DangoChains: daily Japanese word puzzle
Developer: Jackson Darrow (independent), New York City
Contact: dangochains@googlegroups.com
Website: https://juicypasta.github.io/DangoChains-Landing-Page/
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jacksondarrow.dangochains
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6757343508

One line:
The daily Connections-style word puzzle for people learning Japanese.

Short description:
Every day, DangoChains gives you 16 Japanese words and asks you to find the four hidden groups of four. Furigana sits above every kanji, three difficulty tiers (Easy, Normal around JLPT N4-N3, Hard at N2+) arrive every day, and after each game you review all four groups with readings and English names. Win to collect dango; share a spoiler-free emoji grid of your guesses. No account, no ads and no tracking in the app. The daily puzzles are free; a one-time purchase unlocks the archive of 450+ past puzzles.

Facts:
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Price: free (one-time archive unlock, no subscription)
- Languages: English and Japanese interface
- First released: January 2026
