Japanese History Reader Volume 3: 20th Century Japanese Stories [Paperback]
This is for the physical book which will be mailed to you. If you are looking for the digital version (with no shipping charges), this book is in the Japanese History Digital Bundle.
Recommended for upper beginner students of Japanese.
This affordable Japanese history reader contains three essays on Japanese people who made a world-wide impact during the 20th century.
Well, two people and a dog. Learn how one man revolutionized food, how Akira Kurosawa impacted movies, and how a dog taught the world the meaning of loyalty.
The Loyal Dog, Hachiko
The Japanese Man who Invented Instant Ramen
The World-renowned Kurosawa
Get FREE Sound Files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. The download link will be emailed to you instantly upon ordering (we will also ship the physical book). Listen while reading. Each story has two MP3 versions: Read Slowly & Normal Speed
Read--in Japanese--about loyalty in the dog, Hachiko, about how revolutionary Instant Ramen was and is, and finally, learn all about the greatest Japanese film director of the 20th century. Yes, you can read real Japanese--even if you are fairly new to Japanese.
FEATURES:
All Japanese have furigana those starting out with kanji.
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.
Kanji in Focus covers the key kanji found in each essay
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!).
Includes FREE Sound files to listen while you study. Includes both normal speed and slow speed readings. You will be emailed a download link instantly after ordering (the actual physical book will also be mailed to you).
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!
Learn Japanese with Stories — Complete Bundle (20 Volumes) [Digital Books + Audio + Anki + Sentence Explorer]
The Complete Collection
Learn Japanese with StoriesComplete Bundle
INCLUDES: (Click to read reviews of each bundle)Learn Japanese with Stories Bundle #1 (books 1-10) Learn Japanese with Stories Bundle #2 (books 11-20)
All 20 fully polished volumes of our beloved Japanese reader series in one master bundle — with 40+ classic folktales and trickster stories, native-speaker audio at slow and natural speed, Anki decks for every story, and full access inside the Makoto Japanese Explorer app.
Upper Beginner · Intermediate 20 Volumes 40+ Stories PDF ePub MP3 Audio 40+ Anki Decks iPhone · iPad · Android Sentence Explorer
Best Way to Get the Whole Series
Both bundles together — one complete Japanese reading library
This super bundle combines Bundle 1 (Volumes 1–10) and Bundle 2 (Volumes 11–20) into one complete set. Read every story in the app, tap words for help, listen as you go, and build your vocabulary with Anki while enjoying the culture and humor behind these classic tales.
iPhone iPad Android
Buy more, save more — no coupon needed. Add two bundles to your cart for an automatic 5% off your entire digital order, three for 10% off, or five or more for a full 20% off everything.
This is the most complete version of the series we’ve ever offered. All twenty books have been polished, expanded, and rebuilt for easier study, clearer reading, and more enjoyable listening — while preserving the fun of classic Japanese storytelling.
Why This Bundle Stands Out
What You Get in the Complete Bundle
This isn’t just a pile of files. It’s a complete Japanese reading course built around stories — with upgraded books, app access, audio, and study tools that help you actually use what you learn.
① The entire series — all twenty books
Bundle 1 + Bundle 2 together
Get every volume in the Learn Japanese with Stories series — the complete 20-volume library in one discounted master bundle.
40+ classic stories
Folktales, ghost stories, trickster tales, and cultural favorites — from Momotaro and Kaguya-hime to Kicchomu, Hikoichi, and Bunbuku Tea Kettle.
Bonus books included
Because Bundle 1 is included in full, you also receive our bonus Hiragana, The Basics of Japanese, and Makoto Magazine #1.
② Read anywhere — app, tablet, or phone
Unlock every story in the app
Read the full collection in the Makoto Japanese Explorer app on iPhone, iPad, and Android — no file juggling required.
Tap any word
Look up meanings and readings as you go, with audio integrated right into the reading experience.
Sentence Explorer
Study each sentence interactively, word by word, online or in the app with our Makoto+ Sentence Explorer tools.
③ Far more than a basic graded reader
Before You Read
Spoiler-free warm-ups before the stories to preview useful grammar, vocabulary, and cultural points.
Exercises + answer keys
Comprehension questions, grammar checks, fill-ins, and guided review so the stories become active study, not passive reading.
~200 pages of added content
Across the 20 books, we added roughly 200 pages of new study material, improved notes, better structure, and cleaner presentation.
④ Built to help you remember what you read
Two native recordings per story
Every story includes both natural-speed and slow-speed audio, with QR codes for easy streaming.
40+ Anki decks
Each story has its own Anki flashcard deck, making it easy to review vocabulary story by story instead of cramming everything at once.
Fully edited and polished
We corrected readings, refined word breakdowns, improved definitions, cleaned up furigana, and expanded the study support throughout the series.
20
fully updated volumes
40+
Japanese stories with audio and study tools
~200
pages of newly added content across the full set
The Full 20-Volume Collection
What’s Included
This complete bundle gives you everything from both 10-book bundles, plus the bonus books included with Bundle 1. Read the stories in the app, download them in multiple formats, listen to them anywhere, and review the vocabulary with Anki.
20 fully updated digital books in PDF and ePub format
In-app access to every story on iPhone, iPad, and Android
Native-speaker audio for every story in both natural and slow speed
40+ Anki flashcard decks — one for each story, with some books including more than one deck
Makoto+ Sentence Explorer access for interactive, word-by-word study
Before You Read primers, exercises, answer keys, and enrichment boxes throughout the series
Bonus books included: Hiragana, The Basics of Japanese, and Makoto Magazine #1
Inside the Two Bundles
Bundle 1 — Volumes 1–10
Includes early series favorites such as Hikoichi and the Young Lord, Momotaro, The Inch-High Samurai, Kaguya Hime, Yuki Onna, Urashima Tarou, Hanasaka Jiisan, and more — plus the three bonus books.
Bundle 2 — Volumes 11–20
Includes Kachi Kachi Yama, The Tenjo, Princess Uriko, the Kicchomu stories, Hikoichi trickster tales, The Wisdom of Oooka Echizen, Bunbuku Tea Kettle, and more.
One master bundle, one low price
Instead of buying the two 10-book bundles separately, you can grab the whole library in one package and save even more.
Stories Included
More than 40 Japanese stories across the 20 volumes — including the following:
Hikoichi and the Young Lord
Hikoichi and the Living Umbrella
Tengu's Straw Raincoat
Momotaro, the Peach Boy
Usagi to Kame (the Tortoise & the Hare)
The Inch-High Samurai
Kaguya Hime
The Mouse Bride
Ikkyuu-san
The Cut-Tongue Sparrow
Kobutori Jiisan
Yuki Onna
Anchin and Kiyohime
The Little Match Girl
Hikoichi and the Wondrous Box
Hikoichi and the Trickster Tanuki
The Oni's Mask and the Girl
The Fountain of Youth
The Hundred Tales Game
The Wise Child
Urashima Tarou
The Young Man Who Slept Three Years
Hanasaka Jiisan
Hikoichi and the Hanami
Kachi Kachi Yama
The Tenjo
Princess Uriko
Hikoichi and the Kitsune Story 1
Hikoichi and the Kitsune Story 2
Kicchomu and the Falling Star
Kicchomu Selling Crows
Hikoichi, Sitting in the Middle of Eight
Hikoichi, Fishing for Kappa
Bowl-wearing Princess
The Wisdom of Oooka Echizen
Kicchomu's Mouse Carving
Kicchomu's Ferryboat
Kicchomu's Big Rock
Kicchomu and the Rice Cake Shop Owner
Kicchomu and the Fire
Kicchomu's Horse
Bunbuku Tea Kettle
日本語を物語で学ぼう! Learn Japanese through stories.
Who Is This For?
This bundle is built for upper beginners through intermediate learners who know hiragana and want to start reading real Japanese with support. If you want a structured, enjoyable bridge from textbook Japanese to actual reading, this is it.
Absolute beginner? Start with the Beri-Beri-Shoshinsha Beginner’s Bundle.
Incredible Value
Each volume sells on Amazon and elsewhere for $6.99. That means the 20 books alone are a $139.80 value — and that’s before counting the three bonus books included through Bundle 1.
Buy the whole library for less. You could buy Bundle 1 and Bundle 2 separately for about $60 total — or get the Complete Bundle here for just $49.
Pay once, updated forever. Every future edit, improvement, expansion, or supplementary file we add to this complete bundle comes to you free for life.
What You Get with Every Story
A fun way into Japanese folklore — stories every Japanese person grows up with, presented for English-speaking learners.
Real Japanese you can actually read — fully supported with vocabulary notes, grammar help, and natural examples.
Every line and every word explained and defined — now with improved glosses, cleaner furigana, and a full editorial pass.
Active study built in — primers, exercises, answer keys, and story-by-story Anki review.
Reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar all at once — without making Japanese feel like a chore.
Flexible study — read in the app, print the PDFs, load the MP3s on your phone, or review vocab in Anki.
Anki is free flashcard software. To install: double-click a supplied deck file to add it to Anki, or send it to your phone for the mobile version.
Every one of our bundles includes:
✅ Multiple formats (PDF, ePub, MP3s, plus Anki flashcard decks)
✅ In-app access on iPhone, iPad, and Android
✅ One-time payment
✅ Discounted versus buying each book on Amazon
✅ Free lifetime updates to this bundle
✅ Instant download — no waiting
✅ Satisfaction guaranteed. If it’s too easy or too hard, tell us and we’ll swap it for a better-suited bundle or refund you.
➡️ Need help opening the eBooks? Follow the steps in our eBook guide.
A few notes:
Print versions are available separately (not included in this digital-only bundle) — see Clay and Yumi's Paperbacks. Print editions come with the digital files too.
This bundle is a one time fee. No extra payment needed ever for the files and unlocking the books in our app. Download everything on a PC or Mac, or open any file on your mobile devices. Learn more here.
Don't see the email after ordering? Check your spam folder, or email us for support.
These books are also available on Amazon.
Japanese History Reader Volume 5: Ukiyo-e [Paperback]
This is for the physical book which will be mailed to you. If you are looking for the digital version (with no shipping charges), this book is in the Japanese History Digital Bundle.
Recommended for upper beginner students of Japanese.
Read three essays on Japan's most famous contribution to the world of art, ukiyo-e. Learn about the history, famous ukiyo-e masters, and the influence it had on Western art.
Ukiyo-e Part I About Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e Part II About the Artists
Ukiyo-e Part III Influence on Western Art
Get FREE Sound Files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. The download link will be emailed to you instantly upon ordering (we will also ship the physical book). Listen while reading. Each story has two MP3 versions: Read Slowly & Normal Speed
Read--in Japanese--about the amazing history and world-wide influence of ukiyoe. Yes, you can read real Japanese--even if you are fairly new to Japanese.
FEATURES:
110 Pages
All Japanese have furigana those starting out with kanji.
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.
Kanji in Focus covers the key kanji found in each essay
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!).
Includes FREE Sound files to listen while you study. Includes both normal speed and slow speed readings. You will be emailed a download link instantly after ordering (the actual physical book will also be mailed to you).
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!
Mangajin 06
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 and the table of contents below are for this particular issue. The extra sample pages inside may or may not be from this exact issue.
Karate Vocabulary: Handbook of 300 Essential Japanese Terms
日本語を磨こう! Let’s polish our Japanese!
Do you have a passion for the martial arts and would like a deeper understanding of the terms and names used? If so, this book is for you. We have gathered common martial art terms and names that come from Japanese. Will it help you with your forms or give extra power to your kick? No, not at all. Will it help with pronunciation and understanding of the language you hear in the dojo? Absolutely. - Covers 300 essential words and phrases - Understand the meaning behind common words like dojo or even karate. - Includes a FREE download of MP3s of the Japanese for each word.
Kana de Manga Special Edition: Shortcuts
Paperback. 112 pages. 7 x 5 inches.
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How much Japanese do you know? Probably a whole lot more than you think, even if you've barely studied the language ... or haven't tried to at all!
Japanese is rich in vocabulary borrowed from other languages, especially English. These loanwords offer you a little shortcut on the long road toward mastery of the language. And many of the words have been turned into simple abbreviations, contractions, and acronyms, which makes them even easier to memorize.
For instance, we watch anime (animation), shop at the depato (department store), send text messages on our sumaho (smartphone), and listen to BGM (background music) while studying.
This Kana de Manga special edition features nearly 200 abbreviations, contractions, and acronyms. Studying these shortcuts is a fun and easy way to jump-start your Japanese!
Kanji de Manga Volume 6: The Comic Book That Teaches You How to Read And Write Japanese!
Paperback. 144 pages. 7 x 5 inches.
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Another 80 kanji are featured in the sixth volume of Manga University's award-winning series. Upon completion of this and the previous five volumes, students will have learned a total of 480 kanji, enough to prepare them for the advanced levels of the official Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
"A brilliant idea!" says Ronald A. Morse, retired professor of Japan Studies at UCLA and the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. "Japanese kanji — the written symbols adapted from Chinese — were originally drawings of images from real life. Japanese comic books and cartoons now provide fresh images to help us learn. Kanji de Manga uses today's manga images to make the kanji learning process fun and easy for otaku of all ages. This is a brilliant approach to learning the language."
Each page features its own comic strip, kanji pronunciation guide, stroke order, and English explanations.
Created by Glenn Kardy, editor of several volumes in the popular How to Draw Manga series, including Getting Started, the first book of its kind to be used at major universities in the United States (UCLA) and Japan (Waseda). Artwork by Chihiro Hattori, niece of legendary manga artist Eichi Fukui.
Yonde Miyo~! Volume 3 - Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji [Paperback]
NOTE: The digital version is found in the digital only Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha bundle.
Have you only recently learned hiragana but need practice? Or perhaps, your hiragana is no problem, but you want to build your hiragana and kanji reading comprehension?
This new collection of stories is here to the rescue!
Read real Japanese—beginner level but not boring Japanese! You won't find the Japanese version of Dick and Jane, but you will find stories written for adults. Enjoy reading flash fiction, super short essays, and funny stories of common mistakes made by learners of Japanese.Best of all, the only requirement is that you can read hiragana and have a very basic understanding of Japanese. Vocabulary and grammar will be defined and explained.
The format is a little different from our other more advanced readers. The idea is for the reader to read the entire story three times. Each page will have a sentence or two in hiragana (with spaces between words for you to see “words” instead of syllables) at the top and that same content in full Japanese (with furigana—small hiragana over kanji) at the bottom. The middle will have the glossary and grammatical explanations. Lastly, the story is presented in Japanese without furigana. See if you can read it after going through the previous two versions and explanations.
If you have just learned hiragana, you may want to listen to the sound file while reading the hiragana section to practice correct pronunciation. If you have studied Japanese a bit longer, you may want to start with the bottom version and take note of the glossary for understanding.The glossary will have the word as it appears in the story, but it will also give the “dictionary” form so you can look the word up further.
Having fun while learning a language is a great way to increase motivation. With increased motivation, you are less likely to skip a day's study. A skipped day can quickly become a lost week and then a lost… forever.
And so, we hope you will have as much fun reading these stories as we had writing them.
This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files for no extra charge immediately after ordering.
Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 6: Yuki Onna [Paperback]
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.
Tobira Grammar Power: Exercises for Mastery [UPPER BEGINNERS - INTERMEDIATES]
Tobira is designed for students who have completed a basic textbook series but need help solidifying the grammar, vocabulary, and kanji they have learned.
This book covers grammar and writing power by giving practice beyond the Tobira textbook.
The main textbook can be found here: Tobira Textbook.
205 Pages
Published by Kurosio
Makoto Japanese e-Zine #14 April 2019 | Digital Download + MP3s
➡️ 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 for only $3 a month or $36 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more.
Makoto E-Zine series #14Recommended 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 new 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: April 2019NEW READER: Frank and the Obaasan & The Young Man Who Slept for Three Years* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary: Hot Sounding Word* Prefecture Spotlight: Kochi* Etymology: Karaoke* Phrase of the Day: Suiting a horse* Haiku: Basho* Kanji Spotlight: Getting Around* Grammar Time! の* Japanese Readers: Frank & the Obaasan Episode 10 The Young Man Who Slept for Three Years
➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE
Makoto Japanese e-Zine #5 August 2018
➡️ 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 for only $3 a month or $36 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more.
IN THIS ISSUE:
NEW READER: 47 Ronin
* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Prefecture Spotlight: Okinawa* Etymology: おはよう* Phrase of the Day: English Proverbs in Japanese* Kanji Spotlight: The Bear Imposters* Grammar Time! To Decide Upon* Reader, Grammatical Notes, Kanji Notes, and English Translation
➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE