This article will show you resources that use mnemonic illustrations to help you learn Japanese characters in various languages.

You can learn hiragana and katakana by associating their sounds and shapes to words or images in a language ​​you already know well.
You can learn kanji by looking at illustrations showing how they were created or by connecting their shapes and meanings to stories.

First start by reading in the language you know best.

English｜French｜Spanish｜Chinese｜Thai｜Indonesian

Learning in English

The Memory Hint series（The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai）

Memory Hint has apps for hiragana, katakana, and 3 levels of kanji.
You can learn characters by using English words and associated pictures (Memory Hints).
Use quizzes and games to check how much you've learned.

Hiragana Memory Hint　English Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Katakana Memory Hint　English Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 1　English Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 2　English Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 3　English Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）

Learning in French

「Kana-é」　（Association des Enseignants de Japonais en France）

This app lets you learn hiragana and katakana using French words and picture cards.

The exercises include quizzes, flashcards, *dictée* (dictation), *écriture* (character recognition), and *dessin* (handwriting).

Quiz: Choose the correct character from similar-looking ones.

Dessin: Handwriting practice

See learning materials（Android compatible）

Learning in Spanish

Hiragana and katakana learning materials（The Japan Foundation, Mexico）

Learn hiragana and katakana using Spanish words and illustrations.
Materials include animation cards, PowerPoint presentations, and workbooks.
In the workbooks, you can learn using illustrations and practice writing.

See learning materials​

Learning in Chinese (Simplified)

「Erin's Challenge! I Can Speak Japanese.」Supplementary materials　（The Japan Foundation, Beijing）

This PowerPoint material lets you learn hiragana and katakana using Chinese words and illustrations.
You can learn character shapes, and how to read and write them.

See learning materials
Start the PowerPoint slideshow to animate the mnemonic pictures.

Learning in Thai

The Memory Hint series（The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai）

Memory Hint has apps for hiragana, katakana, and 3 levels of kanji.
You can learn characters by using Thai words and associated pictures (Memory Hints).
Use quizzes and games to check how much you've learned.

See learning materials　（Read the introductory article for details on how to use the materials.）
Hiragana Memory Hint　Thai Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Katakana Memory Hint　Thai Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 1　Thai Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 2　Thai Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 3　Thai Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）

Learning in Indonesian

The Memory Hint series（The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai）

Memory Hint has apps for hiragana, katakana, and 3 levels of kanji.
You can learn characters by using Indonesian words and associated pictures (Memory Hints).
Use quizzes and games to check how much you've learned.

See learning materials　（Read the introductory article for details on how to use the materials.）
Hiragana Memory Hint　Indonesian Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Katakana Memory Hint　Indonesian Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 1　Indonesian Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 2　Indonesian Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）
Kanji Memory Hint 3　Indonesian Version　Android｜iOS（Introduction article）

If you find any other e-learning sites using mnemonic pictures, please let us know at the eな Information Station!