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Aesthetic, minimalist platform for learning Japanese inspired by Duolingo and Monkeytype, built with Next.js and sponsored by Vercel. Beginner-friendly with plenty of good first issues - all contributions are welcome!

2,648 starsTypeScript

I made a cute, open-source Japanese learning app inspired by Monkeytype

by thebababak·Apr 5, 2026·4 points·0 comments

AI Analysis

●●SolidCozyNiche Gem

Monkeytype-style customization for kana practice, but WaniKani already owns this space.

Strengths
  • Monkeytype-inspired customization (themes, fonts) is a clever UX angle for language learning
  • Vercel OSS sponsorship and 2.2k stars show genuine community traction
  • Good first issues labeled, active contribution pipeline with 121 open PRs
Weaknesses
  • Japanese kana practice is well-served by WaniKani, Bunpro, and countless Anki decks
  • Aesthetics and customization don't solve the core learning problem better than competitors
Category
Target Audience

Japanese language learners, typing enthusiasts

Similar To

Duolingo · WaniKani · Bunpro

Post Description

As someone who loves both coding and language learning (I'm learning Japanese right now), I always wished there was a free, open-source tool for learning Japanese, just like Monkeytype in the typing community.

Here's the main selling point: I added a gazillion different color themes, fonts and other crazy customization options, inspired directly by Monkeytype. Also, I made the app resemble Duolingo, as that's what I'm using to learn Japanese at the moment and it's what a lot of language learners are already familiar with.

Miraculously, people loved the idea, and the project even managed to somehow hit 1k stars on GitHub now. Now, I'm looking to continue working on the project to see where I can take it next.

Back in January, I even applied to Vercel's open-source software sponsorship program as a joke. I didn't seriously expect to win, and did it more out of curiosity.

Lo and behold, yesterday I woke up to an email saying the app has been accepted into Vercel's Winter cohort. Crazy!

Anyway. Why am I doing all this?

Because I'm a filthy weeb.

どうもありがとうございます

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