Introduction
Does Kanji look intimidating to you? You are not alone. With thousands of complex characters, it is the biggest hurdle for many Japanese learners.
But here is the secret: You don’t need to learn them all at once.
Start with the basics. Numbers, days of the week, and simple nature words. Once you get used to the basic structure with simple Kanji, complex ones become much easier.
Introducing MojiTrace (Kanji Edition), a free tool to help you practice the essential JLPT N5 level Kanji.
Practice Kanji Here (MojiTrace Tool)
MojiTrace Kanji
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Hint
How to Use This Tool
Using MojiTrace is simple. It works perfectly on your iPhone, iPad, Android, or PC.
- Select a Character: Choose a basic Kanji from the dropdown list. We have selected 20 essential characters for beginners (e.g., “One (一)”, “Sun/Day (日)”, “Tree (木)”).
- Tracing Mode: Tap the “Tracing” button (Eye icon). Trace over the guide to feel the balance. Pay attention to the “Stop” (Tome) and “Sweep” (Harai) at the end of lines.
- Memory Mode: Switch to “Memory” mode. The guide will vanish. Can you visualize the character and write it on the blank grid?
- Check Your Answer: Tap the “Answer” button to check your result.
↩️ Need to Review Basics?
Before diving into Kanji, make sure you are comfortable with Hiragana and Katakana. Writing Kanji requires a good understanding of stroke balance learned from Kana.
📝 Step 1: Hiragana
The foundation of all Japanese writing. [Go to Hiragana Practice Tool ]

📝 Step 2: Katakana
Essential for foreign words and names. [Go to Katakana Practice Tool ]

Why Handwriting Matters for Kanji?
In the age of smartphones, we usually type Kanji. So why write?
- Understanding the Structure: Kanji are built from specific patterns. By writing simple Kanji like “Three (三)” or “River (川)”, you naturally learn how parts fit together, which applies to all 2,000+ Joyo Kanji.
- Mental Snapshot: Kanji are complex images. Writing them by hand forces your brain to analyze every detail, helping you remember them significantly faster than just looking at flashcards.
- Beautiful Balance: A digital “Genkou Youshi” grid helps you learn how to center the character and manage whitespace.
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid of Kanji. Start with these 20 characters on MojiTrace. If you practice a little every day, you will build a strong foundation for your Japanese journey.
Happy writing!
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