Kanjijo started with one idea: make kanji learning so effortless it happens from your lock screen. But we’re just getting started. Every feature on this roadmap was requested, voted, or inspired by our community of Japanese learners.
Phase 1 - In Development
These features are actively being built:
| Feature | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Handwriting Recognition | Practice writing kanji with real-time stroke order feedback | Building |
| Advanced Statistics | Retention curves, weak kanji heatmap, daily trends | Building |
| Custom Deck Builder | Create personal decks from any kanji set | Designing |
| Smart Reminders | AI-optimized review notifications at your best study time | Designing |
Phase 2 - Planned
| Feature | Description | Why You Asked |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Decks | SRS-powered grammar patterns with example sentences | “Kanji without grammar is like vocabulary without sentences” |
| AI Mnemonics | Personalized mnemonic stories generated for your learning style | “Some mnemonics don’t click for me” |
| Achievement System | Badges, streaks milestones, and learning trophies | “I need more motivation to keep going” |
| Reading Mode | Short Japanese passages with inline kanji hints | “I know kanji individually but can’t read sentences” |
| Audio Integration | Native pronunciation for every word and example | “I can read it but can’t say it” |
Phase 3 - Exploring
| Feature | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplayer Quiz | Battle friends in real-time kanji recognition challenges | High |
| Web Companion | Review and track stats from your browser | Medium |
| Enhanced OCR | Point camera at any Japanese text, instant kanji breakdown | High |
| Speech Recognition | Practice pronunciation with AI feedback | High |
| Study Groups | Share decks, compete with friends, track group progress | Medium |
Why These Features?
We don’t build features because they’re cool. We build them because they solve real problems:
The Kanjijo Principle: Every feature must pass 3 tests: (1) Does it reduce friction? (2) Does it improve retention? (3) Does it respect the learner’s time?
- Handwriting - Research shows motor memory doubles kanji retention (Kato, 2019)
- Grammar decks - Kanji in isolation is only half the battle; context creates fluency
- AI mnemonics - Personalized stories have 3x better recall than generic ones
- Reading mode - Bridges the gap between “I know 500 kanji” and “I can read a paragraph”
What We Won’t Build
Equally important - features we’ve intentionally rejected:
- Gamification gimmicks (lives, hearts, gems) - They optimize for app time, not learning
- Social feed / timeline - You open Kanjijo to study, not to scroll
- Machine translation - Other apps do this well; we focus on acquisition
- Subscription paywalls on core SRS - The core learning algorithm stays free
This is the Zen philosophy in action: subtract what doesn’t serve learning.
How You Shape the Roadmap
- In-app feedback - Tap “Send Feedback” in Settings
- App Store reviews - We read every single one
- Email - [email protected]
Every feature on this page started as a message from someone like you. Keep them coming.
More About Kanjijo
Why Kanjijo Chose Zen: The Philosophy of Minimalist Learning
Open most language learning apps and you’re greeted by: confetti animations, streak flames, leaderboards, social feeds, daily challenges, pop-up sales, avatar costume shops, achievement badges, and somewhere buried underneath - the actual learning.
We designed Kanjijo to be the opposite.
The Problem: Digital Noise Kills Learning
Research from UC Irvine found that it takes 23 minutes to fully refocus after a distraction. Most learning apps generate dozens of micro-distractions per session - notifications, animations, social comparisons. By the time your brain settles into actual learning, your “5-minute session” is already over.
The paradox: Apps designed to be “engaging” often sabotage the deep focus needed for language acquisition. Engagement ≠ effectiveness.
The Zen Principle: 無駄を省く (Muda wo Habuku)
In Japanese manufacturing philosophy (the Toyota Production System), there’s a concept called 無駄 (muda) - waste. Anything that doesn’t add value to the end product is muda, and it must be eliminated.
We applied this to Kanjijo:
- No social features - You’re not here to compare yourself to strangers
- No gamification excess - No coins, costumes, or virtual pets. Learning IS the reward.
- No shop / upsells - One clear offering. No dark patterns.
- No notification spam - We remind you to study. We don’t guilt-trip you.
The Design Language of Calm
Every visual choice in Kanjijo serves a purpose:
| Design Choice | Why | Zen Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Soft green accent (#77D959) | Growth, calm, low eye strain | 自然 (shizen) - naturalness |
| White space abundance | Lets the kanji breathe | 間 (ma) - negative space |
| Clean typography | Readability over decoration | 簡素 (kanso) - simplicity |
| Minimal animations | Focus stays on content | 静寂 (seijaku) - stillness |
| Garden SRS metaphor | Learning as cultivation | 成長 (seichou) - growth |
| Lock screen widget | Passive exposure, zero friction | 自然体 (shizentai) - natural stance |
一期一会 (Ichigo Ichie): One Moment, One Encounter
This Japanese concept means “one time, one meeting” - the idea that each encounter is unique and precious. In Kanjijo, each flashcard review is treated as that one moment between you and the kanji. No distractions. No noise. Just you and the character.
When you see 山 on your review card, that moment of recognition - “ah, mountain” - is a tiny meditation. We protect that moment by removing everything else.
What “Full-Featured” Actually Looks Like
Minimalism doesn’t mean “barebones.” Kanjijo has deep features:
- 8,000+ items across JLPT N5-N1
- Smart SRS with adaptive intervals
- OCR camera scanner for real-world text
- Interactive writing practice with stroke order
- Lock screen widgets for passive learning
- Creative mnemonics for every character
- Native audio pronunciation
The difference is that these features are organized, not stacked. You encounter each one naturally, at the moment it serves you.
The Result: Focus = Retention
Users consistently report that Kanjijo sessions feel calm yet productive. Without the cognitive overhead of navigating badges, shops, and social feeds, your brain dedicates 100% of its energy to the actual learning. And that’s reflected in retention rates.
The zen lesson: An app that does one thing excellently will always outperform an app that does ten things adequately. We chose to master the art of kanji learning, and nothing else.
More about Kanjijo
Frequently Asked Questions
Zen design means removing everything that doesn’t serve the core purpose. No cluttered menus, no flashy animations competing for attention. Every element earns its place by directly helping you learn kanji.
Green (#77D959) is associated with growth, nature, and calm focus. Research shows green reduces eye strain during extended screen time and creates a sense of progress. It mirrors the SRS “plant your knowledge” garden metaphor.
Not at all. It means presenting features clearly, one at a time, exactly when needed. Kanjijo has robust features (SRS, OCR, writing, widgets, mnemonics), but organized so you only see what’s relevant to your current task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grammar integration is a Phase 2 feature. We’re designing grammar decks that use the same SRS system to teach patterns in context. Expected late 2026.
Yes! Handwriting recognition is a Phase 1 priority. You’ll practice stroke order directly in the review flow with real-time feedback on accuracy.
A web companion for review and stats is in the Phase 3 roadmap. The mobile app remains primary, but syncing progress to a web dashboard is coming.
Start learning today - and help shape what Kanjijo becomes tomorrow.