How many hiragana characters do I need to memorize to start?
Use the free tool — JapaneseDaily
The quick answer: 46 characters
You need to learn 46 hiragana characters to read every basic sound in Japanese, according to the Japan Foundation. That's the whole hiragana set — no more, no less.
How long does it take?
The Japan Foundation says that after unit 1 and about a week of practice, you should be able to read every basic Japanese sound. That's the pace this course is built around: unit 1 teaches hiragana, and every note includes romaji so you're never stuck.
Why hiragana comes first
Hiragana is the base you use before kanji. It lets you read greetings, work phrases, doctor visits, apartment talk, and bank conversations — the real situations this course is built on — with listen and speak drills and spaced repetition.
Where hiragana fits with the JLPT
The JLPT N5 is the first official Japanese level. It covers about 100 kanji and 800 words, according to JLPT. The phrases in this course sit inside that N5 level. But JapaneseDaily is not the testing body — please confirm exam dates, requirements, and results directly with JLPT.
Is Japanese worth learning right now?
Japanese became the 4th most-studied language in the world in 2025, passing German, according to the Duolingo Language Report 2025. That shows general interest — it isn't a promise about your own results.
What this course includes
- No account, no ads, no hearts
- Unit 1 teaches hiragana; romaji in every note
- Listen and speak drills with spaced repetition
- Two paid plans are listed — $4.99 and $29 — so this isn't described as fully free; check the app for current pricing and its privacy policy before you start
What to do next
This page gives you the general numbers. The free part of the course — unit 1 — lets you test the 46 characters yourself, at your own pace, instead of relying only on numbers from this page. Try it and see how many you already recognize. This is general information, not legal, medical, or tax advice — confirm exam details with JLPT and pricing or privacy details directly with JapaneseDaily.