6 Best Japanese Learning Software in 2024

Whether you are traveling with your family or want to go on a business trip, the best Japanese learning software will help you quickly master this language.

If you are wondering how to find the right software and get the most out of online learning, take a look at the options below. I have tested over 50 programs to help you select the best Japanese learning software for your needs.

Top 6 Japanese Learning Software

  1. JapanesePod101 - Grammar and culture lessons
  2. Pimsleur Japanese - 30 minutes lessons
  3. Anki - With flashcards
  4. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese for iPhone - Free app for iOS
  5. Duolingo Japanese - Learn with fun
  6. WaniKani - With spaced repetition system

These programs are suitable for everyone who wants to plunge into Japanese culture, vocabulary, and grammar. Whether you are an absolute beginner, a student with knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana, or a confident polyglot looking to brush up advanced Kanji, here you can find the best online course that will help you reach your goal.

1. JapanesePod101 - Our Choice

Grammar and culture lessons
  • Extremely thorough lesson materials
  • Useful learning tools
  • Up to date
  • Little speaking practice

Verdict: JapanesePod101 was developed by a company in Japan that wanted to develop a tool that involving audio and visual learning. What they came up with was a computer program that worked by using what is known as grammar, voice recognition software, which allowed the user to hear the sentence spoken out loud, as well as see the correct grammar and pronunciation, and being able to review at will for future reference.

The biggest difference with this software over the old Japanese learning software is that now you are given actual written Japanese lessons, and also pictures to reinforce the lessons. If you have a full time job, the cost of buying and keeping this program might be a little bit more than you had originally imagined, but for someone who have little time to spare, and an interest in learning Japanese, it is worth the investment.

japanesepod101 japanese learning software interface

2. Pimsleur Japanese

30 minutes lessons
  • Audio-only lessons
  • All vocabulary taught is useful
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Emphasizes pronunciation
  • Formal language

Verdict: Pimsleur is a type of language learning software that involves using an audio program to learn Japanese grammar. This makes it very easy to learn the grammar, and then you simply repeat what you have learned in the lessons.

Now, when you first hear the Pimsleur Japanese learning software, you may think that it sounds boring. But, it doesn't because it teaches you the best techniques for grammar and conversation that you can learn. And, the best part is that it doesn't cost very much either!

pimsleur japanese japanese learning software interface

3. Anki

With flashcards
  • AnkiWeb synchronization
  • Useful learning tool
  • Embed audio clips and images
  • Not a complete language program

Verdict: Anki gives you lessons on grammar, verbs, and conversation patterns. It teaches you the lessons that you need to learn if you're going to be able to communicate with the Japanese people.

The way that the Anki Japanese Learning Software Works is that it figures out what you want to say in English, and then it teaches you how to form that sentence. It might sound complicated, but once you get the hang of it all becomes pretty easy. The thing that is great about elearning software is that it gives you these lessons on a CD-ROM that you can load up when you're ready to start learning the language.

anki japanese learning software interface

4. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese for iPhone

Free app for iOS
  • Listening, speaking, writing and reading practice
  • Variety of tools to assist in learning
  • Covers grammar along with vocabulary
  • Some type mistakes

Verdict: Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese For iPhone is one of the best Japanese learning software available. It is a plug and play program that can be used by people of all ages, whether you are looking to learn basic Japanese or are an advanced student wanting to brush up on your language.

Users can pick and choose which lessons they want to take, which means that they get to learn at their own pace, and that's what really matters when you are trying to learn a language - not when you are taking lessons.

tae kim’s guide to learning japanese for iphone japanese learning software interface

5. Duolingo Japanese

Learn with fun
  • Customizable with WaniKani scripts
  • Uses mnemonics for memorizing
  • Teaches radicals to learn kanji
  • Not a grammar program

Verdict: Duolingo is online learning platform that offers a wonderful interface for its players and it allows them to learn new words and improve their skills at the same time. The new interface for Duolingo Japanese has been designed especially so that it will be easy for anyone to learn the rules and then start enjoying the game.

You can learn a lot of new vocabulary from this new game. In addition to being able to learn new words, you will also be able to learn some of the culture that goes along with playing the game. When you are taking a break from the game, you will be able to review all of the words that you have learned and this will make it much easier for you to go back and learn everything that you know.

duolingo japanese japanese learning software interface

6. WaniKani

With spaced repetition system
  • Automatic backups
  • It is available for business and personal
  • Notifications if backups fail
  • Weak functionality

Verdict: WaniKani is a program that lets you learn Japanese through games, with the most basic lessons at the beginning. This is a great way to learn because you do not have to spend lots of money on lessons, and it is also something that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

On the other hand, many find that these games can be frustrating because of their nature. They force you to think too much, which in turn makes it difficult to absorb what is being taught. If this sounds like you, this is the best Japanese learning software for you. It gives you just enough instruction so that you are able to start speaking Japanese, but it does not have anything in place for how long you will need to continue learning.

wanikani japanese learning software interface
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