Kotobase lets you read Japanese anywhere on your Android device.
Tap Japanese text on your screen to see instant dictionary definitions in an overlay. You can look up words without switching apps.
How it works
Kotobase uses two reading modes:
• Accessibility mode
Detects standard text in apps, browsers, and readers
• OCR mode (Beta)
Detects Japanese text in images such as manga
All processing happens on your device. No internet connection is required after installation.
Key features
• Tap Japanese text anywhere on screen
• Instant dictionary popup with clear definitions
• Works across apps and browsers
• OCR support for image-based text
• Fully offline dictionary
Simple setup
Kotobase guides you through enabling:
• Accessibility service (for text detection)
• Overlay permission (to show definitions on screen)
Designed for learners
Kotobase is built for beginner and intermediate Japanese learners. Definitions are formatted to be clear and easy to read.
Use cases
• Reading manga on Android
• Browsing Japanese websites
• Looking up words in apps without switching
Notes
• OCR is in beta and may vary by device and content
• Some apps may limit accessible text
Privacy
Kotobase does not collect or transmit personal data. All text processing is performed locally on your device.
If you want to read Japanese more easily on your phone, Kotobase gives you fast, simple lookups wherever you are.