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/speechling). The homepage offers Create Account and Log In. The checked pages list no price. Use the [pronunciation and pitch-accent shortlist](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/japanese-pronunciation-and-pitch-accent-resources) when you are choosing among lookup, ear training, and coaching. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is kotu.io only a pitch-accent site? No. The homepage describes a broader toolkit. The pronunciation job on this site is the pitch-accent test list. ### Do I need an account? The homepage offers Create Account and Log In. The checked pages do not list a price. ## Sources checked Product details can change. Evidence pages and their individual check dates appear below. Profile reviewed 2026-09-01. - [kotu.io homepage](https://kotu.io/) - official product · checked 2026-09-01 · Official toolkit description covering search, flashcards, media companion tools, and focused tests, plus Create Account and Log In. - [kotu.io tests](https://kotu.io/tests) - official product · checked 2026-09-01 · Official Japanese pitch-accent tests for perception, recall, repetition, and production, including minimal pairs. ## Alternative tools - [Activate Your Japanese!](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/activate-your-japanese) - Japan Foundation and NHK video material about communication strategies and everyday life. - [Akane Japanese Class](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/akane-japanese-class) - All-Japanese teacher videos and a podcast on daily life, with transcripts on the site. - [Ask Japanese](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/ask-japanese) - Street interviews in Japan about culture, anime, and daily life. ## Related - [Japanese listening resources](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/listening) - Listening tools range from hosted lessons to narrow pitch drills. Match the tool to the ear problem. - [Japanese pronunciation and pitch-accent resources by job](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/japanese-pronunciation-and-pitch-accent-resources) - Use OJAD to look up accent, kotu.io to train your ear, and Speechling to record for a coach. Beginners should look up before they drill. - [Japanese YouTube channels by study goal](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/japanese-youtube-channels) - Start with Tanaka san for short visual lessons, NihongoDekita for practical explanations, Sambon Juku for grammar in Japanese, or one podcast for sustained listening. - [Irodori](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/irodori) - Free Japan Foundation textbooks for daily-life Japanese, with audio. - [JapanesePod101](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/japanesepod101) - A large catalog of leveled Japanese podcast lessons and transcripts. - [Speechling](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/speechling) - Record Japanese, compare with a native speaker, and send audio to a pronunciation coach.