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  NOTE: Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   133 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection: Learn Japanese with Stories Vol 1PAPERBACK VERSION   Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   Perfect for beginning and upper beginning students of Japanese. This affordable Japanese reader contains four complete stories of a clever and mischievous young man, Hikoichi.Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker both slowly and at normal speed. Listen while reading. A link to download the files will be emailed to you immediately after ordering.Read–in Japanese–how the wise and young Hikoichi shows his smarts with these four short stories in Japanese. Yes, you can read real Japanese–even if you are just starting out in Japanese. All Japanese have furigana Four full traditional Japanese stories about the legendary Hikoichi. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with an explanation of the grammar. The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption. Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. Includes both normal speed and slow speed readings. The first story has the lord of the castle testing Hikoichi in a Solomon-esque question–which young lord is the true young lord? The second story shows choosing the first and most favorable isn’t always best. In the end, only Hikoichi can enjoy the cherry blossoms. The third story is about a mysterious, but the living umbrella. Some things are just too good to be true. We wrap things up with Hikoichi’s encounter with a Tengu–a mythical creature whose straw raincoat renders its wearer invisible. While beginners to Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is required. If you are brand-new to Japanese, we recommend our Beri- Beri- Shoshshinsha digital bundle first. Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese! PLEASE NOTE: you will also receive an email with a link to a Dropbox folder with the digital files. If you don't see the email immediately, please check your spam folder or email us for the link.

Also in: Learn Japanese with Stories — Volume 2 Bundle 🎧 Audio Sample — “Bunbuku Tea-Kettle” (Normal Speed) Your browser does not support the audio element. 📖 PDF Sample Preview Jump to Preview Open in New Tab Upper Beginner → Intermediate Learn Japanese with Stories 20 — Bunbuku Tea-Kettle（ぶんぶく茶釜ちゃがま） Paperback (5.5″ × 8.5″)  |  Digital files included (MP3s & Anki) Physical paperback ships to you. Digital downloads available immediately after purchase. MP3: slow & normal Anki deck Furigana supported Pitch-accent in deck QR codes for audio Grammar notes About This Story The classic folktale ぶんぶく茶釜（ちゃがま） features a shape-shifting tanuki who disguises itself as a tea kettle, performing delightful tricks and ultimately bringing fortune to a kind junk dealer. Morinji Temple in Tatebayashi, Gunma, preserves a version of this legend—celebrating a kettle said to pour endless tea. What You Get Short, confidence-building segments with clear explanations Two audio recordings per story: slow and normal speed Furigana for kanji (Japanese-only section has no furigana for practice) Anki deck covering most vocabulary (many with audio & pitch-accent) QR codes for instant audio playback on phone Three ways to read: GLOSS: Line-by-line running gloss with grammar notes JAPANESE ONLY: Full story without interruptions ENGLISH SUMMARY: A simple, mostly literal translation to check understanding

NOTE: This is also available in the Complete Japanese Reader Collection Bundle. 107 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files immediately after ordering. Inch-High Samurai: Read–in Japanese–how a tiny, yet very brave samurai manages to marry a princess. Kaguya Hime: An old man finds a girl in a bamboo stalk and raises her as his own. It turns out, she is out of this world. 107 Pages For Beginners and Upper Beginners BONUS STORY: Kaguya hime MP3 recording of story both slow and normal speed Japanese Reader Collection Volume 3: The Inch High Samurai Recommended for upper beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. FREE PDF and MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker–download link found on the last page. Listen while reading to develop listening comprehension, reading skills, and building vocabulary.     THE STORIES:Inch-High Samurai: Read–in Japanese–how a tiny, yet very brave samurai manages to marry a princess.Kaguya Hime: An old man finds a girl in a bamboo stalk and raises her as his own. It turns out, she is out of this world.  While beginners of Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is highly recommended. WHAT YOU GET:  All vocabulary is defined in English under each paragraph The full story just in Japanese is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption An English translation is provided (but we encourage you to try the Japanese first) Extensive grammar notes for both stories Best of all, download FREE MP3s of the story read by a native Japanese speech actress. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering - check your spam folder if you don't see it)

NOTE: This is also available as an eBook in the Learn Japanese with Stories Digital Bundle. 71 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   This is for the paperback which will be shipped to you. The Mouse Bride story is a charming Japanese folk tale about a father mouse and mother mouse trying to find the "greatest man on earth" for their one and only daughter to marry. One nice aspect of this story from a language learner’s point of view is similar sentence forms are repeated with the different characters. Beginners can get a lot out of this product, but hiragana and very basic Japanese is required. A PDF (for printing) A slow MP3 recording of the story  A normal speed MP3 recording Kindle and ePub eBook formats included Works with PCs or Macs Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 4: The Mouse Bride: Plus Ikkyu-san Read Real Japanese with Free MP3s ** Recommended for Upper Beginners of Japanese ** MP3s Included at no extra charge are two MP3s of the story. One is read at the normal speed and the other at a slow, easy to follow speed.  THE STORY The Mouse Bride story is a charming Japanese folk tale about a father mouse and mother mouse trying to find the “greatest man on earth” for their one and only daughter to marry. An additional bonus story is about the young, but wise priest Ikkyu and a certain painted tiger. Please note: Immediately after ordering, you'll receive an email with the download link; the physical paperback will be shipped as soon as possible

NOTE: Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle. 117 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection: Learn Japanese with Stories Vol 5PAPERBACK VERSION   Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   The Shitakiri Suzume is a traditional Japanese folk tale about a kind old man, his mean wife, and a sparrow. Beginners can get a lot out of this product, but hiragana and very basic Japanese is required. Audio Only–listen while you drive, jog, or while relaxing. Newly re-recorded with CD quality audio! Audio includes the story read at normal speed & at a slow speed Audio also includes spaces for repetition and key vocabulary All kanji characters have furigana. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with explanation of the grammar. The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. Japanese Reader Collection Volume 5: Shitakiri Suzume Perfect for beginning and upper beginning students of Japanese. This affordable Japanese reader will help you build your Japanese vocabulary, reading skills, and listening comprehension. Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. Listen while reading. You'll receive an email with the download link immediately after ordering. Shitakiri Suzume follows a common theme in Japanese fairy tales: a childless old couple raising a son or daughter. But instead of a human, the story revolves around a sparrow, the loving pet of the old man. Also common with other tales, there is a moral to the story. Don't be greedy! The second story, Kobutori Jiisan, teaches that a happy disposition often leads to happy conclusions.While beginners to Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is required. Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese! Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

NOTE: Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle. 93 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 6 Yuki Onna: The Easy Way to Read Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Japanese Edition)   Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   READ real Japanese Today! By choosing short stories, the intimidation factor is greatly reduced. Not only that, but we divide the story up into tiny, easy-to-swallow segments with complete explanations to give you confidence as you read real Japanese page by page.Perfect for beginning and upper beginning students of Japanese. This affordable Japanese reader contains two stories just about every Japanese knows and loves.BONUS! Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress. Listen while reading. The link to the files will be emailed to you immediately after ordering.These are short stories that can be tackled by students of any level, but it is probably best for upper beginners.Are you just learning hiragana? This may be a little too challenging for you. Look at the screenshots and if you think it would be challenging but not frustrating, this might be good for you. Instead, we recommend our Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha bundle here.Have you studied for a year or two but just don’t feel like you are progressing? This book is for you too. We suggest reading the Japanese only section first (includes furigana) and then go through the line-by-line running gloss section to cement understanding and learn vocabulary. All kanji characters have furigana. Yuki Onna and Anchin & Kiyohime Two full traditional Japanese stories presented in three unique ways.* GLOSS: Read the story with a running gloss—understand completely. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with English explanation of the grammar.* JAPANESE ONLY: The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption.* ENGLISH SUMMARY: Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Short stories makes reading full Japanese texts possible. This book has two complete stories with a total explanation for every level. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering)   YUKI ONNA The Snow WomanYuki Onna (Snow Woman) is a traditional Japanese folktale of a spirit or yōkai who appears on snowy nights in a white kimono and even whiter skin. She is beautiful, but deadly, leading unsuspecting travelers astray or killing them outright. In our story, she is both deadly and compassionate.Anchin & KiyohimeA young priest learns the danger a lie can invite.While beginners to Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is required.Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese!What are you waiting for? Ninja up your Japanese. Click “BUY IT NOW” now!   Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   107 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 7 The Little Match Girl: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Japanese Edition)   Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   READ real Japanese Today! By choosing short stories, the intimidation factor is greatly reduced. Not only that, but we divide the story up into tiny, easy-to-swallow segments with complete explanations to give you confidence as you read real Japanese page by page.While students of any level can get some use out of this, it is best for upper beginners.BONUS! Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress. Listen while reading. The link to the digital files will be emailed to you after ordering.These are short stories that can be tackled by students of any level, but it is probably best for upper beginners.Are you just learning hiragana? This may be a little too challenging for you. Look at the screenshots and if you think it would be challenging but not frustrating, this might be good for you. Instead, we recommend our Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha bundle here.Have you studied for a year or two but just don’t feel like you are progressing? This book is for you too. We suggest reading the Japanese only section first (includes furigana) and then go through the line-by-line running gloss section to cement understanding and learn vocabulary. All kanji characters have furigana. The classic Hans Christian Andersen The Little Match Girl story presented in three unique ways.* GLOSS: Read the story with a running gloss—understand completely. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with English explanation of the grammar. * JAPANESE ONLY: The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption.* ENGLISH SUMMARY: Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Short stories makes reading full Japanese texts possible. This book has two complete stories with a total explanation for every level. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering)     The Little Match GirlThe famous Hans Christian Andersen short story is popular in Japan and has found its way into Japanese culture being a well-known tale in Japan. The sad story is about a dying little girl’s dreams and desires on a cold New Year’s Eve. It was first published in 1845 in Danish.Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese!What are you waiting for? Ninja up your Japanese. Click “Add to Cart” now! Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   101 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 8 Hikoichi Revisited: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Japanese Edition)   Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   READ real Japanese Today! By choosing short stories, the intimidation factor is greatly reduced. Not only that, but we divide the story up into tiny, easy-to-swallow segments with complete explanations to give you confidence as you read real Japanese page by page.Perfect for upper beginner level students of Japanese.BONUS! Get FREE MP3s and eBook versions of the story. The story is read by a native Japanese voice actress, once read at normal speed and once read slowly. Listen while reading. The link to the digital files will be emailed to you immediately after ordering.Now with Furigana! All our readers now have furigana in both the paperback and Kindle versions. Furigana is the small hiragana over the kanji--most devices support this new feature.Have you studied for a year or two but just don’t feel like you are progressing? This book is for you too. We suggest reading the Japanese only section first (includes furigana) and then go through the line-by-line running gloss section to cement understanding and learn vocabulary. All kanji characters have furigana. Three Stories in Total: Two new Hikoichi stories + Oni's Mask and the Girl* GLOSS: Read the story with a running gloss—understand completely. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with English explanation of the grammar.* JAPANESE ONLY: The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption.* ENGLISH SUMMARY: Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Short stories makes reading full Japanese texts possible. This book has two complete stories with a total explanation for every level. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering) HikoichiYou may know our first Japanese Reader Collection Volume has several Hikoichi stories. By far, those have been the most popular among students. Hikoichi is, after all, an interesting character. Smart, sassy, creative in his laziness… In short, his adventures are entertaining. Plus, not many non-Japanese are as familiar with Hikoichi as they are Momotaro or the Moon Princess. So, be one of the few to dig in, enjoy, and learn more about Hikoichi!     Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle. 78 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 9 - The Fountain of Youth    Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   All kanji characters have furigana. Three Stories in Total:  * The Fountain of Youth: A traditional Japanese folk tale* The Hundred Tales Game: With the scariest of all endings * The Wise Child: A child shows his smarts by answering the question, which is farther, Edo or the Sun. Three ways to read the story:GLOSS: Read the story with a running gloss—understand completely. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with English explanation of the grammar. JAPANESE ONLY: The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Short stories makes reading full Japanese texts possible. This book has two complete stories with a total explanation for every level. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering)       Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

Learn Japanese with 妖怪【ようかい】 A Folklore-Based Japanese Essay Reading Bundle Learn Japanese through the strange, funny, and sometimes terrifying world of Japanese yōkai. This 6-book (soon to be 10) digital bundle blends folklore, reading practice, audio, grammar explanations, and Anki flashcards into one immersive learning experience. ON SALE + Free Lifetime Updates.Pay once. Get everything now—and everything we add later, forever. Free Preview: Kappa (PDF + Audio) Listen first, then read along — normal and slow speed audio included. Normal Speed Slow Speed Preview PDF Open in new tab What’s Inside the Bundle Line-by-Line Japanese Breakdown – Read confidently with guided explanations under each sentence Grammar Notes – Clear explanations focused on what learners actually struggle with Full Japanese Text – Read without training wheels once you’re ready English Translations – Confirm understanding and nuance Kanji in Focus – Learn kanji as they appear naturally in context MP3 Audio – Excellent for repetition and shadowing practice Anki Flashcard Decks – Professionally structured for long-term retention Makoto+ Sentence Explorer Integration – Coming soon as a free update Currently Included Yōkai Kappa Tengu Oni Kitsune Japanese Mermaids 山姥【やまんば】 – Mountain Witch (NEW) We plan to expand this bundle to 10 total yōkai. As content is added, the price will rise—but your purchase is locked in. All future additions are free forever. Who Is This For? This bundle is recommended for upper-beginner to intermediate learners who want real Japanese reading practice with cultural depth. Absolute beginner?Start with our ベリーベリー初心者 Bundle first. Why Choose This Bundle? ✅ Multiple Formats — PDF, ePub, MP3, and Anki ✅ One-Time Payment — No subscriptions or hidden fees ✅ Significant Savings — Cheaper than buying individually on Amazon ✅ Free Lifetime Updates — New content at no extra cost ✅ Instant Download — Start learning immediately ✅ Satisfaction Guaranteed — Swap or refund if it’s not the right fit Bulk Discounts Automatically AppliedBuy 2 bundles → 5% offBuy 3 bundles → 10% offBuy 5+ bundles → 20% off Important Notes Printed Versions Available (not included here). View printed books Need help reading the files? eBook instructions here Order includes immediate download links — no extra fees No Dropbox account required Check spam if you don’t see the email, or contact us for help Also available on Amazon