# Kana Origin — Learn Japanese from the origin

> Learn Japanese kana and kanji origins with spaced repetition and 3D word models. (iPhone/iPad app by 楷雯 周.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana-origin/id1439222882 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [楷雯 周](https://appshunter.io/developer/951710534)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $1.99)
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 378 App Store ratings · 44 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 77 MB
- Languages: American English, Chinese (Simplified, China), Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan)
- Released: 2018-11-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana-origin/id1439222882/reviews.md

## What is Kana Origin?

This is an app for learning Japanese Kana, but it's more than that.

- Origins
Starting from the origins, we will take you through the origins of Japanese kana and its relationship with kanji, helping you to better understand and distinguish these kana.

- Quick Search
The Quick Checklist will help you quickly find the kana, date and number you want to know when you need it.

- Learning
A learning style that incorporates multiple memory modes for intensive review based on the forgetting curve and proficiency level. And you can learn some useful Japanese words in line with your learning progress.

In the latest version, an Apple Watch version has been added, so you can get something out of it anytime, anywhere.

- Test
Reinforce your memory of unfamiliar kana through spelling.

- Words
Enhance your memory and understanding of words with vivid 3D models

More features are in the works. You can send an email to kevinchou.c@gmail.com to give your feedback.

## Key features

- Kana and kanji origins
- Quick search checklist
- Spaced repetition learning
- Spelling tests
- 3D word models
- Apple Watch compatibility

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| KanaOrigin Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Kana Origin?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Great for beginners
- ✨ Clean and simple UI
- 🚀 Easy to learn Japanese
- 💯 Effective for learning 50 sounds
- 💰 Good value for lifetime membership
- 🗣️ Good for Chinese speakers learning Japanese
- ✍️ Useful for memorizing vocabulary
- 💡 Intuitive and fun learning experience
- 🤩 Well-designed and aesthetically pleasing
- ✅ Smooth learning process
- 👍 Helpful for future travel
- 🗣️ Good pronunciation explanations
- 💯 Highly recommended for zero-based learners
- 🌟 Excellent learning tool
- 👍 Very practical app
- 🚀 Efficient learning logic
- ✨ Visually impressive 3D images
- 👍 Focused and distraction-free
- 😊 Pleasant user experience
- 💯 Essential for self-studying beginners
- 👍 Painless learning
- 🚀 Excellent interactive design
- 👍 Concise and easy to use

**Cons**

- 💸 A bit expensive
- 🔠 Difficulty increasing font size
- ❓ Unclear difference between versions
- 📉 Content can become predictable
- 🤔 Some vocabulary lacks Chinese translation

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Calendar module in notification center not displaying after update
- Eraser button in handwriting area is not working
- Handwriting area does not clear automatically when switching between Hiragana and Katakana
- Pronunciation audio not working
- Bug with 'Lemon' image preventing learning progress
- Bug with 'me' email word due to image error

**Most requested features**

- Add word memorization feature
- Increase font size option
- Sync learning progress across devices (iOS/Android)
- Add dedicated learning section for numbers and dates
- Show correct romanization after pronunciation training
- Allow in-app language switching (e.g., to Chinese)
- Include Katakana in review sessions
- Add Japanese writing practice (tracing/freehand)
- Randomize order within learning groups
- Add feedback window
- Add stroke order for 50 sounds
- Continuous reading of 50 sounds pronunciation
- Add more special training exercises (e.g., guessing place names)
- Make vocabulary list default to kana only, show meaning on tap

## Recent user reviews (10 of 44)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana-origin/id1439222882/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Perfect for Chinese speakers

*2025-12-08, version 1.3.32*

There are so many apps targeting learners who speak English but this one makes it easy for Chinese speakers to learn Japanese. Thank you so much for creating the app.

### 5/5 — 初学者推荐入手

*2025-06-28*

背五十音以及一些简单的基础知识在这里学完全没有问题，页面干净简洁没有很多烦人的广告。我是前年左右过年的时候打折买了终生会员，几块钱，内容还蛮多的。以后要是可以出类似背单词之类的就好了～整体来说非常推荐口牙！

### 4/5 — Great for learning! Could use some feature

*2024-12-18, version 1.3.29*

Really enjoyed the experience of learning Japanese in this app. It makes it very easy. I wish I could increase the size of the letters and read bigger in the screen.

### 4/5 — 不便宜，但真好用

*2024-09-19*

洁面节洁，无广告，使用方便，丝滑，虽然有点小贵但好评！

### 5/5 — 好棒的app！

*2024-06-26, version 1.3.29*

ui很简洁，内容简单易懂！适合beginner
╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

### 5/5 — Effortless Learning on the Go

*2024-03-19*

Fantastic app for beginners! Intuitive, effective, and fun.

### 5/5 — 五星，但不是五星

*2023-09-17, version 1.3.26*

更新后在通知中心的日历模块无法显示了。

### 5/5 — ios和安卓打通一下

*2023-09-12, version 1.3.26*

安卓买的，换手机了希望能打通一下
捧读已经做到了，希望50音也可以

### 5/5 — Great

*2023-02-14, version 1.3.25*

It’s awesome! I’m just a 9yr and a song inspired me to learn Japanese. Japanese is not that confusing unless you know it, but I think there’s not that many confusing things about it.

### 5/5 — 超级棒！要是能同步学习进度就更好了

*2023-02-02*

整体感觉非常不错！但是从电脑端到手机端以后无法同步学习进度，导致我需要重新把之前的内容学一遍，期待后续改进

## Frequently asked questions about Kana Origin

### What does Kana Origin do?

Kana Origin is an app designed for learning Japanese kana. It goes beyond basic memorization by exploring the origins of kana and their relationship with kanji, aiming to deepen user understanding. The app also includes features for quick searching, intensive learning through memory modes, and testing.

### What are the key learning features?

The app utilizes a learning style that incorporates multiple memory modes, focusing on the forgetting curve and proficiency levels for intensive review. It also offers a quick search checklist for immediate access to kana information, spelling tests to reinforce memory, and vivid 3D models for learning Japanese words.

### Is Kana Origin free to use?

The application is free to download and use. However, it does offer in-app purchases, suggesting that some features or content may be unlocked or enhanced through these optional transactions.

### What devices is Kana Origin compatible with?

Kana Origin is compatible with iOS devices. Notably, it has recently added an Apple Watch version, allowing users to access its learning features anytime and anywhere directly from their wrist.

### How does the app help with understanding kana and kanji?

The app helps users understand kana by starting from their origins and explaining their relationship with kanji. This contextual approach aims to make it easier to distinguish and remember kana. The learning methods, including spaced repetition and testing, further solidify this understanding.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.32 — 2025-09-17

- Refine App Experiance

### 1.3.31 — 2025-02-21

- Optimize widget performance  
- Optimize app details

### 1.3.29 — 2024-04-17

- Fix crash on newer system.

### 1.3.28 — 2024-04-03

- Bug fix

### 1.3.27 — 2023-09-18

- Improve the system support of widgets

## Apps similar to Kana Origin

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Japanese Dictionary - Nihongo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/japanese-dictionary-nihongo/id881697245) | 4.8 (1,829) | Free | Reference |
| [MOJiKana: Hiragana & Katakana](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mojikana-hiragana-and-katakana/id6447672905) | 4.9 (161) | Free | Reference |
| [MOJisho: Japanese Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mojisho-japanese-dictionary/id1021094295) | 4.8 (1,433) | Free | Reference |

## More apps by 楷雯 周

- [小记](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id975031499)
- [一炷香](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1033781459)
- [小电台](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1429932589)
- [Oyomi - AI Japanese Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oyomi-ai-japanese-reader/id1474251984)
- [Hanami - Japanese Handwritten](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hanami-japanese-handwritten/id6447871085)

All apps by 楷雯 周: https://appshunter.io/developer/951710534

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-31.*