Top Resources for Practicing Japanese Writing Skills in 2024

Whether you’re an advanced learner looking to polish kanji or a beginner aiming to master hiragana and katakana, practicing Japanese writing skills requires discipline, creativity, and the right resources. As of 2024, there are a variety of resources available—from traditional textbooks to immersive digital apps—that can help you build fluency in writing Japanese. Here’s a rundown of the top resources for practicing Japanese writing skills in 2024:

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1. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese

• Platform: Website, App
• Best for: Beginners to Intermediate learners

Tae Kim’s Guide is a classic but continues to be highly relevant and user-friendly. While primarily known as a grammar guide, this resource also offers an introduction to writing by walking learners through sentence structures and basic kanji. You can practice example sentences or combine it with a kanji app to build on vocabulary as you go through each grammar point. For beginners, it’s great for familiarizing oneself with Japanese writing structure in a well-paced, accessible way.

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2. WaniKani

• Platform: Web, App
• Best for: Kanji and vocabulary practice (Beginner to Advanced)

WaniKani remains one of the most popular tools for kanji learning, thanks to its spaced-repetition system and quirky mnemonics. The platform drills users on kanji readings and meanings but doesn’t directly focus on handwriting. However, users can create a personalized practice routine by copying down kanji as they go through the lessons. WaniKani’s community forum also has valuable resources and insights for enhancing writing skills.

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3. Skritter Japanese

• Platform: Web, iOS, Android
• Best for: Hands-on writing practice with kanji and kana (All levels)

Skritter is known for its writing-focused approach, which lets you practice drawing kanji and kana on-screen. It uses a combination of stroke-order guidelines and repetition exercises to help learners remember how to write characters. Skritter’s tactile learning style makes it particularly effective for those who want to learn stroke order and character structure. It’s ideal for kanji-heavy writing practice and is compatible with other study materials.

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4. HelloTalk

• Platform: iOS, Android
• Best for: Real-world writing practice and corrections

HelloTalk connects language learners with native speakers, and one of its key features is text correction. By engaging in text-based conversations with Japanese speakers, learners can not only practice their writing but also receive corrections in real time. It’s a powerful way to practice informal writing, learn common expressions, and understand native-level writing nuance. The app is free with premium options, making it a versatile tool for everyday writing practice.

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5. BunPro

• Platform: Web, iOS, Android
• Best for: Sentence-building and grammar-focused writing

BunPro focuses on Japanese grammar but integrates exercises that encourage writing practice. It uses a spaced repetition system similar to WaniKani, where users create sentences based on grammar prompts. While primarily used for grammar retention, it can be a valuable tool for those looking to enhance their sentence-construction skills in written Japanese. You can challenge yourself by writing out each sentence you create to get a feel for more natural Japanese.

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6. Jisho.org

• Platform: Website
• Best for: Vocabulary building and kanji reference

Jisho.org is an essential dictionary and kanji reference for Japanese learners. Although it isn’t a writing-focused tool per se, it’s invaluable for writing practice, especially for checking kanji readings, meanings, and stroke order. You can use it to look up kanji while writing sentences and get detailed breakdowns, including compounds and example sentences. It’s a free tool and a great supplement for deeper kanji study.

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7. NHK Easy Japanese News

• Platform: Website
• Best for: Reading and paraphrasing practice (Intermediate to Advanced)

The NHK Easy Japanese News website offers news articles in simplified Japanese, perfect for reading comprehension and paraphrasing exercises. For writing practice, try summarizing each article in your own words or keeping a journal with reactions to the news stories. This practice helps with real-world application of Japanese vocabulary and provides exposure to more natural sentence structures.

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8. LangCorrect

• Platform: Website
• Best for: Writing prompts and community corrections (All levels)

LangCorrect provides a space where learners can submit written entries for native speakers to correct. This platform is ideal for practicing essays, journal entries, or responses to prompts, and it’s especially useful if you’re studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and want feedback on longer passages. The community-driven corrections help you see common errors and refine your Japanese writing style.

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9. Shirabe Jisho

• Platform: iOS, Android
• Best for: Comprehensive kanji and vocabulary support

Shirabe Jisho is an offline dictionary app that allows you to look up words, phrases, and kanji with stroke order guidance. The app lets you draw kanji, which can be a way to actively practice handwriting. It’s a great companion for on-the-go learners who want an efficient, portable tool to aid their Japanese writing practice.

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10. WriteKana

• Platform: iOS
• Best for: Beginner kana practice

If you’re at the very start of your Japanese writing journey, WriteKana is a simple app that teaches hiragana and katakana with stroke-by-stroke guidance. It’s easy to use and specifically designed for kana practice, helping you build a solid foundation in writing the basic Japanese characters accurately. While limited to kana, it’s an invaluable resource for beginners.

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Tips for Practicing Japanese Writing Skills

• Handwriting Practice: Although digital tools are convenient, physical handwriting practice strengthens your memory of kanji and kana. Try incorporating a daily journaling habit or handwriting flashcards.
• Create a Study Group or Partner Up: Practicing with a friend can motivate you to improve faster. With resources like HelloTalk, it’s easy to find Japanese native speakers interested in language exchange.
• Focus on Consistency: Writing Japanese can be daunting at first, but consistent practice—even just a few sentences a day—will make a huge difference over time.

With these resources and tips, you’re equipped to make meaningful progress in your Japanese writing skills in 2024. Find a mix of tools that suit your learning style and remember that writing Japanese is a journey that rewards persistence and patience. Good luck!