All Products

PLEASE NOTE: Mangajin ceased publication in 1998. These back issues may be new or used, but they will not be pristine. A few are still in sealed bags (for mailing), but even those are unlikely to be pristine due to shelf-wear and the amount of time passed. Please consider these as learning tools to be used rather than for collecting. That being said, if condition is important to you, please contact us with specific issues and we'll send you photos of the actual items.   Mangajin was a wonderful magazine for learners of Japanese. Each issue somehow had something for every level, but we recommend them most for upper beginners.  Those interested in translation will love how Mangajin breaks down the manga it presents, explaining grammar, vocabulary, and cultural references with ease. The cover image above is for this particular issue. The sample pages inside may or may not be from this exact issue. 

PLEASE NOTE: Mangajin ceased publication in 1998. These back issues may be new or used, but they will not be pristine. A few are still in sealed bags (for mailing), but even those are unlikely to be pristine due to shelf-wear and the amount of time passed. Please consider these as learning tools to be used rather than for collecting. That being said, if condition is important to you, please contact us with specific issues and we'll send you photos of the actual items.   Mangajin was a wonderful magazine for learners of Japanese. Each issue somehow had something for every level, but we recommend them most for upper beginners.  Those interested in translation will love how Mangajin breaks down the manga it presents, explaining grammar, vocabulary, and cultural references with ease. The cover image above is for this particular issue. The sample pages inside may or may not be from this exact issue.  

Makoto E-Zine series #90 Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.   Makoto Japanese Language & Culture Magazine Issue 90 (August 2025)Fun, culturally rich reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to lower-intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue features short articles, cultural notes, language lessons, jokes, and native-audio recordings—designed to make learning fun, immersive, and memorable. In this issue (August 2025, Issue 90): This month’s theme is 平成時代 (The Heisei Era)—a reflective, nostalgic journey into the cultural currents that defined Japan from 1989 to 2019. Whether you're a Shōwa old-hand, Heisei native, or Reiwa rookie, we hope this issue brings back memories—or makes some new ones. Highlights include: Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns – because language learning should never be boring Vocabulary Spotlight: うり二つ (lookalike; spitting image) Prefecture Spotlight: Mie – home of Ise Shrine and the ninja of Iga Etymology Deep Dive: 浴衣 (ゆかた) – from bathrobe to summer fashion icon Anime Phrase of the Day – quote and explanation from a popular anime Onomatopoeia: Summer rain – the many moods of Japanese raindrops Haiku Spotlight: Yosa Buson – poetic imagery for rainy days Kanji Focus: 雨 (rain) Grammar Time! ～なくてはならない (how to say “must do” in polite Japanese) Japanese Readers: Beginner: A summer vacation story Intermediate: An overview of the Heisei era (with Sentence Explorer integration on Makoto+) Includes: 63-page PDF and ePub formats 27 MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed) 1 Anki flashcard deck (beginner story vocabulary) Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access Integration with Makoto+ Sentence Explorer for the intermediate reading Perfect for learners who love Japanese culture and want engaging, real-world content. Use it to build vocabulary, sharpen listening skills, and explore the language in all its cultural richness—rain or shine. Clay & Yumi ➡️ How to read the eBooks: You may need to follow the steps outlined in our eBook guide. ❝Makoto is a great magazine for not only learning the Japanese language, but it also features articles about Japanese culture and food as well. Furthermore, it holds lots of info about places of interest that one should visit when traveling in Japan.❞   🔊 Now Featuring QR Codes for Instant Audio Playback! Scan the QR codes peppered throughout the magazine and hear the accompanying sound files instantly! A complete immersion experience at your fingertips. 🎁 FREE Sound Files, Makoto+ Sentence Explorer integration, & Anki Flashcards Each issue comes with free sound files of all the Japanese examples read by a native Japanese speaker. Plus, download a free Anki flashcard deck to help solidify your vocabulary of the main story. All freebies can be accessed through the download link on the last page. Also, all sentences and vocabulary found in the intermediate story have been added to Makoto+ Sentence Explorer.  You can get this issue at a discounted price by subscribing to Makoto+:   https://makotoplus.com Discover the Fun Side of Japanese Not Covered in Textbooks. If you enjoy our readers and lessons, you'll love Makoto, the e-zine packed with insightful articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, and Japanese trivia. Additionally, each issue features two brand-new stories or essays, complete with newly recorded high-quality sound files available for download at no extra cost. 🛒 Purchase now and start your enriching Japanese learning journey in just seconds! NOTE: Digital and Print Versions are Available! Digital here and Print on Amazon. If you choose a digital version, you'll instantly get the download links in a minute after purchasing. You do not need to have a Dropbox account to access or download the files. You will be able to instantly download all files on a PC or Mac (computer or laptop) and/or access any individual file on any of your mobile devices. If you don't see the email after the order, please check your spam folder or email us for support. This series is available on Amazon

Makoto E-Zine series #82 Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.   Welcome to the December issue of Makoto! This month, we’ve packed in a delightful mix of learning and laughter to carry you through the winter season.  This issue also includes a beginner-friendly essay on the subtle differences between 気持(きも)ちがいい and 気分(きぶん)がいい, two expressions that often puzzle Japanese learners. These phrases may sound similar, but each captures a unique nuance. For example, 気持(きも)ち refers to physical or emotional sensations – that refreshed, cozy feeling when you settle into a hot bath. 気分(きぶん) , on the other hand, describes your overall mood or mental state, like when you say, “Today, I feel great!” to express a positive vibe. Simply put, 気持(きも)ち focuses on tangible feelings, while 気分(きぶん) reflects the broader mood. Understanding these subtle differences can make your Japanese sound more natural, and we’re sure you’ll find it easier than it seems. Dive in and enjoy this month’s exploration of Japanese language and culture, tailored to warm up your winter! ➡️ How to read the eBooks: You may need to follow the steps outlined in our eBook guide. ➡️ To purchase a digital or print version, kindly click the "Format" option below the product title. Page Count: 58 Pages Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge Audio: 19 High-Quality Sound Files Interactive Learning: Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files Exclusive Bonus: Free Anki Flashcard Deck (Tailored for this issue's main story) ❝Makoto is a great magazine for not only learning the Japanese language, but it also features articles about Japanese culture and food as well. Furthermore, it holds lots of info about places of interest that one should visit when traveling in Japan.❞   🔊 Now Featuring QR Codes for Instant Audio Playback! Scan the QR codes peppered throughout the magazine and hear the accompanying sound files instantly! A complete immersion experience at your fingertips. 🎁 FREE Sound Files & Anki Flashcards Each issue comes with free sound files of all the Japanese examples read by a native Japanese speaker. Plus, download a free Anki flashcard deck to help solidify your vocabulary of the main story. All freebies can be accessed through the download link on the last page. You can get this issue at a discounted price by subscribing to Makoto+:   https://makotoplus.com Discover the Fun Side of Japanese Not Covered in Textbooks. If you enjoy our readers and lessons, you'll love Makoto, the e-zine packed with insightful articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, and Japanese trivia. Additionally, each issue features two brand-new stories or essays, complete with newly recorded high-quality sound files available for download at no extra cost. In This Issue Makoto E-Zine series #82 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. 58 Pages | 2 eBook Formats | 19 Sound Files | Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files | Free Anki Flashcard Deck (for this issue's main story) In this Issue: Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 肩を持つ Prefecture Spotlight: Shimane Etymology: いざ鎌倉 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 小林一茶 Kanji Spotlight: 分 Grammar Time! ～はずだ Japanese Readers: “Kimochi ga ii” and “Kibun ga ii” (beginner) + Kamakura Period (Intermediate) 🛒 Purchase now and start your enriching Japanese learning journey in just seconds! NOTE: Digital and Print Versions are Available! The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll also receive the digital version immediately after purchase. If you choose a digital version, you'll instantly get the download links in a minute after purchasing. You do not need to have a Dropbox account to access or download the files. You will be able to instantly download all files on a PC or Mac (computer or laptop) and/or access any individual file on any of your mobile devices. If you don't see the email after the order, please check your spam folder or email us for support. This series is available on Amazon

Enjoy the serene world of Basho's poetic frog, rendered in stunning sumi-e ink style. This one-of-a-kind design captures the ephemeral beauty of nature and the deep traditions of Japanese haiku. 古池や、蛙飛びこむ、水の音 furuike ya, kawazu tobikomu, mizu no oto.Old pond / A frog jumps in / Splash! / Silence again. This may be Basho's most well-known poem. The poet wanted to emphasize the stillness of the air before and after the frog's splash. Hence the “silence again." 古池(ふるいけ) old pond [This sets the tranquil, timeless scene] や a particle indicating exclamation or emphasis [commonly used in poetry and classical texts] 蛙(かわず) frog [かわず is an archaic reading for “frog”. In modern Japanese, “frog” is かえる] 飛(と)びこむ to jump in; to leap into [This is the act that disrupts the tranquility; it is made of 飛ぶ (to fly; to jump) and こむ (into; to go into)] 水(みず) water [part of the setting] の modifying particle [links the water to its sound; it isn’t just any “sound” but the “sound of water”] 音(おと) sound [The sound created by the frog's action] • 100% ring-spun cotton • Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton • 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²) • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions! Size guide   LENGTH (inches) WIDTH (inches) S 28 18 M 29 20 L 30 22 XL 31 24 2XL 32 26 3XL 33 28   LENGTH (cm) WIDTH (cm) S 71.1 45.7 M 73.7 50.8 L 76.2 55.9 XL 78.7 61 2XL 81.3 66 3XL 83.8 71.1

Makoto E-Zine series #63 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From a few dollars a month! Click here to learn more. Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.FREE Anki flashcard deck of the vocabulary found in the intermediate story. (Included in the free download)The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue includes two brand new stories or essays with newly recorded high-quality sound files for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: May 2023 51 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 19 Sound Files | 1 Anki Flashcard Deck Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 足が棒になる Prefecture Spotlight: Miyagi Etymology: 五月雨 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 正岡子規 Kanji Spotlight: 午 Grammar Time! こちら/そちら/あちら/どちら Japanese Readers: Children's Day (beginner) + Buying Mittens Part 1 (Intermediate  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

Makoto E-Zine series #53 Become a Makoto+ member to get this issue as part of your subscription. From $3 a month! Click here to learn more. Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading. The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge.   IN THIS ISSUE: July 2022 41 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 16 Sound Files * Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns * Vocabulary: 縁起(えんぎ)が悪(わる)い * Prefecture Spotlight: Niigata * Etymology: 太刀(たち)打(う)ち * Anime Phrase of the Day * Haiku : Issa * Kanji Spotlight: 子 * Grammar Time!  しか * Japanese Readers: Dialects (beginner) + Yamaha Part 2 (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

★For Upper Beginners Learning Japanese ★These readers are to not only help improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension but also to introduce tourist sites you may want to visit for your next Japan visit. It will also help you understand Japanese geography and culture as well. ♥ABOUT THIS VOLUME This volume includes two essays:  温泉 onsen - hot springs 地獄谷野猿公苑 Jigokudani - An onsen famous for its bathing monkeys 90 Pages FEATURES Includes two essays Each story is presented in three formats: 1) Sentence-by-Sentence with definition and commentary below 2) Japanese only (to test your reading ability) 3) English translation (to confirm your understanding) The Sentence-by Sentence section of each story presents a small chunk of the Japanese with furigana over the kanji and a complete glossary of all the words; important grammatical patterns are pointed out and explained in plain English Find a link to download sound files for the stories (for no extra charge) on the last page of the book Or use the QR codes to scan with your phone's camera for on-demand audio Each story has a slow and normal speed recording of the Japanese read by Yumi    WHO IS THIS FOR? This book is designed so that both those fairly new to Japanese and those in the intermediate stages can equally find value. The ideal level, however, is for the upper beginner, somewhere around the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4 or N3 (intermediate).    If you are learning Japanese and look forward to your next Japan trip, click the Buy Now button to begin studying now. 

Makoto E-Zine series #51 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading. The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge.   IN THIS ISSUE: May 2022 - Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns- Vocabulary: 犬猿の仲- Prefecture Spotlight: Yamanashi- Etymology: セレブ- Anime Phrase of the Day- Haiku : 小林一茶- Kanji Spotlight: 男- Grammar Time! くらい- Japanese Readers: Mitarashi Dango (beginner) + Kicchomu’s Horse (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

For Beginning to Intermediate Students of JapaneseVocabulary through memesMemes. They are everywhere these days. A meme is most often an humorous image with text that is spread rapidly by internet users. We think funny memes can be a good way to learn vocabulary and Japanese sentence structure.The memes found in this collection were posted on our Instagram over the past few years and have been edited and expanded for this book.The sentences found in this collection may or may not be beginner level, but every word and grammar point is explained so even beginners can understand. Nearly all examples are very casual, and while mostly suitable for using around friends, it isn’t recommended for use with people you’ve just met.If you find a sentence you like, try memorizing it so you can plug and play other words to use the form in different contexts.The sentences are short and represent natural Japanese you may not find in regular Japanese textbooks.Who is this for?Any student of Japanese wanting to improve Japanese vocabulary and an understanding of casual Japanese sentence structure. What's included? 50 memes with funny sayings in Japanese Example sentences Literal and more natural translations so you can gain a better understanding of Japanese sentence structure. Every word defined and grammar explained Download sound files of every sentence read both slowly and at normal speed - No extra charge - Link found in the back of the book As with any of our books, you'll find the authors' email in the book. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to help, if we can.がんばってください！

Makoto E-Zine series #41 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading. The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: July 2021TWO NEW READERS: The Closet (beginner) + The Celestial Maiden's Feathered Robe (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: そりが合わない Prefecture Spotlight: Nara Etymology: しょぼい Anime Phrase of the Day: Ranma Haiku: By Buson Kanji Spotlight: 海 Grammar Time! All about the particle も mo The Closet (beginner) + Princess The Celestial Maiden's Feathered Robe (Intermediate) Buy now and start reading in seconds.

➡️ WAIT! Want to save a dollar and get the latest issue each month? Become a member of our Makoto+ club and not only save and download new Makoto issues, but also access web-versions of the past three Makoto issues. Want more? Well, Makoto+ members also get a 10% reusable coupon good for anything at theJapanShop.com and each month, we will post a new eBook for you to download free of charge. Subscribe today with a free 7 day trial. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more.   Makoto E-Zine series #33Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese.FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: November 2020TWO NEW READERS: Frank and the Obaasan Season Two Episode Five (beginner) + Kachi Kachi Yama Part III (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 恨みを買う Prefecture Spotlight: Hokkaido Special: About Noboribetsu in Hokkaido Etymology: 九州 Anime Phrase of the Day おすわり！ Haiku: Shiki Kanji Spotlight Grammar Time! Japanese Readers: Frank and the Obaasan Season Two Episode Five (beginner) + Kachi Kachi Mountain Part III (Intermediate)   ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE