Kana
Read and write hiragana and katakana.
かなくま
Japanese — one step at a time
Kana, kanji, vocabulary and listening with smart FSRS reviews. Install it like an app and keep learning offline.
Kana, the dictionary and the first three lessons are free
Latest news
The app and its learning content keep growing.
- +120 N4 words — transport and shopping
The new themed vocabulary is available in lessons and the dictionary.
- The home page now puts search and learning first
Dictionary, kana, lessons and reviews are now one click away.
- N5 listening: 12 new sessions
Listen first, reveal the answer and grade it with the standard FSRS controls.
One clear learning path
Begin with the syllabaries, build vocabulary and kanji, and let the app schedule each review.
First words
Three guest lessons without an account.
Kanji
Readings, meanings and handwriting practice.
Review
FSRS brings each card back at the right time.
Focused learning tools
Everything works together without turning study into an endless game.
Handwriting
Write kanji and kana with touch, mouse or pen.
Listening
Listen to Japanese and check what you understood.
Offline PWA
Install without an app store and keep lessons on your device.
Coming to Kanakuma
Tutors and students in one community
Kanakuma will include a directory of Japanese tutors with reviews and a way to get in touch. Tutors will be able to assign and check work, while students complete it right on the site.
- Reviews and contact
- Assignments and feedback
Eight visual themes
Calm Zen, retro CRT, a dark galaxy or the classic interface — study in a space you enjoy returning to.
- 標Default
- 桜Sakura
- 愛Kawaii
- 遊Game Boy
- 端CRT
- 剣JRPG
- 星Star Wars
- 禅Zen
Start free — choose your path later
Payments arrive in the next stage. For now, try the product and join the waitlist.
Tabi
旅Free
- Complete kana course
- Unlimited dictionary
- First lessons and local progress
Sora
空from $6/month Coming soon
- The full N5 → N3 path
- Cross-device sync
- All lessons and statistics
Hoshi
星from $10/month Coming soon
- Everything in Sora
- AI memory hints and explanations
- Extended practice
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
No. You can complete kana and the first three lessons as a guest. Create an account only when you want to sync progress across devices.
Does Kanakuma work offline?
Yes. It is an installable PWA, so downloaded lessons and local progress remain available without a connection.
Why are reviews not in a fixed order?
Kanakuma uses FSRS to bring a card back when reviewing it is most useful.
Is the dictionary paid?
No. Dictionary search remains free and works without an account.
Will I be able to study with a tutor through Kanakuma?
Yes. Kanakuma will include a directory of Japanese tutors with reviews and contact options. Tutors will be able to assign and check work, while students complete it right on the site.