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)

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 explanations
  ② Japanese-only version for reading practice
  ③ 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

1. Oni: Part One
2. Oni’s Descendants
3. 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.