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Kaitaku review

Freemium#55 of 63 in Japanese Learning Apps

A focused iPhone course with free N5 study and a one-time upgrade for N4 and future levels.

3.8/10Editor score
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Starting from kana, Kaitaku guides learners through vocabulary, kanji, particles and verb forms on a structured path toward JLPT N5. It is aimed at beginners who want organized study rather than a broad language-learning toolkit. The complete N5 course is free, and the app works offline without an account or ads. Its balanced mix of reading and writing practice makes it a fit for learners who want a curriculum and review routine in one place.

Writing practice is a notable part of the course: guided exercises provide stroke-by-stroke scoring. FSRS schedules spaced-repetition reviews, while a 22,610-word Japanese dictionary and fourteen reference pages provide lookup support. Together, these features support independent study, but speaking practice is not part of the offering. Learners whose priority is spoken conversation should consider an app with speaking exercises instead.

The paid option, Everything past N5, is a $9.99 one-time purchase for the N4 course, future levels as they ship, and Family Sharing. The N5 path remains free, so beginners can start without paying and decide later whether the next level suits them. Kaitaku is currently described as iPhone-only, and its website says it is taking beta invites before its App Store launch. Choose it for low-cost, offline N5 study with handwriting and review tools; look elsewhere if you need Android access or speaking practice.

Kaitaku pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • A complete JLPT N5 path is free and works offline.
    • Handwriting practice scores strokes; FSRS schedules review sessions.
    • Includes a 22,610-word dictionary and fourteen reference pages.
  • Where it doesn't
    • Available only on iPhone.
    • Speaking practice is not included.
    • Paid access currently centers on N4, with later levels dependent on release.

Kaitaku fact sheet, pricing and score →

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