Kanji learning is considered to be a hard job when it comes to learning Japanese. However, studies on kanji learning strategies are uncommon in Japanese language academia in Vietnam. In other countries, many research models on kanji learning strategy use and effectiveness were developed. With regard to language context in Vietnam, this paper reports an investigation on the relationship between strategy use and effectiveness, and learners’ perceived effectiveness of kanji learning strategy. Data collected from 122 learners has given some solid answers to the questions on strategy use – effectiveness relationship and perceived effectiveness of learners.