1. A system for encoding and recognizing an oriental language character which has N character strokes drawn in a generally accepted predetermined sequence, comprising: a direction code and means therefor to be used for direction coding a first character stroke based on the direction of travel of said stroke relative to said stroke's starting point, to give said stroke a two-digit direction code comprising first and second types of coding symbols, said direction code and means therefor being used to obtain for each of said N character strokes a two-digit direction code consisting of at least one coding symbol; a position code and means therefor to be used for position coding the location of the starting point of a subsequent character stroke relative to the location of the ending point of the stroke immediately previous thereto, and wherein said starting point is not constrained to coincide with said ending point, to give said subsequent character stroke a two-digit position code comprising first and second types of coding symbols, said position code and means therefor being used to obtain for each of said N character strokes except the first character stroke a two-digit direction code consisting of at least one coding symbol; means for accumulating a first string of 4N-2 digits of coding after all said N character strokes are encoded in said predetermined sequence; storing means for storing said first string of 4N-2 digits; means for receiving and encoding a hand written oriental language character intended to have N character strokes using said direction code and said position code to produce a new string of coding digits; and means for comparing said new string with said first string, whereby a handwritten character is recognized when a matching exists between said new string and said first string, and wherein said first string is stored in said storing means when a match does not exist.