Learning Japanese with Fun Games

Contributed post.

​If you're trying to learn Japanese, turning study time into game time can be a great way to make the process enjoyable. Many people look for games to practice their skills and boost their vocabulary. 

Sudoku often pops up as an option, but despite its name, the game isn’t Japanese at all. The word "sudoku" comes from the Japanese phrase "suji wa dokushin ni kagiru", meaning "the digits are limited to one occurrence." 

While fun, Sudoku won’t teach you any Japanese. To really learn, you’ll need games that actually engage with the language. But if you are up for a fun way of improving your language skills, you’re in luck. 
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Here are some playful and effective ways to build your Japanese skills through games.

Sing the Japanese Alphabet Song
It might feel a bit silly, but singing the hiragana or katakana alphabet song is a surprisingly effective way to cement the characters in your mind. Think of it as the Japanese version of "A-B-C-D-E-F-G." You’ll get a rhythm going, making the sequence easier to recall. Even if you're not musically inclined, the act of singing helps reinforce what you’re learning in a fun and memorable way. Plus, it’s something you can practice anywhere without needing much preparation.

​Play Shiritori
Shiritori is a Japanese word chain game. One player starts by saying a Japanese word, and the next player must say a word that begins with the last syllable of the previous word. For example, if someone says "neko" (cat), the next person could say "konpyūta" (computer), and so on. The challenge lies in avoiding words that end in "n" because no Japanese words start with this letter. Shiritori builds vocabulary and listening skills in an engaging way and works well with friends or as a solo activity.

Use Flashcard Apps with Game Modes
Flashcards may sound old-school, but many modern apps include game-like features. Some apps let you race against the clock to match kanji, hiragana, or katakana with their correct meanings or sounds. Others turn vocabulary building into trivia challenges. These timed exercises help with recognition and recall, while the game element keeps you engaged.

Try Japanese Crosswords
Japanese crosswords, or "kanji puzzles," are great for learning kanji and vocabulary. These puzzles are often found in beginner textbooks or on Japanese learning websites. They work like traditional crosswords but focus on matching kanji to their readings or meanings. Solving these puzzles reinforces your ability to connect the written symbols with their sounds and meanings, helping you recognize them faster in everyday use.

Dabble in Japanese Video Games
Video games designed for Japanese learners or even popular Japanese games with language settings can be incredibly effective. Games like "Animal Crossing" or "Pokemon" allow you to practice reading and recognizing common phrases. The interactive format lets you learn naturally while having fun exploring the digital world.

Learning Japanese doesn’t have to be all textbooks and flashcards. Incorporating games into your routine keeps things lively and encourages consistent practice. Whether you’re singing your hiragana, playing Shiritori with friends, or diving into kanji puzzles, there’s a game out there that suits your style.