# Makoto Japanese Explorer — Learn Japanese through Stories

> Interactive Japanese language learning app using stories and audio. (iPhone/iPad app by TheJapanesePage.com.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makoto-japanese-explorer/id6752566623 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [TheJapanesePage.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/303488131)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 16 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 29 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-11-11
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makoto-japanese-explorer/id6752566623/reviews.md

## What is Makoto Japanese Explorer?

Makoto Japanese Explorer
Read. Listen. Learn.

Learn Japanese the natural way through real stories, real sentences, and real context. Created by Japanese language instructors with over 25 years of experience.

Download it and start learning for free.

While Makoto+ Samurai and Shogun members unlock the full experience — including our monthly Makoto magazine, readable right in the app — free members still get a generous amount of stories, quizzes, courses, and learning tools to make real progress. You can install the app, start reading, and make real progress without paying or entering a credit card.

So give it a try. Download the app, explore at your own pace, and see how it works for you. No pressure, no commitment.

Makoto Japanese Explorer is designed for learners who want to move beyond isolated flashcards and actually read Japanese. Build vocabulary, grammar, and confidence one sentence at a time, supported by audio, quizzes, and smart learning tools.

Total beginner? No problem. The app includes guided beginner courses in Introduction to Japanese, Hiragana, and Katakana, so you can start from zero and naturally grow into reading.

What You’ll Get

• Interactive Story Mode – Read Japanese stories one sentence at a time with furigana, progress tracking, and completion checkmarks.
• Haiku Mode – Learn Japanese through classic and modern haiku with guided reading support.
• Professional Audio – Mostly native human recordings, plus some high-quality TTS, at normal and slow speed for every line.
• Vocabulary Tools – Tap any word to see definitions, grammar notes, kanji breakdowns, and JLPT levels.
• Flashcards – Daily sessions, Cram mode, Study Again, and JLPT N5 kanji flashcards (more levels coming).
• Quizzes – Vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension quizzes based on stories you've read — add any missed words straight to your Word Bank.
• Word Bank – Save vocabulary as you read, organized with folders. (drop "now with" — folders aren't news anymore)
• Journey of Words (ことばの旅) – A daily deep dive into one fun Japanese word, slang term, or idiom, with a clear explanation, multiple example sentences, and audio.
• Courses – Introduction to Japanese, Hiragana, and Katakana, with more courses coming.
• Progress Tracking – Daily streaks with grace periods, learning stats, and visible progress bars on stories.
• Customization – Rearrange or hide home screen sections, global furigana settings, dark mode, and font size options.
• Offline Access – Download stories and study anywhere, anytime.
• Makoto Magazine In-App – Read the monthly magazine right in the app, with tappable vocabulary and audio (Samurai & Shogun).
• Kana Charts – Hiragana and katakana reference charts with audio for every character.
• Fun Phrases – Illustrated everyday and anime-style phrases with native audio, refreshed on your home screen.
• Anki Export – Send your Word Bank and study decks to Anki with one tap.
• Sakura Points – Earn points as you read, quiz, and keep your streak going.

Membership Tiers

• Guest – Try a selection of stories with no sign-in required.
• Free – Sign up with no credit card for many stories, quizzes, courses, and saved progress.
• Samurai – Unlock many additional stories, learning tools, and the monthly Makoto magazine.
• Shogun – Full access to the entire library and all new content as it’s released.

Perfect For

• Total beginners who want a guided start and a clear path into real Japanese reading.
• Beginner to intermediate learners, especially JLPT N5–N3.
• JLPT students (N5–N1) seeking sentence-based practice.
• Learners who prefer understanding Japanese through context instead of memorization alone.

Download Makoto Japanese Explorer and experience how reading, listening, and learning come together, one story and one sentence at a time.

Read. Listen. Learn.

Terms of Use
https://makotoplus.com/terms-of-use/

Privacy Policy
https://makotoplus.com/privacy-policy/

## Key features

- 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

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shogun Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Samurai Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Shogun Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Samurai Monthly | $4.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 16)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makoto-japanese-explorer/id6752566623/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Super publication

*2026-08-24*

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.

### 5/5 — It’s the best Japanese learning app!

*2026-07-13*

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!

**Developer response:** 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

### 5/5 — Very easy to get yourself started

*2026-07-13*

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

**Developer response:** 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

### 5/5 — Awesome App!

*2026-05-30*

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

**Developer response:** 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

### 5/5 — Great App!

*2026-02-13*

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

**Developer response:** ありがとうございます。 More coming soon!

### 5/5 — Clear, Fun, and Actually Effective

*2026-01-18*

Makoto+ is fantastic. The free tier is surprisingly generous, the grammar explanations are clear and well broken down, and the content is genuinely interesting (the graded readers are great). Fox’s Daily Wisdom is the cherry on top. Highly recommend!

### 5/5 — The BEST app for learning Japanese

*2026-01-14*

This is the funnest app for learning Japanese whether you are an expert or a beginner there is something for all levels. It includes listening skill improvement that allow you slow the speaker down. Reading lessons. Fun short stories that help with culture and are clever. I love it!!!

**Developer response:** Thank you! We’re really happy to hear you’re enjoying it across listening, reading, and stories for all levels. Your enthusiasm means a lot—thanks for the support!

### 5/5 — Only issue with the app is why we didn’t have one sooner.

*2026-01-13*

I have been a fan of Makoto for a really long time the only way I have kept up in my studies in Japanese has been the array of readers and short stories that really make you feel like you are progressing. Now having an app makes studying while I am away with work much easier.

**Developer response:** Thank you! Sorry it took so long. Keep reading Japanese!

### 5/5 — Amazing app!!

*2026-01-12*

The way the material is presented in this app makes it more easily accessible than most other apps you’ll find. The the constant flow of new resources/stories make it all the more interesting and easier to stay motivated to keep learning. Keep up the good work!!

**Developer response:** Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement—we really appreciate it and will keep improving!

### 5/5 — Terrific app

*2026-01-12*

A very thorough app that covers every aspect of learning Japanese, that is also fun to use. From beginner to intermediate this is a stable and competent piece of work. ありがとございました.

**Developer response:** Thank you! Slowly but surely, it's getting there. We just released a new version with quite a few fixes and new fun stuff. Check it out. :)

## Frequently asked questions about Makoto Japanese Explorer

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.6.11 — 2026-08-31

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...)

### 1.6.9 — 2026-08-14

- NEW! Flashcard Anki export for Kanji and Kanji Radicals
- Fix! Font sizes are much larger in the story reader and magazine
- Fix! Fun Phrase style changes
- Fix! Removed favorites no longer reset after closing the app
- Other fixes

Thank you for using Makoto+ Sentence Explorer!

### 1.6.8 — 2026-08-06

- NEW! JLPT Kanji Radicals - Found in the Kitsune's Den Tab Flashcards
- NEW! Makoto Magzine #102
- NEW! Two Shogun stories: The Loyal Dog, Hachiko, World-Renowned Kurosawa
- Favorites resetting on app reload bug fix
- Other minor fixes and improvements

Thank you for using Makoto+ Sentence Explorer!

### 1.6.7 — 2026-07-29

勉強の時間です！

Furigana: wide readings (戦/いくさ) no longer clipped or overlapping
Pitch diagrams: two-character morae (きょ/しょ) no longer stacked vertically
Vertical/tategaki reader: pitch diagrams now show in the vocabulary panel
Magazine: edge swipe turns the page instead of exiting to Home
Magazine audio — Fixed a few missing audio places
Interactive Katakana Match game from the magazine (was completely missing from the app)
Anki export now includes pitch-accent diagrams

### 1.6.5 — 2026-07-09

Bug fixes and improvements.

## Apps similar to Makoto Japanese Explorer

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Kakehashi - For WaniKani](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kakehashi-for-wanikani/id6757765444) | 5.0 (56) | Free | Education |
| [HelloStory: Japanese Stories](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hellostory-japanese-stories/id6746239421) | 5.0 (9) | Free | Education |
| [Nihongo Convo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-convo/id6748288238) | 5.0 (15) | Free | Education |
| [ConjuDojo Japanese Conjugation](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/conjudojo-japanese-conjugation/id6743991279) | 4.7 (11) | Free | Education |
| [MaruMori](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marumori/id6642702724) | — | Free | Education |
| [Dokidokivocab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dokidokivocab/id6742460965) | 4.2 (6) | Free | Education |

## More apps by TheJapanesePage.com

- [Learn Japanese Phrases Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-japanese-phrases-lite/id303734644)
- [Hiragana & Katakana - Basic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-and-katakana-basic/id377666512)
- [Hiragana and Katakana-Japanese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-and-katakana-japanese/id385817288)
- [Makoto+ Learn Japanese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makoto-plus-learn-japanese/id1515257628)

All apps by TheJapanesePage.com: https://appshunter.io/developer/303488131

---

*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 2026-09-01.*