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ReadNihongo

Our story, mission, and community

ReadNihongo began with a simple idea: immersive reading makes language stick. Today we’re building the most inviting place to read Japanese—together.

How it started

We began with a simple idea: immersive reading helps you internalise grammar and vocabulary better than rote study. We build tools that make authentic Japanese accessible to everyone.

“Read what you love, then your Japanese will love you back.”

Milestones

  1. Jan 2025

    Idea

    We set out to build the reading companion we wished existed—graded stories with furigana and instant lookups.

  2. Jun 2025

    Launch

    First public release with story packs, vocabulary lookups, and furigana toggle across devices.

  3. Aug 2025

    SRS reviews

    Integrated spaced repetition built from the words you encounter while reading.

  4. Oct 2025

    Offline packs

    Stories you open are cached for reading without a connection—perfect for the commute.

  5. Dec 2025

    10K learners

    A growing global community reading together in our Discord and sharing progress.

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Our mission & values

Accessibility

Learning materials should be free and open to all.

Authenticity

Stories come from native speakers and real culture.

Consistency

Daily practice builds long‑term mastery.

Team & community

Haruki Yamamoto
Haruki Yamamoto
Author · Graded stories
Full bio

Haruki writes every story in ReadNihongo, grading vocabulary and crafting scenes that mirror everyday situations.

Join our Discord

Share progress, ask questions, and get early access to beta features.

Join Discord
#introductions
#reading-club
#ask-for-help
#beta

By the numbers

0+
stories
0+
words in dictionary
0+
learners

Where learners read from

Americas
32%
Europe
28%
Asia
30%
Oceania
6%
Africa
4%

Ready to start reading?

Open the ReadNihongo web app and read your first story now.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play