Konnichiwa, Japanese learners! As your AtoJ Hirameki sensei, I’m here to talk about one of Japanese learning students’ biggest hurdles: how to learn Kanji! Luckily, we’ve got game-changing tips that make it easier and more engaging to master Kanji.
Lesson 1 From Your AtoJ Hirameki Sensei: 10 Useful Tips on How to Learn Kanji
1. Use the Flashcard App Anki.
Every Japanese learner has probably heard about Anki, the free and open-source platform. The app intelligently helps you remember Kanji through digital flashcards that recur according to when it expects you to forget.
“I used Anki as a daily routine. Anki is a flashcard app to learn Japanese words and vocabulary. There’s a cool guide made by DJT on the internet!” – “Becoming an Indonesian Computer Science Engineer in Japan: Joining My Brothers at Our Dream Country.”
2. Give every kanji a story.
Associating Kanji with their meanings can get confusing. A good way to connect Kanji to their meaning is to use your imagination to make more complex memories of each kanji.
“Memorize kanji by creating a story based on what the character looks like or resembles. This makes it easier to remember. The best way to learn kanji is by understanding its structure and the way it’s drawn.” – “Acing Japanese Job Interview Questions For Engineers: Key To My Success”
3. Look out for kanji radicals.
Each kanji radical (部首) has a meaning. The more you learn, the easier it will be to expand your vocabulary and understand the meaning.
“I struggled with kanji many times, but gradually noticed patterns and radicals. That helped me guess the meaning of the new kanji.” – “Japanese Job Interview Tips from a Future AI Engineer in Japan”
4. DIY your physical flash cards.
Having an actual physical flashcard can help you have a stronger memory of a kanji. You can write the meaning of the kanji on the back of the flashcard, and easily quiz yourself about the reading or meaning of the kanji. Just make sure your paper is thick enough, and your ink doesn’t bleed through, so you can’t cheat!
5. Consistently practice writing kanji to train your muscle memory.
Not only can writing kanji with a pen and paper help you have more distinct memories that are easier to remember, but repetitive writing will also engage your muscles in memory-making.
“Kanji can feel intimidating for every learner. There are just so many of them! But consistency is key. Keep practicing regularly, even after you’ve learned the basic characters. One of my teachers gave me the best advice: write Kanji often. Writing helps build muscle memory, which makes recalling them much easier.” – “How To Change Careers And Get A Job In Japan: My Experience”
6. Read kanji in the wild.
Whether it’s going to the Asian section of the supermarket, going to a specialty Japanese market, playing Japanese video games, or flying to Japan, engaging with kanji beyond the textbook and review materials will help your brain make those lasting connections. It’s also quite rewarding to incorporate into real life!
“The more you see Kanji used in different contexts (books, signs, subtitles, etc.), the faster you’ll start recognizing and remembering them. Over time, they’ll become familiar rather than frightening.” – How To Change Careers And Get A Job In Japan: My Experience.”
7. Buy children’s learning materials and have fun with kanji.
Embrace the cuteness of being a beginner! There are plenty of materials designed for kids that will also greatly help your learning journey. Having fun and gamifying your learning journey is also scientifically proven to be a superpower!
“…you can learn more words using children’s learning materials like flash cards and storybooks. Children’s workbooks can also help you learn how to write and pronounce the Japanese Alphabet (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji).” – “Computer Science Job In Japan: I Did It — My Journey”
8. Print your own Kanji book.
There’s so much material online, but having something physical and tangible can make a big difference. You can access and print this free Kanji book for yourself!
9. Find a kanji-learning app that works with your learning style.
There are so many more apps you can use to learn Kanji. Choose 1 or 2 that you can stick to consistently. Everyone learns a little bit differently, so it’s best to find one that works best for your learning style. Other Kanji learning apps we recommend: WaniKani (Free for first 3 levels), KANJI Memory Hint (by Japan Foundation), Memrise (N4 Courses), Migii JLPT (iOS/Android).
10. Join a Japanese Class.
Having classmates and a teacher can be such a game-changer! Being accountable to keep the momentum of your learning journey and having milestones to reach and focus on can push you through difficult times. Check out FAST OFFER International’s Japanese classes here.
About Your AtoJ Hirameki Sensei
Hello! My name is Amogh, and I’m a Japanese language Trainer at AtoJ Hirameki.
I have always enjoyed reading books and creating videos—both shooting and editing them. A few years ago, I decided to learn a language that did not use Roman characters. That curiosity led me to Japanese, and since then, I have stayed deeply connected with the language and culture.
At AtoJ Hirameki, we welcome students from across India who want to learn and explore Japanese. Our programs cover every level of proficiency, from JLPT N5 to JLPT N1, helping learners build strong language skills step by step.
We also offer special career-focused courses for qualified individuals who aspire to work in Japan. These programs are conducted in partnership with FAST OFFER International, providing students with guidance and opportunities to pursue professional careers in Japan.
Whether you are learning Japanese for personal interest, academic goals, or career opportunities, Hirameki and FAST OFFER are here to support your journey. Learn more about AtoJ Hirameki’s services here.
