Paint the second eye.

In Japan, you paint one eye of a daruma when you set a goal, and the second when you reach it. Darumaji turns that ritual into the way you learn kanji.

Start for free

What Darumaji contains

• Cards that are yours Meanings, kun’yomi, on’yomi, nanori, example words, personal notes: every kanji is a real card, filed in the folders you choose.
• Review that adapts Every answer moves the next review. Hard kanji come back often, the rest leave you alone.
• Stroke by stroke Watch every kanji being written in the right order, at your pace, one stroke at a time.
• Three games to review differently Shoot kanji down before they land, match the pairs, recognise a word by ear.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know hiragana and katakana?

It helps, because readings are written in kana. If you start from scratch, learn them alongside: a few days are enough, and Darumaji always shows the reading with audio.

How much time per day?

The default goal is 20 reviews a day, about ten minutes for most people. You can change it in the settings.

Is it really free?

Yes. All of N5, the first 20 N4 kanji, reviews, writing and Kanji Invasion are free with no time limit. The paid Complete plan unlocks all of N4, N3 to N1 and every game.

Which JLPT levels are covered?

All five levels, N5 to N1, are available: 2,136 kanji with meanings, readings, animated stroke order, example words and audio.

How is it different from Anki?

Nothing to set up: every kanji comes ready with its readings, examples, pronunciation and strokes. And you get games and a small daily ritual to keep going.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes, the site adapts to mobile and your progress syncs across devices. An Android app is on its way.

See every kanji