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
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.