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Head-to-head · Japanese Learning Apps

IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs Marugoto Japanese Online Course

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score IRODORI Japanese Online Course #2 in Japanese Learning Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit IRODORI
Marugoto Japanese Online Course #3 in Japanese Learning Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Marugoto

IRODORI Japanese Online Course leads on 0 checks, Marugoto Japanese Online Course on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreIRODORI Japanese Online Course · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

IRODORI Japanese Online Course scores higher on our rubric for japanese learning apps: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

IRODORI Japanese Online Course is the better fit for free practical Japanese lessons. Marugoto Japanese Online Course is the better fit for learners who want tutor-supported Japanese.

  • IRODORI Japanese Online Course fits best

    Free practical Japanese lessons

  • Marugoto Japanese Online Course fits best

    Learners who want tutor-supported Japanese

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Side by side

Feature IRODORI Japanese Online Course 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Marugoto Japanese Online Course 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.2
Ranking #2 in Japanese Learning Apps #3 in Japanese Learning Apps
Best for Free practical Japanese lessons Learners who want tutor-supported Japanese
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, Android Web
Support Tickets, Docs Docs
Built for Solo Solo, Small business
Features IRODORI Japanese Online Course 0/3 · Marugoto Japanese Online Course 0/3
Speaking practice Not checked yet Not checked yet
Writing practice Not checked yet Not checked yet
Offline access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Study focus Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines audio, video role-play, and reading and writing activities
  • Includes vocabulary, kanji, grammar, quizzes, and Can-do self-checks
  • Android app offers offline practice and progress history
  • Combines interactive self-study with tutor-supported live lessons
  • Tutors correct assignments, with progress management and submission tools
  • Katsudoo and Rikai cover practical communication and language instruction
Cons
  • Available course content is currently Elementary 1 (A2)
  • Focuses on Japanese for life and work in Japan rather than multiple languages
  • Downloadable certificate requires a completion-test score of 80 or higher
  • The course is available through the web platform
  • Tutor-support courses are paid, unlike the free self-study courses
  • The program is mainly intended for adult learners overseas
Our verdict

For adult overseas learners and people planning to live or work in Japan, IRODORI Japanese Online Course offers a free, self-paced path to practical Japanese. Developed by The Japan Foundation and based on its IRODORI: Japanese for Life in…

Read the review →

Marugoto Japanese Online Course is an online program on the Japan Foundation’s Minato platform, mainly intended for adult learners overseas. It combines interactive self-study with tutor-supported courses, so learners can choose…

Read the review →
  1. IRODORI Japanese Online CourseJapanese Learning Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. Marugoto Japanese Online CourseJapanese Learning Apps 9.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • IRODORI Japanese Online Course — where it wins

    • Combines audio, video role-play, and reading and writing activities
    • Includes vocabulary, kanji, grammar, quizzes, and Can-do self-checks
    • Android app offers offline practice and progress history

    Where it doesn't

    • Available course content is currently Elementary 1 (A2)
    • Focuses on Japanese for life and work in Japan rather than multiple languages
    • Downloadable certificate requires a completion-test score of 80 or higher

  • Marugoto Japanese Online Course — where it wins

    • Combines interactive self-study with tutor-supported live lessons
    • Tutors correct assignments, with progress management and submission tools
    • Katsudoo and Rikai cover practical communication and language instruction

    Where it doesn't

    • The course is available through the web platform
    • Tutor-support courses are paid, unlike the free self-study courses
    • The program is mainly intended for adult learners overseas
  • IRODORI Japanese Online Course9.3/10 · Free plan

    A free, self-paced Japanese course focused on everyday life and work in Japan.

    Visit IRODORIFull verdict →
  • Marugoto Japanese Online Course9.2/10 · Free plan

    Interactive Japanese self-study with tutor-supported courses, live lessons, and assignment correction.

    Visit MarugotoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All japanese learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update