Kobun Tomodachi

Kobun Tomodachi is your new best friend for understanding classical Japanese!

Implementing multi-functionality, assorted resources, and helpful information, Kobun Tomodachi can assist you in reading any classical Japanese text. Whether you’re taking an intro level classical Japanese class or are just interested in the subject Kobun Tomodachi is a great fit. Kobun Tomodachi has 27 blocks, each with their own organized information. Some functionalities include — man’yōgana conversion, verb/adjective conjugation, classical unit conversion, hentaigana conversion, kyūjitai/shinjitai conversion, and more. Get ready to meet your new Kobun Tomodachi!

Description of each block:

Abbreviation Marks – Information regarding kana ligatures and other abbreviation marks.

Adjectives – Information regarding the types of classical adjectives and a conjugater.

Auxiliary Verbs – A list of classical auxiliary verbs and short descriptions for each.

Classical Texts – A list of classical texts and short descriptions for each.

Copula – A summary of the two copula of classical Japanese.

History of the Japanese Language – A short summary of the stages of the Japanese language.

Japanese Imperial Calendar – Information regarding the imperial calendar and a converter from Western years to imperial years and vice versa.

Kana Orthography – A summary on the kana differences that are found in classical Japanese.

Kanbun – A guide to interpret kanbun writing.

Kanji Readings – Information regarding the types of readings a kanji can have.

Kyūjitai – Information on Japanese character simplification, and a kyūjitai/shinjitai converter.

Man’yōgana – Information on what is man’yōgana, and a converter between manyōgana and kana.

Measurements – A chart on the classical Japanese units of measurements, and a converter between classical and modern-day units.

Numbers – Information regarding the importation of Chinese numerals, and a converter from Arabic numerals to native Japanese readings.

Open Jsho Japanese Dictionary – A modern Japanese dictionary.

Open the Hentaigana App – An app designed to teach hentaigana, developed by UCLA and Waseda University.

Open The Kuzushiji Learning App – An app designed to teach reading Kuzushiji, developed by Kyoto University School of Letters.

Open Weblio Kobun Dictionary – A classical Japanese dictionary.

Origin of Kana – Information regarding the origin of hiragana and katakana from man’yōgana, and a hentaigana converter..

Particles – Contains a list of classical particles and short descriptions for each.

Phonology – Information on the phonetic changes that have taken place in the Japanese language.

Pillow Words – Information on what a pillow word is, and a list of common ones.

Pronouns – A chart with information on what classical pronouns implied.

Sample Man’yōshū Analysis – A sample analysis on man’yōshū poem 3772. A demonstration on how to interpret and understand classical texts.

Time – Information regarding how time was measured in Japan.

Verb Conjugations – Information regarding the types of classical verbs and a conjugater.

Waka – Information regarding classical Japanese poetry and its popular forms.

**These blocks can be disabled or reordered for your convenience**