7 Things Successful Learners Do When Studying Hiragana And Katakana

So you’ve decided to start learning Japanese - wonderful! And if you’re diving into Hiragana and Katakana, cool! These characters are your first major milestone and once you got them down, everything else becomes much more accessible.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The most successful learners follow a few key habits that make the process smoother, faster, and way more fun. Today, we’re sharing 7 things they do differently and how you can apply them to your own journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fresh approach, these tips will help you learn with confidence and clarity. Let’s make your study routine smarter, stronger, and more enjoyable!

1. They Learn in Manageable Steps

Why it works:

Trying to learn all 46 characters each for Hiragana and Katakana at once can feel overwhelming. The most effective learners break things down into smaller goals.

Try this:

Go row by row. Our workbooks use the gyou-based method to help you focus on just a few characters at a time, with practice activities that build real retention. Slow and steady wins the kana race.

2. They Start with the Right Stroke Order

Why it helps:

Good habits = less re-learning later. Stroke order builds muscle memory, improves legibility, and even makes writing faster and easier over time.

Try this:

Use proper stroke order from day one. Our worksheets include clear stroke diagrams so you always know where to start, where to go, and how to finish each character.

3. They Practice Actively, Not Just Passively

Why it sticks:

Reading flashcards or tapping through apps isn’t enough. Your brain remembers what you do - so successful learners get their hands moving.

Try this:

Write it out. Draw each kana by hand, test your recall, and complete hands-on activities from our workbook. You’ll remember more and feel more confident.

4. They Connect Learning With Culture

Why it matters:

Language is more than symbols - it’s a window into a whole world. Learning kana alongside cultural context deepens appreciation and makes it more enjoyable.

Try this:

Discover fun facts as you go! Our workbook includes cultural tidbits with each lesson (like how Hiragana evolved from elegant cursive used by Heian-era court women). It’s learning with heart.

5. They Track Their Progress

Why it motivates:

Nothing feels better than seeing how far you’ve come. Progress builds momentum, and momentum builds consistency.

Try this:

Use our weekly study tracker to log your sessions, check off completed characters, and celebrate your wins. Even 10 minutes a day adds up, and you’ll see it happening in real time.

6. They Focus on Their Own Journey

Why it matters:

Everyone learns at a different pace. Comparing yourself to others can steal your joy and your progress.

Try this:

Honor your pace. Whether you learn one character a day or a row a week, it’s still progress. Our materials are flexible and self-paced so you can study in a way that fits your life.

7. They Keep Going, Even After Breaks

Why it’s powerful:

Life happens. But successful learners know it’s okay to pause and come back. The key is not giving up - just picking up where you left off.

Try this:

Give yourself grace. Our workbook is a one-time purchase with lifetime access so you can restart anytime, guilt-free. The path is always waiting for you.

Start Strong With Our FREE Starter Pack!

We’ve put together a FREE Starter Pack to help you begin your kana journey with clarity and confidence. You’ll get:

- The full “a” row of Hiragana and Katakana

- Easy-to-follow stroke order diagrams

- Fascinating cultural facts

- Interactive practice activities

- A printable study progress tracker to keep you on track

Everything you need to start learning - no stress, no pressure.

Go Further With The Complete Workbook Bundle

When you’re ready to go all in, grab our full workbook bundle:

- Complete Hiragana & Katakana coverage

- Study progress trackers and practice guides for every row

- Engaging cultural insights

- Fun and challenging activities to keep things fresh

Learning Hiragana and Katakana doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. With the right tools, a simple plan, and daily wins, you’ll build confidence step by step. Focus on what works, stay kind to yourself, and enjoy the process. We’re cheering you on all the way!