15 Great Free Apps for Studying Japanese (2026 Guide)

Learning Japanese doesn’t have to be expensive, overwhelming, or time-consuming. Thanks to today’s high-quality language learning apps, you can study kanji, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and conversation anytime—whether you have five minutes on the train or an hour at home.

Apps work best as study companions, reinforcing what you learn from textbooks, classes, or self-study. From mastering hiragana and katakana to preparing for the JLPT or improving real-world speaking skills, these apps cover every stage of the Japanese learning journey.

1. Chatty Sensei ⭐ Best App for Real-Life Japanese Conversation Practice

If you’re searching for the best app to practice real Japanese conversation, Chatty Sensei stands out as one of the most powerful tools available today.

Chatty Sensei is an AI-powered Japanese tutor focused on speaking, listening, and real-world communication. Instead of isolated drills or translations, learners practice Japanese through hundreds of realistic, real-life scenarios, making it possible to train for almost any situation before encountering it in real life.

Users can choose from scenarios such as:

Each scenario unfolds as a natural, interactive conversation that adapts to the learner’s level. While speaking, users receive real-time feedback, including:

All conversations are saved automatically and can be reviewed later with full transcripts, furigana and romaji toggles, replayable audio, and structured review tools.

New users can unlock all Chatty Sensei features with a 7-day free trial, making it easy to experience advanced conversation practice and scenario-based learning before committing.

Platforms: Web (mobile & desktop)

2. LingoDeer

Best structured app for beginners

LingoDeer offers carefully structured lessons that guide learners step by step through grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction. Its approach feels polished and beginner-friendly, with native audio and clear explanations.

The app covers hiragana, katakana, and essential grammar concepts, making it a strong choice for learners starting from zero.

Platforms: iPhone, Android, Web

3. Anki

Best flashcard app for long-term retention

Anki is a powerful spaced-repetition flashcard system used by serious language learners worldwide. You can import decks for JLPT vocabulary, kanji, or textbooks—or create your own.

While not visually flashy, Anki is unmatched for memorization efficiency and long-term recall.

Platforms: Android, iPhone, Desktop, Web

4. Obenkyo

Best for handwriting and stroke order

Obenkyo focuses on writing practice, stroke order, and character recognition. It quizzes learners using multiple-choice and handwriting input, correcting both shape and stroke order.

Kanji lists are organized by JLPT level, making it especially useful for exam preparation.

Platforms: Android only

5. imiwa?

Best offline Japanese dictionary

imiwa? is a fast, reliable offline dictionary popular among long-term residents in Japan. It supports searches by romaji, kana, kanji, radicals, and SKIP codes.

A standout feature is clipboard lookup—copy a Japanese word from anywhere, open the app, and the definition appears instantly.

Platforms: iPhone only

6. Kanji Dojo

Best app for focused kanji study

Kanji Dojo is designed specifically for mastering kanji. It covers over 6,000 characters with stroke order animations, readings, and example vocabulary.

The app uses spaced repetition and customizable study limits to keep learning manageable.

Platforms: Android only

7. Duolingo

Best for casual daily practice

Duolingo offers a fun, gamified way to start learning Japanese without prior knowledge. Lessons focus on vocabulary, sentence structure, and translation exercises.

While it’s not ideal for advanced learners or deep grammar study, it’s excellent for building daily study habits.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

8. Todaii

Best app for reading Japanese news

Todaii helps learners improve reading skills through real Japanese news articles. Articles come in easy and standard modes with furigana, translations, and grammar hints.

It’s an excellent way to connect language learning with current events.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

9. BunPro

Best grammar-focused learning app

BunPro is dedicated entirely to Japanese grammar. Grammar points are organized by JLPT level and reinforced through fill-in-the-blank exercises using spaced repetition.

Each grammar item includes example sentences and links to deeper explanations.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

10. Renshuu

Best customizable Japanese learning app

Renshuu allows learners to study vocabulary, kanji, grammar, expressions, and more—all fully customizable. You can tailor your studies around JLPT goals, hobbies, or specific interests.

Its playful interface hides a surprisingly powerful review system underneath.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

11. JA Sensei

Best all-in-one Android app

JA Sensei covers kana, kanji, grammar, vocabulary, phrases, and cultural notes. It includes quizzes, stroke order animations, native audio, and progress tracking.

A solid choice for Android users seeking an all-in-one solution.

Platforms: Android only

12. Human Japanese

Best explanation-driven learning app

Human Japanese teaches Japanese like a friendly textbook, focusing on why grammar works the way it does. Lessons are conversational, detailed, and supported by quizzes and audio.

Ideal for learners who value clarity and structure over gamification.

Platforms: iPhone, Android, Desktop

13. Japanese (by Renzo Inc.)

Best-designed dictionary app

This app combines a clean, elegant interface with detailed dictionary entries, audio, and furigana. It also includes a light study system for vocabulary review.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

14. Shinobi: Read Japanese Stories

Best for learning through reading

Shinobi teaches Japanese through illustrated short stories. Grammar, vocabulary, and kanji appear naturally in context, supported by tap-to-translate features and comprehension questions.

A great option for learners who prefer learning through narrative.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

15. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese

Best free grammar reference

Tae Kim’s Guide is a classic Japanese grammar resource known for its clarity and logical structure. Lessons include conjugation tables, example sentences, and clickable kanji definitions.

It’s not a game—but it’s one of the best tools for truly understanding Japanese grammar.

Platforms: iPhone, Android

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “perfect” app for learning Japanese—but combining the right tools can dramatically speed up your progress. A strong study setup might include:

The key is consistency—and choosing tools that help you use Japanese in real situations, not just recognize it on a screen.