Hirakata
Learn Japanese Hiragana & Katakana
Mark Hasebe
About the Author
Mark Hasebe is the creator of Hirakata and author of its Japanese language learning guides. With a deep interest in Japanese language and culture, Mark built Hirakata to make learning Hiragana and Katakana accessible, free, and effective for learners at every level.
Japanese Language Background
Mark began studying Japanese with a focus on reading and writing the kana systems — the essential foundation for any serious engagement with the language. His experience as a learner directly shaped Hirakata's approach: clear character presentation, multiple study modes to match different learning styles, and audio pronunciation from native speakers.
The articles on Hirakata reflect common questions and mistakes Mark encountered while learning — from understanding how dakuten marks change sounds, to building the muscle memory for stroke order, to navigating the overlap between similar-sounding hiragana and katakana characters.
Approach to Teaching
Mark's writing draws on learning science research — specifically spaced repetition and active recall — to explain not just what to study, but how to study it effectively. The goal of every guide is to give learners a clear mental model, practical examples, and a path to the next step.
- Clarity first — explain the why, not just the what
- Practical examples — real Japanese words and phrases throughout
- Learner perspective — written from the experience of learning, not abstract instruction
- No fluff — concise guides that respect the reader's time
Articles by Mark Hasebe
- Getting Started with Hiragana
- Understanding Katakana
- Understanding Diacritical Marks: Dakuten and Handakuten
- Contracted Sounds: Combination Characters in Japanese
- Common Mistakes When Learning Hiragana and Katakana
- Effective Learning Tips for Japanese Characters
- Essential Japanese Learning Supplies for Beginners
- 5 Essential Japanese Phrases Every Beginner Should Know
About Hirakata
Hirakata is a free, browser-based flashcard app for learning Japanese Hiragana and Katakana — no account, no installation, no payment required. It covers all 46 basic hiragana and katakana characters, dakuten and handakuten variations, contracted sounds, and JLPT N5–N1 vocabulary.