Kanji Detective
iPhone · iPad
Every day,
a new kanji mystery.
One hidden kanji a day, the same for every detective in the world. Question suspects, follow the clues and name the culprit — then open the case file and really learn it. For iPhone and iPad.
Free daily case · Plus is a one-time purchase
- JLPT N5 → N1
- Works offline
- No ads, no account
What it does
Every wrong guess is a clue
Type a kanji, a reading or an English meaning to question a suspect. Each miss uncovers another clue: stroke count, category, a component, a word it appears in, an example sentence — and, as a last resort, its stroke order.
Graded like Japanese homework
Solve with as few clues as you can. Your result is marked the way Japanese teachers mark homework — 花丸 for a brilliant deduction.
The case file
Once a case is closed, study the kanji properly: meanings, readings with romaji, animated stroke order, example words and real example sentences.
The casebook
Every kanji you crack is filed with your grade. Look back over past cases and reopen any case file to revise.
A habit that sticks
One case a day from JLPT N5–N3, an optional daily reminder, streaks and statistics, and results you can share without spoiling the answer.
Private and offline
The whole dictionary is built in, so it works without a connection. No account, no ads, no tracking — your progress stays on your device.
The daily case is free. Plus is yours to keep.
Free
- A new N5–N3 case every day
- Case files, casebook and statistics
- Streaks and daily reminders
One-time unlock
- Cold cases: a harder daily case at N2–N1
- Unlimited training at the levels you choose
- The case archive — replay any case you missed
- Shared with your family through Family Sharing
Kanji Detective Plus is a one-time purchase. No subscription.
Download on the App StoreQuestions
Something else? See support or read the privacy policy.
What level is Kanji Detective for?
The free daily case draws from JLPT N5–N3, so it suits learners from a few months in. Plus adds a harder N2–N1 cold case and training at any level you pick.
Is Plus a subscription?
No — it’s a one-time purchase, and it’s shared with your family through Family Sharing.
Does everyone get the same kanji?
Yes. The daily case is the same for every detective, so you can compare results with friends. Sharing your result doesn’t reveal the answer.
Do I need an internet connection or an account?
Neither. The dictionary is built into the app and your progress stays on your device.
I missed yesterday’s case. Can I still play it?
With Plus, the case archive lets you play any daily or cold case you missed.
I changed phones and my Plus is missing.
Open the Plus screen and tap Restore Purchases, signed in with the same Apple Account you bought it with.