Remembering the kanji?

Something any learner of Japanese can sympathize with is forgetting how to write a particular kanji right when you need it. Whether you're getting ready to mail something or filling out an important application, it's inconvenient and a hassle. It might even be the source of aggravation for some learners. But something to keep in mind is that this happens all the time to native speakers as well. With computers and cell phones playing a tremendous role in people's lives, the "old-fashioned" method of handwriting kanji is at a peculiar precipice.

In a recent survey conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the government checked to see just how Japanese people were coping with forgetting those pesky kanji. The results are pretty interesting.

"How do you look up kanji when you forget how to write it?"

Using a dictionary 60.6%
Using the convert feature on a cell phone 35.3%
Using the convert feature on a PC or word processor 21.3%
Using an electronic dictionary 19.4%
Using an online dictionary 10.1%

I was a bit surprised to see that only 35.3% of those surveyed said they use their cell phones to check kanji. I would have guessed this to be much higher. But if you look at the information divided by age group, then it's very noticeable that checking on a cell phone is the method of choice for younger people, aged 16-39. The percent of people using cell phones for checking start declining quite sharply from age 40 onwards. Japan's aging population is even skewing kanji look up demographics!

You can view the entire report here, which contains more analysis on the above point and a variety of other questions and data.

So how do you look up kanji?
I usually use my cell phone if I am out on the go, but I will use the PC if I am at home or in the office.

via SANKEI EXPRESS