# くずし字学習支援アプリKuLA

> Learn and practice reading historical Japanese cursive script (kuzushiji). (iPhone/iPad app by Yuta Hashimoto.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kula/id1076911000 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Yuta Hashimoto](https://appshunter.io/developer/643836084)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 74 MB
- Languages: Japanese
- Released: 2016-02-17
- Data updated: 2026-07-17
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kula/id1076911000/reviews.md

## What is くずし字学習支援アプリKuLA?

Have you ever wanted to read what it says in old Japanese paintings?
How about books that describe swords from the Edo period?
Reading books from the Edo period or earlier requires the ability to read “kuzushiji” – characters written in a style not used today. KuLA, the Kuzushiji Learning Application, was developed to help people learn kuzushiji effectively on a smartphone or tablet.

Using the test and social-media functions in KuLA will make learning difficult characters easy and fun. 

KuLA has three main sections:

-Learn
This section is for learning how to read hentaigana (hiragana that are no longer used today) and cursive-style kanji, using over 3000 images of individual characters. Progress can be checked using the review tests.

-Read
Remembering only the characters isn’t enough for reading actual texts.
In this section, kuzushiji can be practiced in context using images taken from books published in the Edo period. This version currently includes Hojoki (An Account of My Hut), Shinpan Nazonazo Sugoroku (New Edition Riddle Sugoroku [an illustrated board game]), and Aramimei Zukushi Koshu (New Sword Inscriptions, Continued).

-Connect
Did you find characters you can’t read? Why not ask other users?!
The Connect section features social-media tools which allow communication with other kuzushiji learners over the internet, such as by posting a question to the message board with attached pictures of difficult characters.

Let’s enter the world of classical Japanese literature and documents with KuLA!


KuLA was primarily developed in the Graduate Faculty of Letters, Osaka University for the research project “Developing an International Educational Program Related to Japanese Classical books” (Project leader: Professor Iikura Yoichi) and was supported by the JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research (2015).

## Key features

- Learn hentaigana and cursive kanji
- Over 3000 character images
- Contextual reading practice with Edo period texts
- Progress tracking with review tests
- Community message board for questions
- Connect with other learners

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kula/id1076911000/reviews.md

### 5/5 — I 愛「あい」It

*2021-10-10*

5

### 1/5 — Nonfunctional on current iPadOS

*2020-01-28*

Please update.

### 5/5 — Maybe the best way to quickly learn kuzushiji

*2019-11-11*

The app is well organized to guide the beginner through a progressive memorization of most of the kana and a certain number of kanji. It really makes the task of learning kuzushiji somehow fun, eluding the frustration of learning tons of characters at once. 
I don’t know why the app requires an internet connection to correctly open. I hope this will be corrected in a further update (I can’t use the app while on the plane, that is annoying). 

It is a must download for every student of premodern literature and also a good entertainment for old documents lovers.

### 2/5 — It doesn't work

*2016-05-13*

It suddenly closes every time I go to the practice area. Please fix it!

## Frequently asked questions about くずし字学習支援アプリKuLA

### What is the main purpose of KuLA?

KuLA is designed to help users learn to read 'kuzushiji,' a cursive style of Japanese characters used in historical texts. It provides tools for character recognition, contextual reading practice, and community interaction.

### What kind of content can I read with KuLA?

KuLA offers reading practice using images from classic Edo period books such as Hojoki, Shinpan Nazonazo Sugoroku, and Aramimei Zukushi Koshu. This allows users to apply their character knowledge to real historical documents.

### How does KuLA help me learn characters?

The 'Learn' section of KuLA features over 3000 images of individual characters, including hentaigana and cursive kanji. Progress can be monitored and reinforced through review tests.

### Can I get help if I encounter difficult characters in KuLA?

Yes, the 'Connect' section of KuLA provides social media tools, including a message board. Users can post questions with attached images of characters they cannot read and receive assistance from other learners.

### Is KuLA available on multiple devices?

KuLA is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for learning on various Apple mobile platforms.

### How often is KuLA updated?

The app was last updated on April 19, 2024, indicating ongoing support and potential for new content or features.

### What is the age rating for KuLA?

KuLA has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in learning historical Japanese script.

### Does KuLA have ads?

No, KuLA is ad-free, allowing users to focus on learning without interruptions from advertisements.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 2.0 — 2024-04-19

We updated the app for the first time in six years, rebuilding it with the latest framework.
We added a comprehensive test for hentaigana.
We have repaired the "Connect" feature that was unable to log in.

### 1.1.1 — 2016-11-16

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- minor bug fixes

### 1.1 — 2016-11-15

- Added English support
- The "connect" feature now allows Google/Twitter sign in
- etc.

### 1.0 — 2016-02-17

No release notes.

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## More apps by Yuta Hashimoto

- [シンプルドイツ語単語帳](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id954780937)
- [じせデジリーダー](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id6447741834)

All apps by Yuta Hashimoto: https://appshunter.io/developer/643836084

## Related topics

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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 2026-07-17.*