Japanese language dictionaries are high demand items. Everyone from student to tourist to business traveler needs them. In the past the pocket size paper copies were the most popular. Nowadays the electronic dictionaries are fast becoming the favorite choice.


Electronic dictionaries often offer more added features than conventional dictionaries. Voice capability, calendaring, currency conversion, calculator, add-on module for specialized vocabulary are all packed into one tiny gadget. Even with all these powerful functionalities it is still so much lighter and smaller than a traditional dictionary. More importantly conventional dictionaries are allowed to keep up to certain number of defined terms and vocabularies as limited by their physical size. They also become obsolete when new revision is reprinted with new vocabulary and updated definitions. Digital dictionaries are not subject to these constraints. They are expandable in memory capacity and updatable through software.


With technology advancement, simple electronic dictionaries with basic functions could cost as low as, or even lower than, conventional dictionary. However, most digital dictionaries manufacturer choose to offer high value functionalities, either sold as built-in or as accessories. This would allow them to charge a premium over conventional dictionary. This sales approach proves to be quite successful as most consumers do not mind paying the incremental cost for the powerful features.


Electronic dictionaries are likely to replace conventional paper dictionaries in near future. In some countries, electronic dictionaries are already used as standard classroom item.