KanaStroke
KanaStroke is a Japanese handwriting app for practicing the stroke order of Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
What KanaStroke is
KanaStroke is a Japanese handwriting app for practicing the stroke order of Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. As learners draw, the app checks stroke order and direction and provides feedback when a mistake occurs. The maker says it compares input with official SVG paths using the flutter_kanjivg library. The app is designed for JLPT N5 and N4 learners and includes practice for essential Kanji. Its basic kana coverage includes 46 Hiragana and 46 Katakana characters, with separate practice modes for both scripts. Native audio recordings support pronunciation practice, and pen-control exercises are also listed. Review queues were added in version 1.1.1. KanaStroke is available on iOS and macOS. iPhone and iPad require iOS 15.0 or later; Mac requires macOS 12.0 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later. There is a free plan, alongside Pro Monthly at ¥800 a month and Pro Lifetime at 3000.00 JPY once. Apple's listing says product interaction and crash data may be collected for analytics and diagnostics, and that Apple has not verified this information.
Good
- Checks stroke order and direction while drawing.
- Covers all 46 basic characters in each kana script.
- Includes native audio recordings.
- Has a free plan.
- Supports iOS and macOS.
Watch out
- Mac requires an Apple M1 chip or later.
- iPhone and iPad require iOS 15.0 or later.
- Pro Monthly costs ¥800 a month.
- Apple says interaction and crash data may be collected.
Who it suits
KanaStroke suits N5 and N4 learners who want to practice Japanese character writing, including stroke direction and order. It is available to iOS and macOS users who meet the listed device requirements.
Verdict
KanaStroke focuses on writing practice, with live stroke guidance, kana coverage, and essential Kanji practice for N5 and N4 learners. Check the platform requirements and paid Pro options if you want more than the free plan.
Plans and prices
From KanaStroke's own pricing page, checked 10 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Monthly | ¥800 a month | — |
| Pro Lifetime | ¥3,000, paid once | — |
The facts
Each one read from KanaStroke's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Adaptive guidance
- Guides appear when the learner makes a mistake.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Audio
- The App Store listing describes native audio recordings to support pronunciation practice.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The App Store listing says iPhone and iPad require iOS 15.0 or later, and Mac requires macOS 12.0 or later with an Apple M1 chip or later.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Developer
- The App Store listing names Jason Cooke as the developer and Turing Complete Limited as the seller.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Intended learners
- The maker describes the app as designed for N5 and N4 students.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Kana coverage
- The App Store listing says the app covers all 92 basic Japanese characters, with 46 Hiragana and 46 Katakana.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Kana practice
- The App Store listing says the app covers all 46 basic Hiragana and 46 basic Katakana characters.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Kanji practice
- The site says learners can practice essential Kanji for JLPT exams.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Live stroke feedback
- The app detects incorrect stroke order and direction as the learner draws.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Practice modes
- The App Store listing describes separate Hiragana and Katakana practice modes.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Privacy disclosure
- The App Store listing says usage data and diagnostics may be collected without being linked to the user’s identity; it says Apple has not verified this disclosure.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Product
- KanaStroke is a Japanese handwriting app for practicing Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji stroke order.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Provider
- The App Store lists Turing Complete Limited as the provider and Jason Cooke as the developer.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- KanaStroke is a Japanese character practice app for Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji stroke order.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Review queues
- The App Store version history says review queues were added in version 1.1.1.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Stroke data
- The site says KanaStroke compares input against official SVG paths using the flutter_kanjivg library.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Stroke validation
- The app provides real-time feedback on stroke order and direction as the learner draws.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Target learners
- The site describes the app as designed for N5 and N4 students.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Validation method
- The maker says KanaStroke uses the flutter_kanjivg library to compare user input against official SVG paths.checked 10 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The App Store listing supports iPhone and iPad and lists Mac compatibility on macOS 12 or later with Apple M1 or later.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Price options
- The App Store listing shows Pro Monthly for ¥800 and Pro Lifetime for ¥3,000 as in-app purchases.checked 10 Oct 2026
Alternatives to KanaStroke
- 1
LetterSchool
Free planAndroidiOSmacOSWindows8.1From $59.99 a year - 2
Nazoru
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS7.8From $39.99 a year - 3
Writing Wizard
Free planAndroidiOSWindows7.8From $2.49 a month - 4
Letterpaths
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebAPI7.7Free plan - 5
Handwriting Repeater
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.3Free plan - 6
Kitsunewa Writing Practice
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.2From $4.08 a month