Learn Japanese through Haiku: Matsuo Bashō 松尾芭蕉 [Paperback]
$ 14.99
Note: This is the physical paperback version which will be shipped to your location. If you are looking for the digital only version, please click here for the bundle with this book in it. Digital products have no shipping charges!
138 pages | Paperback | Includes FREE MP3s and eBook formats
Learn Japanese through Haiku: Matsuo Bashō
Read real Japanese today with 25 timeless haiku by 松尾芭蕉 (Matsuo Bashō, 1644–1694)—the most celebrated poet of the classical tradition. This edition pairs clear bilingual commentary, carefully curated vocabulary, and high-quality audio so you can read, listen, and truly understand.
25 Bashō haiku MP3 audio included PDF + ePub + Anki Bilingual commentary Beginner to intermediate Makoto+ Explorer coming soon
What you will get
A complete read + listen learning kit
25 classic haiku presented in Japanese with natural English renderings.
Short, insightful commentary that explains grammar, word choice, kireji, and seasonal cues.
Curated vocabulary lists with context so the words stick.
Professional audio: a clear poem reading plus guided commentary for each selection.
Digital bundle: printable PDF, ePub for e-readers, and an Anki deck for spaced review.
QR codes inside for instant audio access; downloadable files included with your purchase.
Coming soon: Makoto+ Japanese Explorer integration for inline furigana, audio, and fast lookups.
Listen
Sample audio from the book
Below: the poem reading and a short commentary.
Haiku reading:
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Commentary audio:
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Recorded in clear, standard Japanese—great for shadowing, rhythm, and pitch practice.
Preview
Read a page right here
Tip: Use the toolbar to zoom and navigate. If the embed does not load, open the sample PDF.
How to use it
Read. Listen. Absorb. Review.
Listen once without reading to catch flow and pitch.
Read the Japanese with notes, then replay and shadow the lines.
Reinforce with the Anki deck and revisit a few poems during the week.
Who it is for
Haiku lovers and Japanese learners
If you love Japanese culture and want steady gains in reading, vocabulary, and listening, this book is for you. Perfect for self-learners, classrooms, and anyone who prefers meaningful, bite-size practice that fits into a busy day.
About Bashō
The master of the road
Matsuo Bashō, famed for his travels and crystalline style, is commemorated across Japan with monuments to his verses. His poems distill quiet moments of nature into unforgettable images— ideal for learners seeking authentic, elegant Japanese.
Listen now Preview a page
Yonde Miyo~! Volume 1 - Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji [Paperback]
$ 14.99
NOTE: The digital version is found in the 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.
Japanese History Reader Volume 1: Samurai & Daimyou [Paperback]
$ 14.99
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 Samurai and Daimyou.
The Three Warlords who Unified Japan
Sakamoto Ryoma, the Reformer
Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's Greatest Swordsman
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
Quick! What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word Japan? Maybe it is anime, Hello Kitty, geisha, or sumo, but I bet high on that list is the samurai warrior class. This book contains three essays on samurai history.Read--in Japanese--about the greatest swordsman in history, Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most important reformers of the bakumatsu period, Sakamoto Ryōma, and the three great warrior leaders who consolidated Japan. Yes, you can read real Japanese--even if you are fairly new to Japanese.
FEATURES:
157 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!
Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2: Momotaro, the Peach Boy [Paperback]
$ 14.99
NOTE: This is also available in the Complete Japanese Reader Collection Bundle.
81 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback
This is for the Paperback (you'll also get the digital files too!)
Momotaro, the Peach boy is by far Japan’s most famous fairy tale. Now, you can read this famous mukashi banashi (folktale) in real Japanese. Momotaro is a boy born of a peach who grows up to be a brave and mighty man. Oni is invading the village. The villagers beg Momotaro to get rid of the menace. Together with three strange allies, Momotaro heads off to Onigashima to defeat the Oni boss. Beginners can get a lot out of this product, but hiragana and very basic Japanese is required.
BONUS Story: The Tortoise and the Hare
83 Pages
A slow MP3 recording of the stories
A normal speed MP3 recording
Paperback + Digital download
Japanese Reader Collection Volume 2: Momotaro, the Peach Boy
Read Real Japanese with Free MP3s
** Recommended for Beginners of Japanese **
Read the most famous Japanese fairy tale in real Japanese!
Every line and every word are explained and defined.
BONUS! We are also including the entire Usagi to Kame story (The Tortoise and the Hare) also with every word explained and defined.
MP3s Included at no extra charge are two MP3s of both stories. One is read at the normal speed and the other at a slow, easy to follow speed. You will find the link to download the MP3s on the last page.
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.
Yonde Miyo~! Volume 2 - Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji [Paperback]
$ 14.99
NOTE: The digital version is found in the 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 through Dialogues Volume 1: Beginning Conversations [Paperback]
$ 14.99
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.
115 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback
Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.
Finally, a fun and easy way to learn REAL conversational Japanese! (And get FREE MP3s of all the dialogues too!)
Learn Japanese vocabulary in context, improve your listening comprehension, and learn how to talk to others in Japanese.
This was written for beginners of Japanese, but if you haven't yet learned hiragana, please see our Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha here.
We are including, at no extra charge, MP3s for the seven dialogues found in this book. Create play-lists to study on the go or burn the sound files to a CD to listen at home. The download link will be emailed to you immediately after ordering. The MP3s are all recorded by native voice actors and actresses.
The dialogues found in this book are all about context and how Japanese is actually used with friends casually and when peppered with politeness among new acquaintances.
Please use the sound files (included in this download). We hope this book by itself will be helpful, but the sound files--in our opinion--give it most of its value.
Contents:
1 Dialogue One: Jane introduces Herself to a Coworker
2 Dialogue Two: Jane meets her New Boss
3 Dialogue Three: Jane introduces Herself
4 Dialogue Four: Jane meets her Neighbor
5 Dialogue Five: Jane has a Headache
6 Dialogue Six: Jane and Neighbor Tanaka
7 Dialogue Seven: Eating Out
FREE MP3s
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.
Hiragana, the Basics of Japanese [Paperback]
$ 12.99
$ 14.99
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! This item is included in a digital bundle for FREE. If you would like the eBook version (PDF, ePub, or Kindle MOBI) and the MP3s, please see our discounted bundles here and get this for free - Japanese Reader Collection
NEWLY UPDATED! This is for the paperback plus the digital files. PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats. Everything you need to quickly and painlessly learn hiragana. Includes: 5 printable PDFs including our forty-eight page Hiragana Booklet, Flashcards and Posters AND audio files. In all, almost 14 megs of media to aid in the mastering of Hiragana.
Paperback will be mailed to you
48 Printable PDF
PDF Posters; PDF Practice Writing Pad; MP3s
Download link emailed ASAP after order (not currently instant–sorry!)
Kindle and ePub ebook formats also included
ePub works on Android devices with FBReader and possibly other EPUB book reader apps.
REVISED EDITION now with FREE MP3s and Printable PDFs as a download.Many teachers recommend learning hiragana as a first step toward Japanese proficiency. Helpful mnemonics and illustrations help the student quickly learn the characters painlessly.
You can learn hiragana in less than two weeks using this book if you can set aside a few minutes a day to study.
– Helpful Mnemonics
– Fully Illustrated
– Covers all forty-six main characters plus all the variations
– History and helpful hints throughout
– Writing Practice Sheets
– Download more PDF practice sheets and the sound files of all hiragana for free.
Japanese Grammar for JLPT N4-Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4 [Paperback]
$ 14.99
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! This item is included in a digital bundle at a discount. If you would like the eBook version (PDF, ePub, or Kindle MOBI) and the sound files, please see our discounted bundles here - JLPT N4 BUNDLE
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The digital files (eBook and sound files) are included with the purchase of this paperback. Simply place your order and the download link will be emailed you immediately after puchase.
Japanese Vocabulary for JLPT N4 covers the grammar needed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test level N4. This is the upper beginner level of the test and is suitable for upper beginners who have mastered the basics of Japanese.
Whether you are planning to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4 or just would like to continue learning important Japanese grammatical points, this book will teach you the most useful grammatical patterns in an easy-to-understand way. Download the sound files and the accompanying PDF for a complete learning system (included for no extra charge).
UPPER BEGINNER LEVEL
Download the sound files for every Japanese example sentence within. Link emailed to you immediately after purchase.
Explanations in plain English with several examples per grammar point.
Example sentences are broken down with a literal word-by-word translation to aid comprehension.
Each kanji has furigana (small hiragana over the kanji)
Grammar Points Covered:
あとで
~ば/~れば
~ばいいですか
場合
ことができる
〜だす(出す)
できるだけ
どうも
~始める(始める)
~はずだ
~はずがない
~かどうか
~かもしれない
~に気がつく
~ことにする
~ことになる
~く/ ~にする
まま
まだ〜ていない
または
~みたい
~ながら
~ないで
~ないでおく
~なくてもいい(不必要)
~なくてはならない
なら
~なさい
~にくい
~のですか・んですか
~のは~だ
~のような
~のように
のに
お~ください
~られる
~させる
~させられる
~せいで
~し
そうだ
~そうだ
すぎる
~たばかり
~たがる
~たら
~たらどうですか
~てあげる
~ているあいだに~
~ていただけませんか
~てくれる
~てくれてありがとう
〜てみる
~てもらう
~ておく
~てくる・~ていく
~てくる #2
~てしまう
~てすみません
~てよかった
~ても・〜でも
と
~という~
つづける(続ける)
~は~が
~やすい
~よう(だ)
~ようと思う
ぜひ
全然~ない
101 Common Japanese Idioms in Plain English
$ 14.99
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! This item is included in a digital bundle at a discount. If you would like the eBook version (PDF, ePub) and the MP3s, please see our discounted bundles here - Japanese Vocabulary Booster Value Pack
WHICH FORMAT SHOULD I GET?Paperback: Requires shippingDigital Download: Get instant access of the ebook and sound files
Learn 101 useful Japanese idioms. What happens if your mouth is heavy? Or if you use people with your chin? Or when you grind sesame? Find out all about these idioms and much more. Beginners can get a lot out of this product, but hiragana and very basic Japanese is recommended.
200 page paperback
Printable PDF
Over 300 MP3s with each phrase and example sentence
Flash eBook for interactive studying and listening
Works on both PCs and Macs
NOW FREE Kindle and Nook ebook versions
ePub works on Android devices with FBReader and possibly other EPUB book reader apps.
Once one zooms beyond the basics of a language, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and slang can provide the spice to keep motivation up and progress going forward.
This book will introduce 101 of the most common Japanese idioms.
We are including at no extra charge MP3s for all the examples found in this book. Create playlists to study on the go or burn the sound files to a CD to listen at home. The download link is found on the last page. We believe the best way to learn vocabulary–by far–is to study words within their proper context. Every idiom is followed by an example sentence and a paragraph or two explaining the context and usage.
Each idiom will have three sound files associated with it. The MP3s are all recorded by native voice actors and actresses. The first sound file is the idiom itself. The second is the example sentence. The third sound file has the idiom, an English translation, the idiom repeated slowly, and the example sentence with translation. Try to mimic the Japanese speakers in sound and presentation. We highly recommend knowing hiragana before tackling this book. Every kanji here has furigana (small hiragana) over it to aid reading. If you do not yet know hiragana, please check out our Hiragana book: “Hiragana, the Basics of Japanese.”
Learn Japanese through Dialogues Volume 4: Directions [Paperback]
$ 14.99
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.
108 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback
Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.
Finally, a fun and easy way to learn REAL conversational Japanese! (And get FREE MP3s of all the dialogues too!)
Learn Japanese vocabulary in context, improve your listening comprehension, and learn how to talk to others in Japanese.
This was written for beginners of Japanese, but if you haven't yet learned hiragana, please see our Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha here.
We are including, at no extra charge, MP3s for the seven dialogues found in this book. Create play-lists to study on the go or burn the sound files to a CD to listen at home. The download link will be emailed to you immediately after ordering. The MP3s are all recorded by native voice actors and actresses.
The dialogues found in this book are all about context and how Japanese is actually used with friends casually and when peppered with politeness among new acquaintances.
Please use the sound files (included in this download). We hope this book by itself will be helpful, but the sound files--in our opinion--give it most of its value.
Contents:IntroductionDialogue 1: Where is the (train) station?Dialogue 2: How do I get to the library from here?Dialogue 3: Looking for Kasuga's HouseDialogue 4: Looking for the District OfficeDialogue 5: Looking for the American ConsulateDialogue 6: Looking for the American Consulate Part IIDialogue 7: Looking for a Convenience StoreFREE MP3s
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.
Karate Vocabulary: Handbook of 300 Essential Japanese Terms
$ 14.99
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.
Japanese Sentence Practice for JLPT N5-Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 [Paperback]
$ 14.99
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! This item is included in a digital bundle at a discount. If you would like the eBook version (PDF, ePub, or Kindle MOBI) and the sound files, please see our discounted bundles here - JLPT N5 BUNDLE
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The digital files (eBook and sound files) are included with the purchase of this paperback. Simply place your order and the download link will be emailed you immediately after purchase.
Studying, tearing apart, and drilling with sentences is a great way to not only boost your reading comprehension and vocabulary but it can also help with grammar, kanji, and even pronunciation (with shadowing).
This book takes 100 sentences using JLPT N5 level vocabulary and grammar (beginner) and thoroughly works through them with full explanations, fill-in-the blank exercises, and translations.
This book is best for beginners who can read all hiragana and have a basic grasp of Japanese sentence structure.
187 page PDF
ePub eBook files
100 sound files
Anki Flashcard Deck with 200 cards
BEGINNER LEVEL
Download the sound files for every Japanese example sentence within. Link emailed to you immediately after purchase.
Example sentences are broken down with a literal word-by-word translation to aid comprehension.
Each kanji has furigana (small hiragana over the kanji)
