What is KIOKU Kanji card?

What is KIOKU Kanji Card?

KIOKU Kanji Card started with a young boy who was self-studying Japanese and struggled with mastering kanji. He discovered flashcards, a traditional Japanese learning tool, and adapted them to create his own kanji flashcards, which greatly improved his learning process. However, he realized that there were over 2000 kanji characters from N5 to N1 levels, and manually selecting and creating flashcards for each level was far more time-consuming than the actual study itself. This led him to create the first set of KIOKU N5 Kanji Cards 12 years ago at his university's festival (originally in Thai). Over the next decade, these cards proved to be a valuable tool for fellow Japanese learners in Thailand, and all levels from N5 to N1 were eventually completed.

To commemorate this achievement and to extend support to Japanese learners worldwide, the English version of KIOKU Kanji Cards was launched on Kickstarter. The project was met with overwhelming support, raising over $100,000—more than ten times the original goal—in just over a month. With this success, the production of the English version of KIOKU Kanji Cards became a reality. Our goal is to help as many Japanese learners as possible by making these cards widely available.

What Makes KIOKU Kanji Card Different?

KIOKU Kanji Card is designed based on the principle that effective learning happens through repetition, anytime, anywhere. According to the theory of the "Forgetting Curve," long-term memory retention is best achieved by reviewing information just as you are about to forget it, rather than repeating it multiple times in one go. Typically, the forgetting cycle occurs within 24-48 hours, so practicing the same content every 24-48 hours over 4-5 cycles helps encode it into long-term memory.

KIOKU Kanji Cards are designed for these short bursts of practice, allowing you to quickly pull them out and study for 3-5 minutes during breaks in your daily routine. Despite their compact size, KIOKU Kanji Cards are packed with information and lightweight, making them easy to carry and use.

Not Just Kanji

 

KIOKU Kanji Cards are not just for learning kanji; they also help you learn essential Japanese vocabulary. Each card features frequently used words associated with the kanji, allowing you to study both the kanji and important vocabulary simultaneously.

Usage Scenarios:

  • In the Car: Quick practice while waiting in the car.
  • At a Restaurant: Study while waiting for your meal.
  • At the Train Station: Use your time effectively while waiting for the train.
  • On the Subway: Practice during your commute.
  • On Your Keychain: Conveniently attached to your bag or keys for easy access anywhere.

Standard Package

KIRIBAKO Package

 

KIRIBAKO is a traditional wooden box crafted specifically for KIOKU Kanji Cards, inspired by the same principles of quality and durability. Made by Hakoyoshi, a Japanese company with over 170 years of history, KIRIBAKO is not just a container but an integral part of your learning journey. The box is designed to protect your cards, with a sophisticated, embossed logo and a unique dark gold color that combines elegance and tradition. Lightweight, sturdy, and moisture-resistant, KIRIBAKO adds both style and functionality to your study routine, keeping your KIOKU Kanji Cards safe and ready for use.

 

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