# Kototap — Japanese SRS in context

> Japanese SRS learning app using contextual stories and spaced repetition. (iPhone/iPad app by Pounce Studio LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kototap/id6794038916 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pounce Studio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6794039038)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.4 · 75 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-09-18
- Data updated: 2026-10-09
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kototap/id6794038916/reviews.md

## What is Kototap?

Kototap weaves spaced repetition into stories. Words and grammar are best learned in context, inside sentences doing real work, so that's where your reviews live. Tap a word you don't know, and it comes back in your next stories — until it sticks.

Tap a word to add it to your deck
• Instant, in-context explanations as you read
• Every word you look up joins your deck automatically

Words resurface until they stick
• Spaced repetition schedules each word's return inside future stories
• Watch words climb from Learning → Familiar → Comfortable, story by story

Grammar gets the same treatment
• Grammar patterns (〜てしまう, 〜そうだ, …) are tapped, tracked, and resurfaced just like vocabulary
• One system for everything you're learning — no separate grammar study

Stories always at your level
• Short, engaging stories generated for you — tuned so you understand about 90% on sight
• Twelve difficulty steps from N5 to N2; climb one step at a time
• Made for the intermediate plateau — you know a lot of words, but native material still buries you

Reading that stays fun
• Story decisions let you choose where each story goes next
• Listen along with built-in audio narration

Spaced repetition, in context — the way words and grammar actually stick.

Questions or feedback? Reach me at gary@kototap.com.

## Key features

- Spaced repetition in context
- In-context explanations
- Automatic vocabulary deck building
- Grammar pattern tracking
- Generated stories at user's level
- Interactive story choices
- Audio narration


## Frequently asked questions about Kototap

### How does Kototap teach Japanese?

Kototap uses spaced repetition integrated into contextual stories. Words and grammar are learned as they appear in sentences, and then resurface at optimal intervals until they are remembered.

### What is the learning methodology of Kototap?

The app's methodology focuses on learning vocabulary and grammar within authentic sentence structures. This contextual approach aims to improve retention and understanding compared to rote memorization.

### How does Kototap track user progress?

Users can see words and grammar patterns progress through stages like 'Learning', 'Familiar', and 'Comfortable' as they are encountered and reviewed in stories.

### Does Kototap offer certifications?

The provided information does not mention any certifications offered by Kototap. It focuses on skill acquisition through contextual learning.

### What difficulty levels does Kototap support?

Kototap supports twelve difficulty steps, ranging from N5 to N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), allowing users to progress gradually.

### Is Kototap suitable for beginners?

Kototap is specifically designed for the intermediate plateau, where learners know many words but still struggle with native materials. It may be less ideal for absolute beginners.

### How often is Kototap updated?

The app was last updated on October 3, 2026, with version 0.0.13. This indicates a recent update, suggesting active development.

### Does Kototap have ads?

No, Kototap does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free learning experience.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 0.0.13 — 2026-10-03

Daily reminders to come back to your story, if you want them.

Also in this build:
- Bunpro now syncs with an API key, and connected WaniKani and Renshuu records stay up to date in the background.
- Saving a word while you read is clearer: the word and its deck button change together, and the word's detail sheet says where it stands in your deck.
- Recaps explain each section the first few times you see it.
- A smoother first launch.

### 0.0.12 — 2026-09-24

Getting started now asks what you already know. Connect WaniKani, Renshuu, or Bunpro, or paste your own study notes, and Kototap skips the words and grammar you've already learned instead of re-teaching them.

Also in this build:
- A Paste button now sits right in the notes box, so bringing in what you've written elsewhere doesn't mean a long-press-and-select dance.
- Smaller fixes throughout onboarding.

### 0.0.11 — 2026-09-18

No release notes.

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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 2026-10-09.*