Practice Kanji Writing on Mac's Trackpad

Interesting enough, you can use the trackpad on a mac to practice writing Chinese or simplified Chinese characters. (support.apple.com/kb/HT4288) This can also be used to practice writing Japanese kanji. It is worth noting that it can not be used to write all Japanese characters because some kanji have been changed from their Chinese or simplified counter parts. I do not know enough to give any specific examples, but it is well documented in my learning Japanese books to know that this is the case.

If you want to give it a try, use the Apple support page to read how to enable the feature.

Programs to learn Japanese

Here are some tools for learning Japanese:
kanatest (ubuntu install with aptitude)
langdrill (ubuntu -- seems like only command line, as there is no shortcut in the menu)

kdrill (ubuntu install with aptitude)
-> install "kanjidic" First otherwise it can't find the dictionary.

One article:
http://blogaddins.blogspot.com/2008/08/japanese-learning-tools-on-ubuntu.html
lists:
-> kanatest
-> langdrill

http://wakan.manga.cz/?page=download&lang=en
wakan
-> appears to be for windows.

http://www.japanese.ryukent.co.uk/
Tango Blaster






A few general programs for flash card type programs.
http://jewelmirror.com/
pyFlashCards
An Open Source Flash Cards Software

http://sourceforge.net/projects/jmemorize/
jmemorize