Honki de Nihongo review
A mobile Japanese study suite with beginner lessons, pronunciation practice and JLPT preparation.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Honki de Nihongo is a family of mobile apps for learning Japanese, aimed at beginners and learners preparing for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. Its HonkiBasic app covers beginner content across lessons 1–50, with illustrated vocabulary and sentence flashcards, grammar explanations, listening, speaking, writing and practice tests. The wider product also includes daily tests, vocabulary games and JLPT practice, making it relevant to learners who want a structured Japanese-only study path rather than a broad multilingual app.
The strongest feature depth is in active practice. Japanese audio supports listening and shadowing, while voice recording lets learners compare their pronunciation. Hiragana and katakana writing practice adds an early literacy component, and JLPT materials cover vocabulary, kanji, grammar and listening. Forgetting-curve-based review with notifications is designed to bring older material back into study, while timed trial tests and learner rankings add assessment and progress-oriented practice. Offline lessons can be studied after download, with online synchronization supporting continuity across sessions.
Pricing follows a freemium model. The Free option is a free download with in-app purchases, and usage purchases are offered for one month, three months, six months and one year. The published category information lists a starting price of 1100 JPY. Honki de Nihongo is a good fit for beginners who want Japanese-specific lessons, pronunciation work, kana practice and JLPT preparation in mobile apps. Learners seeking several languages, desktop access or a single consolidated application should consider a broader alternative.
Honki de Nihongo pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Lessons 1–50 cover vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking and writing.
- Audio shadowing and voice recording support pronunciation practice.
- Offline study, synchronization and repeated review support regular learning.
- Where it doesn't
- Focuses on Japanese rather than multiple languages.
- Available on iOS and Android, with no desktop platform listed.
- The product is a family of apps rather than one unified application.
Honki de Nihongo fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update