# Katakana - Japanese Alphabet — Learning Japanese with AI

> AI-powered app for learning Japanese Katakana and Hiragana through handwriting. (iPhone/iPad app by fengyi tsai.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/katakana-japanese-alphabet/id1444539926 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [fengyi tsai](https://appshunter.io/developer/967299052)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.6 · 13 MB
- Languages: Korean, American English, Chinese (Simplified, China), Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan)
- Released: 2018-11-30
- Data updated: 2026-08-14
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/katakana-japanese-alphabet/id1444539926/reviews.md

## What is Katakana?

Moving to Japan for work can be exciting, but arriving without knowing any Japanese? That presents a huge challenge. For many, the language barrier quickly becomes the biggest obstacle in both daily life and professional settings.

That personal struggle was the catalyst for this unique application. Facing the difficulty of learning a completely new language firsthand inspired me to leverage my professional background and the latest AI recognition technology to create a solution. Our primary aim is to help beginners rapidly master Kana (Hiragana and Katakana) while simultaneously building a strong foundation in reading and writing Japanese.

Highlights:

1. Learn Through Writing: Our groundbreaking feature uses AI to instantly recognize if your handwritten Kana stroke order is correct. This innovative approach shifts the focus from conventional listening and speaking methods, empowering you to truly master reading and writing from the very beginning.

2. Write Like a Native - Powered by AI: How do native speakers really write? Our app's AI has analyzed tens of thousands of authentic handwritten Japanese characters. This allows us to guide beginners in acquiring the most standard and natural-looking forms for both Hiragana and Katakana.

3. Gamified Learning Path: Forget tedious drills! You'll learn all the Katakana characters by progressing through engaging checkpoints. Before you know it, you'll find yourself mastering Katakana too, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.

## Key features

- AI handwriting recognition for stroke order
- Learn to write like a native speaker
- Gamified learning path with checkpoints
- Master Hiragana and Katakana
- Focus on reading and writing skills

## Chart rankings

- #191 in Top Paid · Education (US App Store)


## Frequently asked questions about Katakana

### What is Katakana primarily used for?

Katakana is primarily used for foreign loanwords, emphasis, onomatopoeia, and scientific names. Mastering it is crucial for reading modern Japanese.

### How does Katakana's AI handwriting recognition work?

The app's AI analyzes your handwritten strokes in real-time, comparing them to tens of thousands of authentic Japanese characters to ensure correct stroke order and form.

### Is Katakana suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, Katakana is designed for beginners. It focuses on building a strong foundation in reading and writing the Japanese Kana characters from the start.

### Does Katakana offer offline learning?

The provided data does not specify offline capabilities. However, AI handwriting recognition typically requires an internet connection for analysis.

### How often is Katakana updated?

The app was last updated on May 3, 2025, indicating active development. Version 2.1 was released at that time.

### What is the price of Katakana?

Katakana is a paid app, available for $1.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its features.

### What devices support Katakana?

Katakana is currently supported on iPhones. The specific iOS version requirements are not detailed in the provided information.

### What is the age rating for Katakana?

Katakana has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including children and adults.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.1 — 2025-05-03

regular update

### 1.6 — 2021-01-11

update pronunciation files

### 1.3 — 2019-09-11

check device’s volume before playing audio

### 1.2.1 — 2019-04-10

add buttons for feedback and navigating between our APPs.
save learning progress on iCloud automatically.

### 1.0 — 2018-11-29

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Katakana

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Learn to Write in Japanese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-to-write-in-japanese/id1621009032) | 5.0 (2) | $1.99 | Education |
| [Hiragana 50](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-50/id6496847680) | — | $0.99 | Education |
| [Hiragana Katakana Lesson](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-katakana-lesson/id554899227) | — | $3.99 | Education |
| [123 Numbers Flashcards PRO](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/123-numbers-flashcards-pro/id1532191951) | 5.0 (16) | $1.99 | Education |
| [States of India \| SPARC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/states-of-india-sparc/id6468366562) | — | Free | Education |
| [台灣蛙類圖鑑](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1438077016) | — | $2.99 | Education |

## More apps by fengyi tsai

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- [新制台灣2026汽車駕照筆試模擬考(含詳解) - 考駕照神器](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2026/id1523317714)

All apps by fengyi tsai: https://appshunter.io/developer/967299052

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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 2026-08-14.*