Kanji are stored in the brain's memory systems, specifically the procedural memory which is for forming habits. The procedural memory is where kanji should go so we can recall them without effort. To commit kanji to the procedural memory requires practicing writing them many times and testing ourselves to ensure we remember, as opposed to quickly trying to learn them before a test, which results in kanji being stored in the declarative memory instead of forming a habit.

1. How does my
brain store kanji?

2. This is a sketch of a brain
Where do kanji go when we
learn them?

3. DECLARATIVE MEMORY
PROCEDURAL MEMORY
Kanji need to be directed here so we don’t
need to think hard to bring them out again

4. The declarative memory is for remembering
facts and past events
The procedural memory is for making a new habit
A habit is something we do without thinking
at all, like riding a bike
To make a procedural memory we practice one
thing many many times.
Then we need to test ourselves to see if we can
remember it

5. Which method are you using?

6. Remember,
if you try to learn kanji quickly,
on the evening before the test
• They will be in the wrong memory store
• You won’t know shape and readings well
• You won’t remember them next year
Kanji learned properly now will be yours forever