Learn Japanese with Yokai! Mermaids of Japan [Paperback]
$ 14.99
Learn Japanese with Yōkai Vol. 5: 人魚 (Japanese Mermaids) [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL]
A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to improve reading and listening skills while discovering lesser-known aspects of Japanese mythology.
Physical paperback • Includes free digital files for this volume (PDF + MP3 audio)
Format Preview (From Another Volume)
This preview is from a different book in the series and is shown to demonstrate the format, layout, audio style, and learning approach. Your Ningyō volume follows the same structure.
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About This Volume
Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yōkai thrive in the Japanese imagination. They may appear as monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, or even everyday objects that have taken on a life of their own.
Mermaids in Japanese folklore are known as 人魚(にんぎょ), but they are very different from the beautiful, seductive creatures found in Western legends. Japanese 人魚 can be unsettling, grotesque, and even eerie. Sometimes their “human” features appear bird-like—or even ape-like.
人魚(にんぎょ) usually appear at night and emerge from the sea. They possess strange powers, and according to legend, eating their flesh may grant an extraordinarily long life.
These stories connect Japanese folklore with history, religion, and modern culture—making them both compelling reading practice and valuable cultural study.
Length: 85 pages
What This Book Includes
Three essays / stories focused on 人魚(にんぎょ) folklore
Each story presented in three formats:① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations② Japanese-only version for reading practice③ Full English translation to confirm understanding
Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of important grammar patterns in plain English
Free audio downloads included (link provided on the final page of the book)
Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi
Stories Included
The Nihon Shoki and Mummies
The 800-Year-Old Nun
Amabie
Who Is This Book For?
This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can benefit. The ideal level, however, is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4.
If you already know basic grammar and kana and want to explore deeper cultural stories while improving your Japanese, this volume fits perfectly into that stage.
Curious about Japan’s darker, stranger mermaid legends?
Click Add to Cart and continue your journey through Japanese folklore—one yōkai at a time.
Learn Japanese with Yokai! Oni [Paperback]
$ 14.99
Learn Japanese with Yōkai Vol. 3: Oni [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL]
A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to build real reading confidence while deepening their understanding of Japanese culture.
Physical paperback • Includes free digital files for this volume (PDF + MP3 audio)
Format Preview (From Another Volume)
This preview is from a different book in the series and is shown to demonstrate the format, layout, audio style, and learning approach. Your Oni volume follows the same structure.
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Slow Speed Audio (Sample)
PDF Preview (Sample) Open in new tab
About This Volume
Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yōkai thrive in the Japanese imagination. They may appear as monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, or even everyday objects that have taken on a life of their own.
With their horned heads and fearsome appearance, oni are often compared to ogres in Western folklore. But in Japan, oni are everywhere. Traditional tales, children’s songs, seasonal festivals, and proverbs are filled with references to them.
By reading these stories, you won’t just improve your Japanese— you’ll also build cultural literacy and start noticing oni references throughout Japanese media and everyday language.
Length: 97 pages
What This Book Includes
Three essays / stories centered on oni
Each story presented in three formats:① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations② Japanese-only version for reading practice③ Full English translation to confirm understanding
Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of important grammar patterns in plain English
Free audio downloads included (link provided on the final page of the book)
Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi
Stories Included
Oni: Part One
Oni’s Descendants
Namahage
Who Is This Book For?
This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can find value. The ideal level, however, is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4.
If you already know basic grammar and kana and want to read real Japanese— with guidance—this book fits perfectly into that transition stage.
Ready to explore one of Japan’s most iconic yōkai?
Click Add to Cart and continue your journey through Japanese folklore—one story at a time.
Learn Japanese with Yokai! Tengu [Paperback]
$ 14.99
Learn Japanese with Yōkai Vol. 2: The Tengu [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL]
A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to strengthen reading and listening skills through traditional stories of old Japan.
Physical paperback • Includes free digital files for this volume (PDF + MP3 audio)
Format Preview (From Another Volume)
This preview is from a different book in the series and is provided to show the format, layout, audio style, and learning approach. Your Tengu volume follows the same structure.
Normal Speed Audio (Sample)
Slow Speed Audio (Sample)
PDF Preview (Sample) Open in new tab
About This Volume
Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yōkai thrive in the Japanese imagination. They may appear as monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, or even everyday objects that have taken on a life of their own.
In this volume, you’ll explore the world of the tengu, legendary creatures associated with mountains and deep forests. While often mischievous or frightening, tengu are also known to show kindness and even wisdom toward humans.
Early depictions portrayed tengu as bird-like creatures. Over time, they came to be represented as ascetic mountain priests known as yamabushi. Unlike ordinary yamabushi, tengu possess unnaturally long noses, carry a scroll called the tora no maki, and wield powerful magic.
According to legend, tengu may have even taught ninjas their mysterious skills.
What This Book Includes
Three essays / stories centered on the tengu
Each story presented in three formats:① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations② Japanese-only version to test reading ability③ Full English translation to confirm understanding
Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of important grammar patterns in plain English
Free audio downloads included (link provided on the final page of the book)
Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi
Stories Included
About the Tengu
Origin of the Tengu
Tengu Stories
Who Is This Book For?
This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can find value. The ideal level, however, is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4.
If you already know basic grammar and kana and want to start reading real Japanese— with guidance—this book is a natural next step.
Interested in yōkai, folklore, and learning Japanese through stories?
Click Add to Cart and continue your journey into Japan’s mysterious mountain world.
Learn Japanese with Yokai! The Kappa [Paperback]
$ 14.99
Learn Japanese with YōkaiVol. 1: The Kappa [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL]
A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to improve reading, listening, and cultural understanding—one strange creature at a time.
Paperback edition • Includes free digital files (PDF + MP3 audio + Anki)
Preview This Book: Kappa (Read & Listen)
Try the same format you’ll get in the paperback—audio first, then read along.
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About This Volume
Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yōkai thrive in the Japanese imagination. They are monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings—and sometimes even everyday objects that have come to life. Some are playful and humorous. Others are deeply unsettling.
In this first volume, you’ll meet one of Japan’s most famous yōkai: the kappa.
Kappa live in and around rivers, love cucumbers, and are notorious for pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. But they aren’t simply villains. In many stories, kappa repay kindness, teach medical knowledge, or help people in times of need.
Through these stories, you’ll explore Japanese folklore while steadily polishing your Japanese reading and listening skills.
What This Book Includes
Three essays / stories about the kappa
Each story presented in three formats:① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations② Japanese-only version for reading practice③ Full English translation to confirm understanding
Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of key grammar patterns in plain English
Free audio downloads included (link provided inside the book)
Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi
Stories Included
What Is the Kappa?
A Kappa Mummy
A Kappa Repays a Debt
Who Is This Book For?
This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can find value. However, the ideal level is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4.
If you already know basic grammar and kana and want to start reading real Japanese— with support—this book is an excellent next step.
Fascinated by yōkai and traditional Japanese stories?
Click Add to Cart and begin your journey into Japanese folklore— while building real Japanese reading and listening skills.
Learn Japanese with Yokai! Yamanba, the Mountain Witch [Paperback]
$ 14.99
Learn Japanese with 妖怪 Vol. 6: 山姥(やまんば) [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL]
A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to build real reading confidence while exploring darker traditional tales.
Physical paperback • Includes free digital files for this volume (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki vocabulary deck)
Format Preview (From Another Volume)
This preview is from a different book in the series and is shown to demonstrate the format, layout, audio style, and learning approach. This 山姥(やまんば) volume follows the same structure.
Normal Speed Audio (Sample)
Slow Speed Audio (Sample)
PDF Preview (Sample) Open in new tab
About This Volume
Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, 妖怪 thrive in the Japanese imagination. They may appear as monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, or even everyday objects that have taken on a life of their own.
The 山姥(やまんば) is a terrifying mountain witch. She lives deep in the mountains and devours anyone who wanders into her domain. Unlike playful or mischievous yōkai, the 山姥 represents pure danger, isolation, and the fear of the wilderness.
In this volume, you will explore two classic legends involving the 山姥. One tells the story of an ox-cart man who encounters her during his deliveries. The other follows a young priest armed with three magical charms that may protect him from her power.
These stories are darker than most in the series and offer a fascinating look at how fear, survival, and faith appear in traditional Japanese folklore.
Length: 201 pages
What This Book Includes
Multiple traditional stories centered on 山姥(やまんば)
Each story presented in three formats:① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations② Japanese-only version for reading practice③ Full English translation to confirm understanding
Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of important grammar patterns in plain English
Free audio downloads included (link provided on the final page of the book)
Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi
Includes PDF e-book versions, sound files, and an Anki deck of the vocabulary at no extra charge
Stories Included
牛方と山姥(うしかたとやまんば)
山姥と三つの護符(やまんばとみっつのごふ)
Who Is This Book For?
This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can benefit. The ideal level, however, is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4.
If you are ready to move beyond simple textbook sentences and want to read traditional Japanese stories—with guidance—this volume is an excellent challenge.
Ready to face one of Japan’s most frightening yōkai?
Click Add to Cart and complete your journey through the Learn Japanese with 妖怪 series.
Leave it to Me in Japanese T-Shirt
$ 25.00
Show confidence and assurance with the bold Japanese phrase "任せとけ!" (Makasetoke). A design that resonates with the spirit of "Leave it to me" in a stylish and modern way."
• 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
Let's Escape Let's Run Away in Japanese Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
$ 25.00
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft and comfy. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/y² (153 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
Let's go home - mou kaerou in Japanese Mug with Color Inside
$ 22.50
Wherever you go, you long for home. Mou kaerou. It's time to go home.
The Japanese reads, "mou kaerou" which means, "let's go home."
Add a splash of color to your morning coffee or tea ritual! These ceramic mugs not only have a beautiful design on them, but also a colorful rim, handle, and inside, so the mug is bound to spice up your mug rack.
• Ceramic
• Height: 3.85″ (9.8 cm)
• Diameter: 3.35″ (8.5 cm)
• White print area
• Color rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
Let's go home - mou kaerou in Japanese Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
$ 25.00
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!
• 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)
• Pre-shrunk
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Honduras, Haiti, Mexico, or Nicaragua
Let's just wing it! in Japanese
$ 25.00
The Japanese text expresses decisively going with the flow. It means, "I've decided. I'll just wing it!" The pronunciation is "kimeta. ikiatari battari de ikou!"
• 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
Life's Superior, Not Old in Japanese
$ 22.00
This fun Japanese text art features "otoshiyori janakute jinsei no daisenpai" meaning "I'm not old, I'm your superior in life." Perfect for the young, if not in body, at least at heart.
• Ceramic
• 11oz mug dimensions: height - 3.85" (9.8 cm), diameter - 3.35" (8.5 cm)
• 15oz mug dimensions: height - 4.7" (12 cm), diameter 3.35" (8.5 cm)
• Glossy finish
• NOT dishwasher or microwave safe
• Hand-wash only
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!
Life's Superior, Not Old in Japanese T-Shirt
$ 25.00
This fun Japanese text art features "otoshiyori janakute jinsei no daisenpai" meaning "I'm not old, I'm your superior in life." Perfect for the young, if not in body, at least at heart.
• 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