Keiko

Guides

Short, practical reads on typing Japanese and learning kana, kanji, and vocabulary. Every guide ends at a keyboard — pick one and start practicing.

All Guides

読みもの

6 min read

How to Type Hiragana on an English Keyboard

You don't need a Japanese keyboard. Learn how romaji input works, the key rules (shi, tsu, fu, nn), and start typing hiragana today.

5 min read

Complete Hiragana Chart with Romaji

Every hiragana character with its romaji reading: the 46 basics, dakuten marks, and combination sounds — in one clean chart.

9 min read

JLPT N5 Vocabulary List for Beginners

The essential JLPT N5 words organized by topic — greetings, family, time, verbs, and adjectives — with readings, romaji, and a method that makes them stick.

5 min read

How to Type っ (Small Tsu) and ん in Japanese

The two characters that confuse every beginner. Learn the double-consonant rule for っ and why you should always type nn for ん.

6 min read

Japanese Typing Speed (WPM) Explained

How is typing speed measured in Japanese? Understand kana-per-minute vs WPM, what counts as fast, and how learners should track progress.

8 min read

Japanese Typing Practice: A Complete Roadmap for Learners

From your first hiragana to full N3 sentences — how to use typing practice to learn Japanese faster, with a stage-by-stage plan.

7 min read

How to Type in Japanese on Windows, Mac, and Phone

Set up Japanese input in two minutes on any device: Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android — plus how IME conversion and shortcuts work.

5 min read

Complete Katakana Chart with Romaji

Every katakana character with its romaji: the 46 basics, dakuten variants, combination sounds, and the extra combos used for foreign words.

5 min read

How to Type Katakana (and the Long Vowel ー)

Typing katakana is the same romaji you already know — plus three extras: the long vowel bar ー, F7 conversion, and foreign sound combos.

5 min read

Hepburn vs. Kunrei Romaji: Which Should You Type?

shi or si? tsu or tu? The two romaji systems explained, what IMEs actually accept, and which one learners should build habits around.

7 min read

JLPT N5 Kanji List: All 88 Characters with Readings

The complete JLPT N5 kanji list with on/kun readings and an example word for every character — numbers, days, family, verbs, and adjectives.

8 min read

JLPT N4 Kanji List: 222 Characters with Readings

Every JLPT N4 kanji with on/kun readings and example words, organized by theme — seasons, places, nature, verbs, and daily life.

8 min read

JLPT N3 Kanji List: 272 Characters with Readings

The JLPT N3 kanji with on/kun readings and example words — feelings, society, abstract vocabulary, and the characters of everyday adult life.

8 min read

20 Essential JLPT N3 Grammar Patterns with Examples

The 20 grammar patterns that define JLPT N3 — 〜ても, 〜はずだ, 〜てしまう and more — each with its meaning and a natural example sentence.

8 min read

Japanese Verb Conjugation Chart: 7 Forms of 20 Core Verbs

Dictionary, masu, te, ta, nai, potential, and volitional forms of the 20 most useful Japanese verbs — with the rules behind each group.

7 min read

Japanese Numbers and Counters: How to Count Anything

Numbers 1 to 100 million, the sound changes (300 = sanbyaku), and the counter words for objects, people, and animals — with all irregular readings.

6 min read

Days, Dates, and Months in Japanese (with Irregular Readings)

Days of the week, months, and the tricky day-of-month readings — tsuitachi, futsuka, hatsuka — explained in one practical guide.

6 min read

40 Japanese Words You Already Know from Anime

Sugoi, kawaii, senpai, itadakimasu — the Japanese words anime taught you, with real meanings, usage notes, and how to type them.