Japanese Word Chain: Shiritori

How many Japanese words can you connect before your mind goes blank?

Japanese Word Chain: Shiritori turns Japan’s classic word-chain game into a fast, stylish vocabulary challenge. Start the next word with the final sound of the previous one, keep the chain alive, build combos, and chase a new high score.

APPLE → ELEPHANT is the basic idea in English. In Japanese, りんご (ringo) ends with ご (go), so your next word must begin with ご. Simple to understand. Surprisingly hard when the pressure starts.

■ 210,000+ JAPANESE WORDS
Play with a huge local dictionary containing more than 210,000 entries, from everyday vocabulary to uncommon terms, proper nouns, and specialist words. The large word pool keeps each run fresh and rewards players who know more than the obvious answers.

■ FAST TIME ATTACK
You begin with 60 seconds. Every correct word can restore time, while longer words can earn larger bonuses. As the level rises, the pressure increases and every second matters.

Think fast. Type fast. Keep going.

■ ENDLESS SHIRITORI
Prefer to play without a clock? Endless Mode removes the time limit so you can focus on finding words, exploring vocabulary, and building the longest chain you can.

Check available words for the current kana, discover new answers, and keep playing until you have exhausted your ideas.

■ COMBOS, FEVER & HIGH SCORES
Correct answers build your combo. Reach 8 combos to trigger Fever and multiply your score for a limited time.

Score is affected by word length, combo count, rare words, kanji input, fast answers, and Fever. A short familiar word may save your run, while a long or unusual word can push your score much higher.

Can you reach S Rank?

■ HIRAGANA, KATAKANA, KANJI & ROMAJI
Play using the input style that feels natural to you.

• Hiragana
• Katakana
• Kanji
• Romaji

The game normalizes multiple Japanese writing styles and converts supported forms to their readings for Shiritori judgment.

That makes it approachable for Japanese learners while still giving fluent players room to compete for speed and score.

■ LEARN THROUGH PLAY
Shiritori is more than a word game. It constantly asks you to recall vocabulary by sound.

Stuck on a difficult kana? Explore words that begin with it. Find unfamiliar vocabulary. See kanji forms and readings. Then use what you discovered in your next run.

The built-in kana index lets you browse the dictionary by Japanese sound and search for words whenever curiosity strikes.

■ CLASSIC SHIRITORI RULES, GAME-FRIENDLY JUDGMENT
The next word must begin with the final Japanese sound of the previous word.

Small kana are normalized for chaining, long vowel marks are handled using the preceding sound, and voiced or unvoiced variations are accepted in supported cases to keep the game flowing.

But remember the most famous rule:

End a word with ん (n), and your run is over.

■ MADE FOR QUICK SESSIONS AND SERIOUS CHALLENGES
Play for a minute while waiting for a train, chase a personal best, practice Japanese vocabulary, or spend a longer session exploring the 210,000+ word dictionary.

Japanese Word Chain: Shiritori is designed for:
• Fans of Japanese language and culture
• Japanese vocabulary learners
• Hiragana, katakana, kanji, and romaji practice
• Word puzzle fans
• Typing and reaction-speed challenges
• Brain-training and memory games
• High-score and combo hunters
• Anyone looking for a fresh Japanese word game

■ ELECTRIC, HIGH-ENERGY PRESENTATION
Sharp blue-and-black visuals, energetic effects, combo accents, Fever transitions, and a five-track BGM playlist turn each word chain into an arcade-style run.

This is not a quiet flashcard app.

It is Japanese vocabulary under pressure.

One word leads to the next.
One sound keeps the chain alive.
One mistake can end the run.

How far can your Japanese vocabulary take you?

Download Japanese Word Chain: Shiritori and start your next word chain.