The application that simulates a “memo board” and allows you to secretly enjoy the Internet has become an object of nostalgia – Yajiuma no Mori – Window no Mori

For some reason, the web browser disguised as “Notepad” has been a hot topic on “X” (formerly Twitter). It seems to be convenient when you want to surf the Internet secretly.

Come to think of it, the browser that wore a Notepad look has been pretty indebted for a while.pic.twitter.com/mHtDpqa5K2

– Kyogon (@fishing_kiyogon)September 5, 2023

This app is called “HTML2” and at first glance it looks like a free Notepad app, but it’s actually a real web browser. There’s also a proper bookmarking function, hidden within a menu[التنسيق]. Of course, only text can be displayed, and images and videos are completely ignored.

I introduced this app back in 2007 at Mado-no-Mori, but it’s been over 15 years now… Time flies. Until nowAuthor home pageYou can download it for free from

The final version is v2.16 and was released in October 2010. It can run even in Windows 11 environment, but it seems that you can’t navigate even if you enter the URL. It can’t be helped because the supported operating system is Windows 95/98, Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, which is an old app.

However, the later version “HTML3” is still active. Although it has fallen back a bit in terms of Notepad tradition, improvements have been made such as installing a cross-translation function between Japanese, English and Vietnamese (although the translation is achieved via the online service and is now inaccessible and does not work).

The “HTML3” variant is still active

But the vaunted multilingual translation function didn’t work…

“HTML2” (back) and “HTML3” (front). Was hiding bookmarks in a list[التنسيق]Too confusing?

“HTML3” is already here「OSDN.jp」to download from. The download server is quite unstable, maybe because of the instance, so you need a lot of patience to complete the download.

If you really need it, bravely download it and keep it in a USB stick or something. Even in a private environment where you may feel angry if you secretly watch “Mado no Mori” in Google Chrome, it may not be a problem. Can you also make a version that emulates modern Notepad for Windows 11? It also supports tab switching!