# MaruReader: Learn Japanese — Dictionary, Manga, Books, OCR

> Japanese learning app with integrated dictionary, manga, eBook, and web readers. (iPhone/iPad app by SAMUEL ALLEN SMOKER.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marureader-learn-japanese/id6760981845 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [SAMUEL ALLEN SMOKER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887132571)
- Category: Education, Books
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 44 MB
- Languages: English, Japanese
- Released: 2026-04-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-27
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marureader-learn-japanese/id6760981845/reviews.md

## What is MaruReader?

Learn Japanese while you read! MaruReader combines a powerful dictionary with readers for eBooks, manga, and the web, all with instant word lookup at your fingertips.

Whether you're just getting started learning Japanese or studying for an advanced JLPT level, reading can sometimes be intimidating because of the time it takes to look up words with unfamiliar kanji. MaruReader makes reading more fun with a dictionary ready to help with whatever you're reading and one tap Anki flashcard creation, so you can spend more time getting used to the language.

POWERFUL DICTIONARY
• Tap any word to look it up instantly—works across all reading modes
• Auto-converts verbs to dictionary form for faster searching
• Search within definitions to explore vocabulary chains
• Supports Yomitan dictionary format—add your own J-E, J-J, pitch accent, or frequency dictionaries to supplement the included ones
• Integrated grammar guide with custom grammar dictionary support
• Auto-generated furigana helps you read unfamiliar kanji

READ MANGA WITH TEXT RECOGNITION
• On-device OCR reads text from any manga page—no preprocessing needed
• Tap areas of interest to see recognized text and look up words
• Import ZIP/CBZ files from your collection
• Apple Intelligence can help organize your library by extracting titles and authors from filenames

OPTIMIZED EBOOK READER
• Beautiful vertical text (tategaki) display designed for Japanese
• Compact popup dictionary keeps you close to your reading
• EPUB support for your Japanese eBook library

BROWSE THE WEB WITH A DICTIONARY
• Select text or use OCR mode on any webpage
• Built-in content blocker reduces ads and distractions
• Perfect for manga, social media, and more

PHOTO SCANNER
• Snap or import photos to look up words from signs, apps, or games
• Use the Share extension from any app for quick lookups

ANKI INTEGRATION
• Create flashcards with one tap—includes context, readings, and definitions
• Built-in support for Lapis note format
• Configure custom fields for your preferred note types
• AnkiMobile and Anki-Connect support

WHY MARUREADER?
• Free and open source
• All OCR runs on-device—your reading stays private

Download MaruReader and transform any Japanese content into a learning opportunity.

The manga shown in the screenshots is used under the author's terms.

Title: Give My Regards to Black Jack
Author: SHUHO SATO

## Key features

- Instant word lookup
- OCR text recognition for manga
- Anki flashcard creation
- Custom dictionary support
- EPUB and ZIP/CBZ import
- Web browsing with dictionary

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marureader-learn-japanese/id6760981845/reviews.md

### 5/5 — high quality

*2026-04-27*

the app icon/images made me nervous it's ai slop, but it's anything but this. lots of meticulous options like you would see right in yomitan. i've been needing this! お疲れさま！

## Frequently asked questions about MaruReader

### What is MaruReader?

MaruReader is a free and open-source application designed to help users learn Japanese by integrating a powerful dictionary with readers for eBooks, manga, and the web. It allows for instant word lookups and one-tap Anki flashcard creation.

### How does MaruReader help with learning Japanese?

MaruReader facilitates Japanese learning by making reading more accessible. It provides instant word definitions, auto-converts verbs to dictionary form, and offers auto-generated furigana to help with unfamiliar kanji, allowing users to focus on language immersion.

### Can MaruReader read text from manga images?

Yes, MaruReader features on-device OCR that can read text directly from any manga page. You can tap on recognized text to look up words, and it supports importing ZIP/CBZ files from your manga collection.

### Does MaruReader support custom dictionaries?

Absolutely. MaruReader supports Yomitan dictionary format, allowing you to add your own J-E, J-J, pitch accent, or frequency dictionaries. It also includes integrated grammar guide with custom grammar dictionary support.

### How does MaruReader integrate with Anki?

MaruReader offers one-tap Anki flashcard creation, automatically including context, readings, and definitions. It supports AnkiMobile and Anki-Connect, and allows configuration of custom fields for your preferred note types.

### Is MaruReader available on multiple devices?

MaruReader is currently supported on iPhone and iPad devices, indicated by its compatibility with these platforms.

### Does MaruReader have ads?

No, MaruReader is ad-free. The application explicitly states that it is free and open source, and does not contain advertisements.

### What is the update frequency for MaruReader?

MaruReader was last updated on May 5, 2026, with version 1.2.0. This indicates a recent update, suggesting active development and maintenance.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.2.0 — 2026-05-05

- New: Additional gestures enabled in the manga reader: double tap to zoom, double tap again to zoom back out. Double tap and hold, then slide up and down for precise adjustment.
- New: Anki field value "Selection Text" can be used to insert the currently selected text on the dictionary search results page.
- Improved: EPUB reader now animates all page transitions.
- Improved: Adblock engine now supports custom filter lists. Filter lists are updated weekly.
- Fixed: Text could sometimes fail to wrap correctly in the context area.

### 1.0.0 — 2026-04-23

No release notes.

## Related topics

[learn japanese read](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/learn-japanese-read)

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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 2026-06-27.*
