# Kanji-Reader — Translate Japanese Characters

> AI-powered offline Japanese character translator from photos. (iPhone/iPad app by Tyler Walker.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanji-reader/id1457506025 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tyler Walker](https://appshunter.io/developer/1457506024)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.83/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 32 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2019-04-01
- Data updated: 2026-06-02
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanji-reader/id1457506025/reviews.md

## What is Kanji?

Kanji Reader uses the latest in convolutional neural networks technology to create an image processing application which converts photos of individual Japanese characters, providing their readings, translations, and other information. 

Simply aim the camera at a character, and watch the results display live. No internet connection is required. Recognizes with 90+% accuracy over 2000 Kanji.

Toggle between white and black text detection modes. Adjust camera sensitivity to pick up fainter text, or reduce sensitivity in high contrast environments.

View more results returned by the model, up to 10, ordered by likelihood. 

View detailed information about each Kanji, such as the "On" and "Kun" readings, radical, and stroke order.

## Key features

- Real-time character recognition
- Offline functionality
- 90%+ accuracy for 2000+ Kanji
- Adjustable text detection modes
- Detailed Kanji information (readings, radicals, stroke order)
- Multiple result predictions

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanji-reader/id1457506025/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Could be good

*2020-11-12*

Only sometimes reads the Kanji correctly. I really hope this can be improved because this app would save my life. I have been using it to try and read kanji in textbooks however most of the time when you scan a kanji character, it shows and translates it as something completely different

### 1/5 — Not good.

*2020-04-26*

That’s it.

### 1/5 — Fake

*2020-03-05*

It just randomly guesses kanji.

## Frequently asked questions about Kanji

### What is Kanji-Reader's accuracy rate?

Kanji-Reader recognizes over 2000 Kanji with over 90% accuracy. This is based on the application's advanced convolutional neural networks technology.

### Does Kanji-Reader require an internet connection?

No, Kanji-Reader does not require an internet connection to function. This allows for translation of Japanese characters anytime, anywhere.

### What kind of information does Kanji-Reader provide for each character?

For each recognized Kanji, Kanji-Reader provides its readings (On and Kun), radical, stroke order, and translation. It can also display up to 10 results ordered by likelihood.

### Can Kanji-Reader detect different text colors?

Yes, Kanji-Reader offers a toggle between white and black text detection modes. You can also adjust camera sensitivity for challenging contrast environments.

### What devices is Kanji-Reader compatible with?

Kanji-Reader is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is available for download on iOS.

### How often is Kanji-Reader updated?

The latest version of Kanji-Reader is 1.3, last updated on June 16, 2019. The app was initially released on April 1, 2019.

### What is the age rating for Kanji-Reader?

Kanji-Reader has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger learners.

### Does Kanji-Reader have ads?

No, Kanji-Reader does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free application.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3 — 2019-06-16

Significant improvements to the user interface and scanning technology:
- Ability to freeze the preview for easier character selection
- Ability to adjust window size, including a smaller size typical of written text.
- Improved recognition for typed characters in standard fonts.

### 1.2.1 — 2019-05-27

- Improved "see all results" section
- Reduce download size substantially

### 1.2 — 2019-05-20

- Ability to adjust camera sensitivity for improved readings.
- Improved "more results" accuracy: higher likelihood of seeing desired character among list of top 10 predictions.
- Decreased download size substantially.

### 1.1 — 2019-04-30

- Improved inference accuracy.
- Ability to view more results, up to 10.
- Ability to view all 10 results returned by the reader, and select one for detailed viewing.
- Augmented kanji detail page with stroke count and radical information.
- Slight UI improvements: better handling of missing data for particular entries, better handling of large entries and text overflow.

### 1.0 — 2019-04-01

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Kanji

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Flashcard Japanese beginner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flashcard-japanese-beginner/id6501990772) | — | Free | Education |
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| [Quiz to learn Japanese Kanji](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quiz-to-learn-japanese-kanji/id1668518781) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education |

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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 2026-06-02.*