JLPT N5 → N1 · made memorable
From あ to N1 — Japanese that finally sticks.
Most JLPT prep is endless flashcards and grammar tables. Hajimichi turns every kana and kanji into a vivid story you won’t forget, drills it until it’s automatic, and hands you a patient AI tutor for everything in between.
Free to start · no credit card · we’ll meet you at your first あ.
Today’s lesson
Asking where things are
Use どこ, ここ, そこ, あそこ, and location particles in simple conversations.
Streak
8 days
Next reward at 10
Due now
23 cards
7 weak items
Today’s study plan
Why the stories stick 🧠
Built on how memory actually works.
Every Hajimichi mnemonic hits at least two of three anchors at once. That triple-link is what turns a brand-new squiggle into something you just know.
Sound
The mnemonic starts with the same sound the character makes.
Shape
The story describes what the character physically looks like.
Meaning
Where it helps, the real meaning is woven right into the story.
Everything you need
One calm place to go from zero to JLPT-ready.
Kana, as stories
Every hiragana and katakana gets a shape-story — あ is “two eels saying ee.” Learn all 140+ without rote drilling.
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Kanji that click
We break each kanji into its parts and tie them into a vivid story — 大 is a person stretching their arms “this big!”
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A daily N5 path
One clear lesson a day across vocab, grammar, kanji, dialogue, and a quiz. Never guess what to study next.
Review that reads your mind
Spaced repetition resurfaces weak cards right before you’d forget them — so exam day holds no surprises.
A tutor on call
Stuck on は vs が? Ask the Claude-powered Sensei for a plain-English explanation, an example, or a quick quiz.
Drills & mock exams
Reading drills, transformation drills, and full mock sections that mirror the real test format.
How it works
Three steps. No overwhelm.
Build your foundation
Start at your very first あ. Master hiragana, katakana, and the core kanji with mnemonics that actually stick.
Study a little every day
A bite-sized daily lesson plus quick drills keep momentum without burnout. Ten focused minutes beats cramming.
Lock it in, then test
Spaced review, mock exams, and the AI tutor close the gaps — so you walk into the JLPT genuinely ready.
New to all this?
What even is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is the official, globally-recognized way to measure your Japanese. It runs from N5 (just starting out) to N1 (near-fluent), and a certificate opens doors for jobs, study, and visas. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.
N5
Beginner
N4
Elementary
N3
Intermediate
N2
Upper-int.
N1
Advanced
Simple pricing
Free where it counts.
Free
$0
The complete kana & kanji mnemonic system, drills, and a daily lesson preview — free forever.
Sensei Plus
$12 / mo
Full N5 lesson library, the Claude-powered AI tutor, unlimited spaced review, and mock exams.
Questions, answered
The honest FAQ
Do I need to know any Japanese to start?+
Nope — we literally start at あ. If you can’t read a single character yet, you’re in exactly the right place.
Is it actually free?+
The entire kana and kanji mnemonic system — every chart and drill — is free forever. Sensei Plus ($12/mo) unlocks the full lesson library, the AI tutor, and mock exams.
Will mnemonics really work for me?+
They work because they match how memory actually forms — linking a new symbol to its sound, shape, and meaning all at once. A silly story sticks far longer than a flashcard.
Which level should I aim for?+
Most people start at N5 and climb toward N1. Not sure what the levels mean? We break them all down on the What’s the JLPT? page.
How long until I can pass N5?+
It depends on your pace, but a steady daily habit gets most beginners exam-ready in a few months. The app keeps the path clear so you’re never guessing.
先 · your pocket sensei
Ready to make Japanese stick?
Start with the kana that beat everyone else — free, today. No credit card, no flashcard burnout.