Overview
What is Japanese Vocab Anki MCP Server?
A Model Context Protocol server that allows Language Models to interact with Anki decks programmatically, with special support for Japanese language learning. It enables listing decks, viewing and adding cards, reviewing with spaced repetition, and importing Japanese vocabulary with readings, meanings, and sample sentences.
How to use Japanese Vocab Anki MCP Server?
Clone the repository, ensure Anki is not running, optionally set the ANKI_COLLECTION_PATH environment variable, then run python -m anki_mcp.server. Use the provided tools, resources, and prompts to manage Anki decks and study Japanese vocabulary through an MCP-compatible client (e.g., Claude).
Key features of Japanese Vocab Anki MCP Server
- List available Anki decks and cards
- Add new cards to any deck
- Review cards with spaced repetition (ease 1–4)
- Import Japanese vocabulary from CSV with readings and meanings
- Add sample sentences to Japanese vocabulary notes
- View review history and recently reviewed/learned cards
Use cases of Japanese Vocab Anki MCP Server
- Generate fill-in-the-blank exercises for recently reviewed Japanese vocabulary
- Convert practice sentences into structured JSON and update Anki cards automatically
- Analyze personal review history to track learning progress over the past 24 hours
- Bulk import Japanese vocabulary lists with readings into a dedicated Anki deck
FAQ from Japanese Vocab Anki MCP Server
What does the server use to store data?
It interacts with a local Anki collection file (collection.anki2). The path can be set via the ANKI_COLLECTION_PATH environment variable; otherwise it uses Anki’s default location.
What Anki note type is required for Japanese features?
The server expects a note type named "Japanese (recognition)" with fields: Expression, Meaning, and Reading (furfurigana and sample sentences go in the Reading field).
Can I use this server for non-Japanese content?
Yes, basic card management tools (add_card, review_card, get_card_history) work with any deck, but the Japanese-specific tools (import, sentence update) require the "Japanese (recognition)" note type.
What transport does the server use?
The server runs as a standard MCP server using stdio transport (started via python -m anki_mcp.server). It does not expose an HTTP or WebSocket endpoint.
Are there any known limits?
Anki must not be running at the same time to avoid database locks. The server only accesses the local Anki collection; it does not sync with AnkiWeb automatically.
