In web design, typography is an essential element. It sets the mood, improves readability, and establishes the visual layout of your website. A lot of Japanese websites still rely on text as graphics and images, mostly because it allows more creative use of fonts. However, accessibility and search engine optimization are changing the way of Japanese web design as fast-loading and readable for sites rank higher on search engines. In this article, I’ll go through some commonly used Japanese web fonts that can be downloaded for free. These web fonts provide distinct styles that can add authenticity and cultural richness to your designs. The web fonts I am listing in this article are just some of the standard web fonts used in today’s Japanese web design.

1. Noto Sans JP

Noto Sans JP has become by far the most used web font on Japanese websites and one could refer to it being the Helvetica of Japanese web fonts. Designed as part of the Noto family, this sans-serif is supporting Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji characters.

A few of the key features are

• Versatility: Its clean lines and contemporary feel make it suitable for various web projects, from corporate sites to personal blogs.
• Readability: The font maintains clarity at different sizes, ensuring text remains legible across devices.

Noto Sans JP is often chosen for its balance of style and functionality. It harmonizes well with both minimalist designs and content-heavy pages. Nowadays, you can see Noto Sans JP on several Japanese websites, becoming the standard in Japanese language websites.

You can download free Noto Sans JP from Google Fonts.

2. Sawarabi Gothic

Sawarabi Gothic offers a clean and contemporary look perfect for headings. This sans-serif font is designed to ensure readability and modernity, making it ideal for sleek and professional websites. It’s available for free download, fitting seamlessly into your project where clarity and style are paramount.

Key Features:

• Clean lines
• Contemporary design
• Optimal for headings

This font stands out in the collection of best Japanese fonts for web design. Download it and other free Japanese web fonts to elevate your site’s typography.

You can download free Sawarabi Gothic from Google Fonts.

3. M PLUS 1

M PLUS 1 offers a balanced design, making it an excellent choice for both body text and headings. This font stands out due to its versatility and clean lines. It’s part of the broader M PLUS family, known for its modern aesthetics and readability across various devices.

• Usage: Ideal for websites needing a harmonious look.
• Style: Sans-serif with a touch of geometric influence.

Free to download, ensuring ease of access for web developers. When using M PLUS 1, always check the licensing agreements to respect usage rights.

You can download free M PLUS 1 from Google Fonts.

4. Zen Kaku Gothic New

Zen Kaku Gothic New stands out with its unique geometric style, offering a modern touch to your web design. This font is perfect for projects that require a clean and contemporary aesthetic. It’s especially useful for:

• Headings
• Subheadings
• Highlighted text

Zen Kaku Gothic New’s sharp lines and balanced proportions ensure readability, making it a versatile choice for various design needs. It’s easy to integrate into your website, providing a seamless user experience while enhancing the overall visual appeal.

You can download free Zen Kaku Gothic New from Google Fonts.

5. Kosugi

Kosugi has a friendly and approachable design, making it perfect for casual websites. This font is especially great for projects that want to create a welcoming and easy-to-read atmosphere. Its clean lines and simple structure ensure that text remains clear and legible on various devices and screen sizes.

You can download free Kosugi from Google Fonts.

6. Noto Serif JP

Noto Serif JP is a classic serif font that adds elegance to your web design. It supports Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji characters, making it versatile for various Japanese texts. This font is ideal for both headers and body text, combining a traditional look with modern readability.

Why choose Noto Serif JP?

• Elegant and timeless appearance
• Supports multiple Japanese scripts
• Perfect balance of tradition and modernity

You can download free Noto Serif JP from Google Fonts.

7. Sawarabi Mincho

Supports only Hiragana and Katakana
Sawarabi Mincho stands out by seamlessly blending traditional and modern aesthetics. This serif font captures the essence of classic Japanese typography while incorporating contemporary design elements. It’s perfect for projects that need a touch of elegance without sacrificing readability. The balanced strokes and clean finish make it suitable for both headings and body text.

You can download free Sawarabi Mincho from Google Fonts.

8. Shippori Mincho

Shippori Mincho is ideal for showcasing traditional content. Its design bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern readability. Perfect for websites that focus on cultural, historical, or literary themes.

Why choose Shippori Mincho?

• Elegant Design: The serif structure adds a touch of sophistication.
• Versatility: Suitable for both body text and headings.
• Readability: Optimized for screen display, ensuring clear and crisp text.

You can download free Shippori Mincho from Google Fonts.

9. Zen Old Mincho

Zen Old Mincho is perfect for evoking nostalgia through classic typography. Its design pays homage to traditional Japanese typefaces, making it ideal for projects aiming to capture a sense of history and elegance. When you download free Japanese fonts like Zen Old Mincho, you get a serif font that combines the best of old-world charm with modern readability. This makes it an excellent choice for storytelling websites, cultural blogs, or any project that wants to convey a timeless aesthetic.

You can download free Zen Old Mincho from Google Fonts.

Best practices when using Japanese web fonts

Best practices for fast loading times:

• When using Google fonts you can embed them by adding the following stylesheet link into the head part of your source code.

<link rel="stylesheet"
  href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Font+Name
">

• Implement font-display: swap; in your @font-face rule to prevent invisible text during loading.
• In your CSS style, always list at least one fallback web-safe font to avoid unexpected behaviors. You might want to check my article on Japanese web-safe fonts to learn more.

By following these steps, you can easily integrate free Japanese web fonts into your next website project, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and optimal performance.