# FirstKaruta Lite vs AroundPrefecture

FirstKaruta Lite and AroundPrefecture are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

FirstKaruta Lite ships an update every 3 months, AroundPrefecture every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FirstKaruta Lite | AroundPrefecture |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/firstkaruta-lite/id1015813343/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 145 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [polygondrill co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/952010791) | [Motonari Hibi](https://appshunter.io/developer/386737172) |

## What reviewers say

### FirstKaruta Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/firstkaruta-lite/id1015813343)

This app helps children learn the Hyakunin Isshu karuta by breaking down the 100 poems into smaller groups. It features furigana for all text, clear audio readings, and explanations of poem meanings tailored for kids. Practice and play against a cat character to improve your skills.

**Highlights:** Learn poems in small groups, Furigana for all text, Clear female voice readings, Kid-friendly poem explanations, Practice matches against AI, Memorize by 'kimariji' (decisive characters)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### AroundPrefecture

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aroundprefecture/id1643742735)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FirstKaruta Lite free?

FirstKaruta Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is AroundPrefecture free?

AroundPrefecture is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do FirstKaruta Lite or AroundPrefecture have ads?

Neither FirstKaruta Lite nor AroundPrefecture shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FirstKaruta Lite or AroundPrefecture?

FirstKaruta Lite ships an update every 3 months, and AroundPrefecture every 5 months. Most recently, FirstKaruta Lite was updated on October 16, 2026 and AroundPrefecture on September 30, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*