KanaKanji

KanaKanji is a term used in Japanese language pedagogy to describe instructional approaches that teach kana (hiragana and katakana) and kanji in an integrated manner. It encompasses a family of methods rather than a single, standardized curriculum, aiming to connect phonetic reading with semantic meaning from the start of literacy training.

In KanaKanji frameworks, learners encounter kana and kanji in parallel rather than in strictly separate phases. Instruction emphasizes reading fluency, recognition of kanji radicals, and knowledge of kanji readings (on’yomi and kun’yomi) alongside common vocabulary. Activities commonly include paired kana-kanji drills, context-rich examples, stroke-order practice, kanji breakdown into radicals, and spaced repetition flashcards. Materials typically provide glossed sentences to illustrate grammar, as well as audio for pronunciation.

History and usage: The concept gained prominence with advances in language teaching and computer-assisted learning from the late 20th century, and has since appeared in various textbooks, online courses, and tutoring programs. While not standardized, KanaKanji approaches share a goal of reducing the disconnect between syllabic reading and logographic writing.

Variants and branding: Some publishers market KanaKanji as a branded curriculum or software suite, while others describe it as a pedagogical principle. Some implementations focus on early literacy, others on literacy development for learners of Japanese as a second language.

See also: Japanese writing system, Kana, Kanji, Romaji, Language learning.