Comparison

Kanji Flash Study vs Kanji Recall

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Kanji Flash Study

Features
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Learn and retain Japanese kanji the proven way — with spaced repetition. Kanji Flash Study covers all 1,318 kanji from JLPT N5 through N1, complete with meanings, on'yomi and kun'yomi readings, stroke counts, and example vocabulary. The built-in SM-2 algorithm — the same system behind Anki — schedules your reviews at scientifically optimal intervals so you spend more time on what you're about to forget and less time on what you already know. HOW IT WORKS Pick your JLPT levels and session size, then tap Start Review. Each card shows a kanji character — tap to reveal its meaning, readings, and an example word. Rate your recall as Again, Hard, Good, or Easy, and the app adjusts the next review date automatically. Cards you miss are re-queued in the same session so you always end on a strong note. FEATURES - 1,318 kanji across JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1 - SM-2 spaced repetition for efficient long-term memorization - On'yomi and kun'yomi readings with example words and translations - Searchable kanji library with level filters and progress indicators - Statistics dashboard with streak tracking, accuracy, activity heatmap, and per-level breakdown - Daily study reminders via notifications - Fully offline — no account, no internet, no subscriptions - VoiceOver and Reduce Motion accessibility support - Clean, native SwiftUI interface designed for focused study BUILT FOR EVERY LEARNER Whether you're starting with basic N5 kanji or tackling advanced N1 characters, the app adapts to your pace. Select one level or all five — your progress is tracked independently for each. YOUR PROGRESS, YOUR DEVICE All study data stays on your device. No sign-up required, no data leaves your phone. Just open the app and start learning.

About

Kanji Recall

Features
Read full description

Kanji Recall helps you retrieve and write Japanese characters using short scene-based sentences, highlighted readings, and visual component hints. Read the sentence, imagine the scene, write the missing kanji by hand, then reveal the answer and rate yourself. This app does not use automatic handwriting recognition. You compare your writing with the answer and record whether you can write the kanji. Key Features • 3,139 kanji practice cards • Scene-based sentences and component hints designed to support visual recall • Levels based on Japanese elementary school grades, junior high school, high school/general use, and JIS categories • Filters for level, tag, and learning status • “Can’t Write” and “Can Write” records with review scheduling • Search by kanji, reading, sentence, or component • Text-to-speech for sentences and answer readings • Translation of sentences or answer kanji using iOS translation • Personal practice tags created by extracting kanji from text-based PDF files • A choice of fonts installed on your device • Dark mode support • Interface available in Japanese, English, and Korean How It Works 1. Read the sentence and the highlighted reading. 2. Use the scene and component hints to recall the kanji. 3. Write it in the practice area. 4. Reveal the answer and assess your result. 5. Review difficult kanji again later. PDF import works with PDFs that contain selectable text. Image-only or scanned PDFs may not produce results because the app does not perform OCR. Your study progress and tags are stored on your device. The app has no ads, account registration, or third-party analytics. When you use Apple’s system translation feature, text may be processed by Apple according to your device settings and Apple’s privacy terms.

Screenshots

Kanji Flash Study4 screens
Kanji Recall4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Kanji Flash Study at every 3 days against Kanji Recall's every 11 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kanji Flash Study ships an update every 3 days, Kanji Recall every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 5 level
Kanji Flash Study versus Kanji Recall: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKanji Flash StudyKanji Recall
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 11 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB2 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperQuinten SandbergYusuke Yoshida

In-app purchases

None

Kanji Flash Study

No in-app purchases

None

Kanji Recall

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Kanji Flash Study free?
Kanji Flash Study is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Kanji Recall free?
Kanji Recall is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Kanji Flash Study or Kanji Recall have ads?
Neither Kanji Flash Study nor Kanji Recall shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Kanji Flash Study or Kanji Recall?
Kanji Flash Study ships an update every 3 days, and Kanji Recall every 11 days. Most recently, Kanji Flash Study was updated on October 25, 2026 and Kanji Recall on October 31, 2026.

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