Susume Nihongo
進め日本語
An open, completely free, and local-first Japanese learning companion powered by Gemini AI. Master reading, speaking, and spaced retention on your own terms.
The Student-First Mission
Susume Nihongo (進め日本語) translates to "Advance in Japanese." It was built out of frustration with existing tools: expensive subscription gates, cluttering ads, and lack of integration.
This app operates as a free, browser-native toolkit. By combining structured textbooks with advanced Gemini AI, it helps you break down complex sentences, conjugate verbs, practice native speech, and maintain an optimized FSRS flashcard queue.
Local-First Infrastructure
We believe in data ownership. Your flashcards, review histories, and quiz scores are stored directly on your device inside the browser.
Local Browser Storage
API keys, settings, & progress never leave your client
Direct AI Endpoints
Browser talks directly to Google AI with your key
Optional Sync (Cloud Sync Pro)
Google OAuth & Supabase sync for cross-device support
The Three Pillars of Susume Nihongo
Instead of disjointed tools, we integrate AI reasoning, spaced retention algorithms, and structured lessons.
Cognitive AI Tutors
Traditional translators provide literal dictionary answers. Susume uses Gemini AI to deliver conversational natural forms, formal registers, and deep breakdowns.
Nuance: Conversational invitation.
Spaced Retention
Don't forget what you learn. The app parses vocabulary from your translations and automatically builds card files using the advanced FSRS algorithm.
勉強
べんきょう · To study
Structured Curriculum
AI tools are more useful when paired with reference books. We include a comprehensive 40-chapter grammar and kana study guide with integrated quizzes.
Setting Up Your Free Gemini Key
Google allows individuals to get a free API key with generous usage limits. Because Susume Nihongo operates inside your browser sandbox, your API key is stored locally and sent directly to Google.
Fetch API Key
Visit Google AI Studio to generate a key in seconds (no credit card required).
Paste in Settings
Click the settings gear on the top navigation bar and enter your key in the field.
Unlock App Capabilities
Translate phrases, hear pronunciation, ask book questions, and voice chat with Live Sensei.
// Browser local sandbox
const config = {
engine: "gemini-2.5-flash",
apiKey: "AIzaSy..." // Encrypted local
localOnly: true,
syncEnabled: false
};
Disclaimers & Limits
AI Accuracy & Culture Nuances
Language models might occasionally provide incorrect interpretations or grammar details. Translations are designed to capture Japanese context and culture rather than literal translations. Please verify details when learning formal styles.
API Limits & Tokens
Google Gemini's free tier has request quotas. If you write translations or speak with Live Sensei rapidly, you might encounter brief rate limits. You can monitor your quotas inside the Google AI Studio Console.
Local-First Commitment
This platform contains no advertisements or tracking codes. All tools are fully offline-first. The Cloud Sync Pro subscription ($5/mo via Stripe) is purely optional to keep progress synced via Supabase.
Ready to start your journey?
今勉強しよう — Start studying right now. No sign-ups required. Open the AI Teacher and try typing a phrase.
Launch AI Teacher