Useful Apps

There are a number of user-submitted apps to assist JETs during their time on the programme. For other website resources, check out these for traveling.

Daily Life
Google Translate

When it comes to translation, Google doesn't do it the best, but it does it the quickest. The Google translate app is particularly useful because you can take pictures, input speech, and even draw kanji into the app. It's also good to keep around when your coworkers ask, "How do you say "" in English?" (Note: even Google can't tell you what "yoroshiku onegaishimasu" actually means.)

Papago

This is another translation app through the Korean website Naver. It is sometimes more accurate than the output you get from Google Translate. It is especially useful as a secondary translation app to doublecheck the meaning of more grammatically complex Japanese.

 DeepL Translator 

In recent years, a translation system that utilizes machine learning has really taken off in popularity. It is said by many users that the translations of DeepL are the most accurate.

 Google Maps 

Navigation apps are essential for life in Yamagata and Japan. Google Maps is good outside of just driving because it can give you lists of train times and the best train or bus route to get to your destination. On most routes it can also list the fare needed. If you're particularly dedicated to your community, you can become a Local Guide and get points for reviewing restaurants, adding photos, editing hours, and more. Shortcomings of the app include: constantly trying to get you to make impossible right turns, taking you down rice paddy roads, and difficulty in planning out legs of a trip using different forms of transportation.

 Chrome Internet Browser 

If you want to do some online shopping on a Japanese website or you have no clue what a Japanese website is saying use the translation feature on the Chrome internet browser. It is a lifesaver when you first arrive and you want to buy furniture from Nitori or find information on an event you want to attend.

PayPay

PayPay is an app that allows you to load cash onto your phone and check out at certain stores using using their cashless system. Most 7-eleven convenience stores have a kiosk that allows you to charge the app. Many cities cycle through "cash back" periods too, where shopping at particular stores with PayPay will allow you to get cash back (usually a month later). Sometimes you can get as much to 30% back at home centers, which is great if you are purchasing larger appliances.

 Your Embassy's Page 

Depending on your nationality, some countries provide specialized notification systems & services for citizens living abroad. By registering with your embassy, you can receive updates and notifications about travelling to other countries or the current situation within Japan. For U.S. citizens, please refer to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Language Learning
Anki iOS & Android

Most popular flashcard app. You can import vocab from various textbooks.

Duolingo iOS & Android

Popular language learning app.

Tiny Cards iOS & Android

Users can make their own decks and share them, this is a much more user-friendly flashcard app than the popular Anki program.

LingoDeer iOS & Android

Similar to Duolingo. The visual and audio design are on point, and the app teaches far more than most others of this style.

Tango Risto iOS & Android

Takes NHK News Web Easy news articles, parses them, and gives you vocabulary lists with readings, meanings, and JLPT levels.

Kanji JLPT N5 iOS only

As the name suggests, it teaches you all the kanji needed to pass the JLPT N5.

HelloTalk iOS & Android

A language exchange app that lets you text and talk to native speakers. Also lets you correct the other person's texts and vice versa.

Learning Japanese iOS & Android

(Known as Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese)

Very practical/logical guide to Japanese. Covers everything from katakana/hiragana up to advanced topics.

'''imiwa? iOS only'''

Popular dictionary app.

Japanese (by renzo. Inc) Android only

Dictionary app.

Honorable mentions
These aren't apps but had to mention them since they're used by a lot of JETs.

WaniKani https://www.wanikani.com/

The ultimate kanji/vocab learning tool! Uses mnemonics and spaced repetition and the site is mobile friendly so you can still use it on your smartphone.

BunPro https://bunpro.jp/

Similar to WaniKani in that it uses spaced repitition and forces you to type answers and not just choose from multiple answers. Teaches grammar and is sectioned by JLPT level. (JLPT N2 is in beta and N1 has yet to come but still really good resource)

StudyKanji http://www.studykanji.net/

This website has flashcards for kanji as well as vocabulary words. It's free and does not require a login.