Frustrated by Kanji - T-Shirt

Mastering kanji takes time – and some days, it can feel like a lot. This shirt is for everyone who quietly grinds through stroke after stroke, review after review, and still manages to keep a sense of humour. Whether you’re at your Japanese class, studying at home, or hanging out with friends, it’s a simple way to show that you’re committed to the journey – even when it’s a bit frustrating.

The design

The print features the phrase “Low-key frustrated by 漢字” – a dry, self-aware statement that every Japanese learner can relate to. The combination of English and kanji makes the design instantly recognisable to fellow students of Japanese, while still looking clean and minimal from a distance. It’s a subtle in-joke for people who know how tough kanji can be, and a small reminder to keep going one character at a time.

Why you’ll love it

• Perfect for Japanese learners who spend hours drilling kanji
• A subtle, relatable joke that fellow language nerds will instantly get
• Clean, text-based design that pairs well with jeans, hoodies, or jackets
• Great conversation starter in class, at language meetups, or on campus
• Thoughtful gift idea for students, teachers, and anyone studying Japanese
• A small reminder to stay patient and keep progressing – even on “kanji overload” day