Makoto Japanese Explorer

Makoto Japanese Explorer

Learn Japanese through Stories

13 ratings
16 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • November 11, 2025
  • August 31, 2026

Features

Makoto Japanese Explorer screenshot #1 for iPhone
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Makoto Japanese Explorer screenshot #9 for iPhone
Makoto Japanese Explorer screenshot #10 for iPhone
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About

Learn Japanese through interactive stories, professional audio, and vocabulary tools. Progress through guided courses and quizzes designed for beginners to intermediate learners. Offers offline access and customizable learning paths.

Interactive story mode with furigana
Professional native audio recordings
Vocabulary tools with definitions and JLPT levels
Flashcards and spaced repetition
Guided beginner courses (Hiragana, Katakana)
Progress tracking and daily streaks
Offline access to stories
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+1

What's New in Makoto Japanese Explorer

1.6.11

August 31, 2026

ベストを尽くしましょう - Fixed: toggling furigana in the story reader now keeps your exact place instead of jumping to the top - New: the streak banner now shows your total Sakura Points (tap it for streak stats and bonus points) - Fixed: the fox's quote no longer disappears after closing the streak popup - Under the hood: leaner, optimized app code for faster startup and less memory use (kind of a big deal even though it doesn't sound like it...)

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Subscription plans

Shogun Monthly

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$9.991 Month
7 Days trial
How to cancel Makoto Japanese Explorer subscription ⁉️

User reviews

Super publication

Mokoto is so very, very good. It’s extremely well thought out presentations, challenges, stories in sentences are really hating me in learning the beautiful Japanese language. Sure, there are other sites. Offering lessons help learning the vocabulary, etc. but I think they cost much more and they aren’t anywhere better that I can see. So I believe I’ll stick with.Mokoto until I feel I am somewhat fluent in the language, and can usually read several hundred Kanji characters. I hope that will take five years or so because I truly enjoy the offering from. Clay and his family. The team surrounding him are very professional and very talented people. So I want to thank them for putting together such a tremendous company and offering such a great Japanese language lesson lessons.
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It’s the best Japanese learning app!

I’m really impressed with the Makoto Japanese Explorer app! The more I use it, the more I appreciate the hard work and thoughtful care Clay, Yumi, and the entire Makota Plus team have put into it. It’s an outstanding all-in-one resource for learning Japanese. Thank you, Clay, Yumi, and the whole team!
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Response from developer

Thank you so much, Susan! 嬉しいです (this makes us so happy)! We really do pour our hearts into Makoto+, and hearing that the care shows means everything to the whole team. ありがとうございます! — Clay, Yumi & the Makoto+ team

Very easy to get yourself started

I find this app and the website great.
Japanese has always tempted me but was also very intimidating but it is so easy to start with this app and to actually understand. I have now purchased a few books and have them linked to the app so I can repeat a few things on the go its great

Response from developer

ありがとうございます! "Intimidating → easy to start" is exactly what we hoped Makoto would do — 一歩ずつ (one step at a time)! So glad the books linked to the app are helping you study on the go. Enjoy the journey! Clay & Yumi

Awesome App!

So much more convenient in an app, previously I was reading Clay & Yumi’s books via hard copy. This app is awesome - love the images! I’m hoping it will help me progress a bit quicker, being able to slow down the audio is very good for me. I’ve been stuck at N4 level for so long, mostly due to me slacking off :P
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Response from developer

Thank you! So happy the app upgraded your bookshelf and yes, the slow-audio button is there for exactly that. As for N4: 大丈夫です! 継続は力なり (けいぞくはちからなり consistency is strength). A few minutes daily beats a perfect study plan. N3 is closer than you think! — Clay & Yumi

Great App!

Love the app! Thank you for putting this together in such an easy and comprehensive manner!

Response from developer

ありがとうございます。 More coming soon!

Developer apps

FAQ

How does Makoto Japanese Explorer teach Japanese?

Makoto Japanese Explorer teaches Japanese through interactive stories, professional audio, and vocabulary tools. It focuses on learning in context, moving beyond flashcards to build vocabulary, grammar, and reading confidence.

Is Makoto Japanese Explorer suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, Makoto Japanese Explorer is designed for total beginners with guided courses in Introduction to Japanese, Hiragana, and Katakana. You can start from zero and naturally progress to reading.

What are the membership tiers in Makoto Japanese Explorer?

Makoto Japanese Explorer offers Guest (try stories), Free (generous content), Samurai (additional stories/tools), and Shogun (full library access) tiers. Free members can make progress without payment.

Does Makoto Japanese Explorer offer offline access?

Yes, Makoto Japanese Explorer provides offline access. You can download stories and study materials to learn anywhere, anytime without an internet connection.

What kind of audio support is available in Makoto Japanese Explorer?

Makoto Japanese Explorer features professional audio, primarily native human recordings with some high-quality TTS. Audio is available at both normal and slow speeds for every line of text.

How does Makoto Japanese Explorer help with vocabulary acquisition?

The app includes interactive vocabulary tools where you can tap any word for definitions, grammar notes, kanji breakdowns, and JLPT levels. You can also save words to a Word Bank with folders for organization.

What is the update frequency for Makoto Japanese Explorer?

The app was last updated on March 16, 2026, indicating active development. New content, including monthly magazines and additional courses, is regularly released for members.

What are the subscription costs for Makoto Japanese Explorer?

Subscription plans include Samurai Monthly ($4.99/month with a 7-day free trial) and Shogun Monthly ($9.99/month with a 7-day free trial). Annual plans are also available for both tiers.