In recent years, digital tools for language learning have been on the rise. Among them, one developer is working on an app designed to make learning Japanese both fun and sustainable. We sat down with the developer to discuss the inspiration behind the app, their thoughts on language learning, and future plans for its development.
“The Biggest Challenge in Learning is Consistency” – The Inspiration Behind the App
— What inspired you to develop this app?
The main motivation was to solve the problem of sustaining language learning. Traditional study methods often rely on rote memorization, which can be monotonous and difficult to maintain over time. To make learning a habit, I believe elements of fun and a sense of achievement are essential. That’s why I decided to create an app that integrates game mechanics into the learning process.
Additionally, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself as a developer. Managing data, storing user progress, and designing an interactive UI were all aspects I wanted to explore while building a tool that would truly benefit learners.
A Broad Audience—From Overseas Learners to Japanese Students
— Who do you envision using this app?
I designed the app with three main groups in mind:
- Children attending Japanese schools and supplementary schools abroad
- Since their exposure to Japanese is often limited, they need a tool that helps them naturally integrate learning into their routine.
- Foreigners studying at Japanese language schools in Japan
- I want to create a system that allows them to learn Japanese in a more practical and engaging way.
- Elementary and middle school students living in Japan
- Even for native Japanese students, the app can serve as an enjoyable tool to reinforce their kanji and vocabulary skills.
For foreign learners especially, I believe it’s crucial to learn kanji through compound words rather than just memorizing their individual readings. This insight comes from my personal experience living abroad, where I interacted with university students studying Japanese.
“Simply Memorizing Onyomi and Kunyomi is Inefficient” – The Ideal Way to Learn Kanji
— What is your perspective on effective Japanese learning?
When interacting with university students learning Japanese overseas, I realized that memorizing onyomi and kunyomi readings in isolation is inefficient. While this method is often used in university exams, it doesn’t contribute much to practical language use. Instead, learning kanji through compound words provides much better context and application skills.
For example, instead of just memorizing the character 生 (“life” or “birth”), it’s far more useful to learn words like 生活 (“daily life”), 誕生 (“birth”), and 生産 (“production”). Understanding how kanji are used in actual words helps learners apply their knowledge in real conversations and writing.
A Fun and Interactive Learning Experience
— What are the key features of the app?
The app is designed to make learning visible and engaging through game mechanics.
- Stage-based learning system
- Similar to Super Mario-style maps, users progress through different stages, creating a sense of achievement.
- Random quiz mode
- Questions are categorized for targeted learning, while a random mode allows for comprehensive review.
- Study time tracking
- The app logs daily study time, and users receive a checkmark when they reach their goal. This provides a tangible sense of progress.
Future Plans – Enhancing Learning Efficiency
— What features do you plan to add in the future?
There are several improvements I’m considering:
- Customizable difficulty levels
- Users will be able to adjust the difficulty level to match their Japanese proficiency, from beginner to advanced.
- Cultural and practical knowledge quizzes
- I want to introduce quizzes related to Japanese culture and daily life, allowing learners to gain both language skills and cultural understanding.
- Online rankings and learning progress sharing
- By adding social features, learners can share their progress and compete with friends to boost motivation.
“The Goal is to Make Learning Fun and Practical”
— Finally, do you have a message for users of this app?
My ultimate goal with this app is to create a system that makes learning fun while also building practical Japanese skills.
Rather than forcing rote memorization, I want users to enjoy the process and naturally improve their abilities. Especially for those studying Japanese abroad or young learners in Japan, I hope this app sparks the desire to keep learning and improving.
I’ll continue to refine the app to ensure it remains a tool that helps people learn effectively and consistently. I hope everyone enjoys using it!
Closing Thoughts
Throughout this interview, the developer’s deep understanding of learning challenges and their innovative approach to overcoming them became evident. By blending game mechanics, practical language learning, and progress tracking, this app stands out as an engaging and effective tool for Japanese learners.
With future updates on the horizon, this app is sure to become an indispensable resource for students, whether they are young learners in Japan or foreigners eager to master the language.