Built for serious Japanese learners

Practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in lessons that connect—aligned with JLPT levels.

5,000+ lessonsBeginner to advancedJLPT-aligned
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Available in English. More languages coming soon.

Kotrin app screenshots showing Japanese lessons and practice

Newly Added Lessons

Bite-sized lessons with dialogue, phrases, quizzes, and grammar—everything you need to keep progressing.

Finding Cardamom

Finding Cardamom

A shopper asks a supermarket clerk for the location of a specific spice, such as cardamom, while looking through the aisles.

Heating Your Lunch

Heating Your Lunch

A convenience store clerk asks a customer if they would like their bento or lunch box reheated before leaving.

Asking the Price

Asking the Price

A shopper asks a store clerk for the price of an item to confirm the cost before purchasing.

Children's Center Rules

Children's Center Rules

A staff member explains the service rules and registration process of a Children's Center to a first-time visitor.

Free Japanese Classes

Free Japanese Classes

A resident visits the city office to ask for information about free local Japanese language courses and schedules.

See how it works

Kotrin real-life dialogue practice

Real-life dialogue practice

Practice everyday conversations in context—shops, cafés, small talk—line by line. Follow the flow of real conversations, not isolated sentences.

Kotrin role play with an AI conversation partner

Role play with AI

Jump into real conversations with an AI partner and respond naturally, back and forth. You react in the moment, just like in real life.

Kotrin kana and Jōyō kanji reading and writing

Learn kana and kanji

Build reading and writing from the ground up—from hiragana to all Jōyō kanji. Learn stroke order and recognition together.

Kotrin grammar and sentence-pattern training

Grammar that you can use

Train grammar and sentence patterns so you can use them naturally—not just recognize them. Practice in context, not in isolation.

Apps don't get you to fluency. We fix what they miss.

What usually happens

  • You learn sentences without understanding the grammar
  • Kanji shows up, but you can’t read or write it on your own
  • Quizzes become pattern matching
  • You can’t form your own sentences
  • Progress stalls around N5–N4

What's different here

  • Grammar is explained, then used again until it makes sense
  • Kanji is practiced until you can read and write it
  • You answer in Japanese, not just select options
  • Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are practiced together
  • Progress continues toward N3 and beyond

Built from real learning experience

Developed after decades of teaching Japanese.

With about 30 minutes a day, I needed something I could follow without planning every session. This is the first time that part feels solved.

Learner in the U.S.

I need to pass N2 for my job, but most materials feel disconnected. Here, the progression actually matches what I need to improve.

Learner in the U.K.

At one point I had multiple apps, textbooks, and notes going at the same time. This is the only thing I’ve used where it all feels contained.

Learner in Canada

After a couple of years, I wasn’t really improving anymore. This feels closer to following a proper course than repeating the same level.

Learner in Germany

Wherever you are, you can move forward.

Start where you are

Starting from zero

Hiragana, katakana, and basic phrases—guided from the first step.

Stuck in the middle

Move past memorizing—start using Japanese in real conversations.

Going further

More complex conversations, grammar, and writing—without switching apps.

Pricing

Start free. Upgrade when you're ready.

Free

Try Kotrin

¥0 /month
  • Access to selected lessons
  • Personalized learning
  • Practice with quizzes, vocabulary, and more

Pro

For serious learners

¥1,650 /month
  • Full access to all lessons
  • Unlimited practice across all features
  • More advanced conversation practice

FAQ

Find answers to questions about how Kotrin can help you achieve your Japanese learning goals.

Start learning Japanese today

Download and begin your first lesson in minutes.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play