Instant Kanji 1.4

Instant Kanji is a straightforward flash card application rooted in the comprehensive Kodansha Kanji Dictionary, aimed at supporting learners in enhancing their understanding of Japanese kanji characters in a convenient, mobile format.

The app emphasizes capturing the core meaning of each character, derived from Jack Halpern's authoritative reference. This core meaning is distilled into a concise keyword that effectively conveys the fundamental significance and functional role of the kanji as a building block within words. Such an approach has been recognized by educators and students alike as an effective method for reinforcing kanji comprehension.

Kanji characters are organized into manageable decks of ten, facilitating efficient review sessions that fit into busy schedules, such as during commutes or waiting times. Additionally, the app includes a self-assessment feature to monitor progress over successive review sessions.

For users who also own The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary apps for iOS—either the original or the revised and expanded version—there is an integrated feature that permits quick navigation directly to the corresponding dictionary entry, thereby supporting deeper exploration of each character.

The app is initially available free of charge with eight decks covering all Joyo Grade One kanji—the set learned during the first year of elementary school in Japan. Additional content can be accessed through in-app purchases, including decks representing the remaining 1,006 educational kanji, Joyo characters taught in middle and high school, and other non-Joyo or Jinmei (name) kanji collections.

Distinctive Features

• Based on the authoritative The Kodansha Kanji Dictionary
• Seamless integration with The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary apps for quick access to detailed entries
• Includes a self-evaluation function to track learning progress
• Contains small, easily digestible decks designed for efficient study
• Operates without requiring an internet connection