About Tan Dash

Tan Dash is a free, one-thumb kanji game designed for beginners learning the 82 JLPT N5 kanji. It runs directly in your web browser, requiring no sign-up or download.

Gameplay

• Objective: Players control Tan the tanuki, who runs automatically. The goal is to jump and collect the kanji characters that match the prompt on the sign, while avoiding incorrect kanji and obstacles like tree stumps.
• Controls: A single tap makes Tan jump, and a second tap in mid-air allows for a higher jump. Keyboard users can press the Space bar.
• Progression: Each correct catch builds a combo. Every 6 correct catches unlock the next world, introducing new kanji. The game features 14 worlds, progressively covering all 82 JLPT N5 kanji. Worlds 1-8 are themed around episodes from "The Travels of Tan" comic, with subsequent worlds introducing remaining kanji.
• Scoring and Feedback: The results screen displays your score, all caught kanji (linking to their individual pages), and any mistakes made.
• Power-ups: Special kanji characters appear in gold boxes, granting effects like increased size (大), super jumps (上), extra lives (生), or bonus points (金).
• Settings: Options include a "Chill" mode for a slower pace and more lives, and the ability to switch sound on/off. Sign prompts can be displayed in English, kana, or a mix.

Learning Features

• The game teaches the reading of the 82 JLPT N5 kanji.
• Each kanji caught links to its page, providing stroke order and readings.
• After playing, users can review their caught kanji and test themselves with an N5 kanji quiz, with options for spaced-repetition reviews.
• A companion workbook is available for learning to write the kanji with stroke order and practice squares.

Technical Details

• Runs in a web browser on phone or desktop.
• No account creation or downloads required.
• Progress is saved locally in the browser.