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Getting started with Penko Vox: Japanese

Everything you need to set up Penko Vox and get the most out of it.

Before you start

Penko Vox runs a full AI model on your computer, so check that your hardware is ready:

  • A CPU with AVX2 support. Most Intel CPUs from 2013 (Haswell) on and AMD Ryzen CPUs have it. If you're not sure, search for your CPU model plus "AVX2".
  • At least 16 GB of RAM (32 GB recommended).
  • 15–20 GB of free space, ideally on an SSD.
  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit), SteamOS, or a modern Linux distribution.

The full list is in the system requirements on the product page.

Install and first launch

  1. Buy and install Penko Vox: Japanese from Steam.
  2. Launch it from your Steam library.
  3. The first launch can take longer while the AI loads for the first time. Later launches are faster.

Set up your microphone

Speaking is the heart of Penko Vox. A headset gives the clearest results, but speakers work too thanks to echo cancellation.

  • Windows: open Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone and make sure desktop apps are allowed to use it.
  • Linux: select your microphone as the default input in your system sound settings (PipeWire or PulseAudio).
  • Steam Deck: the built-in microphone works, and a headset improves recognition in noisy places.

Your first conversation

  1. Pick a conversation scenario that matches your JLPT level, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced), or create your own custom scenario.
  2. Answer in Japanese, out loud or by typing.
  3. The tutor replies in character and weaves corrections into the conversation.
  4. Tap any word to look it up in the offline dictionary.

Don't worry about mistakes. They're how the tutor learns what to help you with.

Voice calls

Voice calls feel like talking to a person: speak naturally, pause, and jump in. You can interrupt the tutor, and turn-taking adapts to you.

Kotoba Islands

Kotoba Islands is an RPG built into Penko Vox. Explore the islands and talk freely with every resident. There's no script to follow, so use the Japanese you know and try out new words.

Study Hub, dictionary and writing practice

  • Study Hub: words you meet in conversations become reviews, scheduled with FSRS spaced repetition so you see them right before you'd forget them. A few minutes a day works best.
  • Dictionary: tap any word to look it up, fully offline.
  • Writing practice: learn to write hiragana, katakana, beginner kanji and words stroke by stroke, with real-time feedback.

How progress works

Mastery grows when you use a word or grammar pattern correctly in a real conversation. Reviews help you remember, but using the language is what counts.

Controller and Steam Deck

Controller support arrived in version 2.1 and is experimental. If something doesn't respond as expected, switch to mouse and keyboard (or the touchscreen on Steam Deck) and let us know.

Your saves and privacy

Conversations, vocabulary and progress are stored in a local file, saveData.json. Deleting it resets your progress. If you turn on Steam Cloud, Steam syncs that file between your computers.

Nothing you say or type is sent anywhere. See the privacy policy for details.

Performance tips

  • Install on an SSD, ideally NVMe, for faster loading and responses.
  • Close memory-heavy apps like browsers with many tabs before long sessions.
  • A dedicated GPU with 4 GB or more of VRAM gives the fastest responses.

Troubleshooting

  • It won't start: check that your CPU supports AVX2 and that you have at least 16 GB of RAM.
  • Responses are slow: close other apps, and check that the game is installed on an SSD.
  • The microphone isn't detected: check your system's microphone permissions and default input device, then restart Penko Vox.
  • The tutor hears itself: use a headset, or lower your speaker volume.

Getting help

Ask on the Steam Community forums or email contact@penkosoftware.org. Include your operating system, CPU, RAM and what happened.