Difficulty reading Kanji that is handwritten, any suggestions?


As I have continued to learn Japanese scripts, I have noticed that I have
difficulty with reading Kanji that is a more quick freehand format. I usually
figure it out through context, but I was wondering if anyone may have some
suggestions that could help with this?

The biggest impact is the speed at which I can read material. My current
method I have attempted to improve on this has been reading manga. Although I
enjoy this method because I enjoy a large number of popular manga, But this
method has not had the results of increased reading speed I was hoping for.

I was wondering if there where any tips, or common ways certain kanji get
written that looks different in text format vs handwritten? In English there
are so many shorthand variations used, I thought perhaps this happens with
Kanji as well?

It’s a broad area to cover but any tips, suggestions, or ideas are
appreciated. I have been considering looking at a pen pal type of arrangement
to improve feedback on my writing and to improve my reading skills, is this
something that could have a better outcome? If it would be a good approach, is
there anywhere to start working with someone in this manner? I’m 35 and
haven’t heard of pen pals since windows 95 was released, so if this practice
is still around I am really not sure where to look.

Thanks for any help or just reading this, & perhaps I’m a lost cause.




There is a book [A Reader of Handwritten
Japanese](https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/com/4770016638) for non-
natives learning to read handwriting, it contains various real letters and
text with the explanations. Other than that calligraphy manuals (see gyousho
行書) might help.




There is a book [A Reader of Handwritten
Japanese](https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/com/4770016638) for non-
natives learning to read handwriting, it contains various real letters and
text with the explanations. Other than that calligraphy manuals (see gyousho
行書) might help.

