Paperback (Clay & Yumi's)

NOTE: The digital version is found in the Beginning Japanese Phrases and Stories digital bundle.  Have you only recently learned hiragana but need practice? Or perhaps, your hiragana is no problem, but you want to build reading fluency? Mike's Diary is here to the rescue! The level of this book is somewhere between our (total beginner-level) Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha and our more advance readers such as Learn Japanese with Stories. Instead of learning isolated vocabulary (no fun!), reading real Japanese is a great way to learn vocabulary and kanji in context. For the beginner, however, native reading material is too much of a challenge. Our Learn Japanese with Stories for Beginners series enables even beginners to truly enjoy reading natural Japanese. The early stories use basic vocabulary, beginner-level grammar, and simplified Japanese sentence structures. As you progress, earlier concepts build into more complex grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. Each story is presented in several ways. The story with spaces and complete vocabulary and explanation The story in full Japanese (without spaces, but with furigana—the small hiragana—over kanji) The story in English to cement understanding This is followed by five important kanji found in the story. There are only five kanji here, so spend some time familiarizing yourself with them. 122 Pages Includes the digital files (PDF, ePub, and MOBI) Includes all sound files  Free Anki flashcard deck of all the vocabulary from each story Scan QR codes for quick on-demand listening as you go through the book 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.

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.

Includes the Digital Files You will receive an email with the download link for the digital files immediately after purchase. The physical book will be shipped as soon as possible. If you would prefer the digital-only bundle to save money, please click here. The digital files include: ePub, PDF, MP3 sound files, and an Anki flashcard deck. For Beginners to IntermediatesThis book is ideal for upper beginners, but beginners who have a good grasp of hiragana and the most fundamental aspects of Japanese grammar and sentence structure will find it valuable.  ABOUT NATSUME SOUSEKI夏目漱石 is one of Japan’s most famous authors. He is primarily celebrated for his novels "Kokoro," "Botchan," "I Am a Cat," "Kusamakura," and his unfinished piece "Light and Darkness." Additionally, he was a scholar of English literature and a prolific writer of haiku, kanshi poetry, and fairy tales.WHAT'S INCLUDED? The book features two versions of the biography. Begin with the simplified version, which uses primarily JLPT N5-N4 level vocabulary and grammar. Then, progress to the intermediate version, which presents the same information but in a longer format with more complex grammar and vocabulary. The intermediate biography, initially featured in our Makoto Magazine (MakotoPlus.com), has been significantly revised and expanded for this edition. The book also includes a concise beginner-level version of the essay. Start by reviewing the vocabulary and grammar notes, proceed with the beginner-level essay, and then challenge yourself with the full intermediate essay. BONUS MATERIALAccess the bonus content via the link on the last page of the book to enhance your Japanese reading skills (PDF & ePub), listening comprehension (audio files - both slow and regular speed), and vocabulary acquisition (Anki flashcard decks). The Anki flashcard decks are a fast way to assimilate the vocabulary. An incredible value! Bonuses include: Audio recordings of both essays at slow and regular speeds. An Anki flashcard deck to study and memorize the story's vocabulary. QR Codes: Easily scan the QR codes in the book to stream the audio and listen along as you read. Vocabulary Section: Before delving into the essay (either the beginner or the intermediate version), go through the story's vocabulary, sorted by parts of speech. Grammar Section: Review key grammatical patterns featured in the stories. Kanji in Focus: Explore essential kanji from the story, including on and kun readings, meanings, example sentences, and mnemonic stories for the kanji parts. An enjoyable method of learning about significant Japanese figures while also boosting your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Perfect for upper beginners, but also accessible to beginners familiar with hiragana and basic grammatical structures. Every line and every word are meticulously explained and defined, making it a perfect resource for upper beginners to intermediate learners. Expand your Japanese vocabulary, grasp new grammatical structures, polish your reading skills, and enhance your listening capabilities. Each essay is accompanied by two MP3s, narrated by a native Japanese voice actress. Print the PDFs and load the MP3s onto your phone for studying on the go. What are you waiting for? Unlock the full potential of your Japanese learning journey—purchase now and begin reading and learning.

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   106 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 10 Urashima Tarou and Other Stories: 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: 1) The Young Man Who Slept for Three Years2) Hanasaka Jiisan3) Urashima Tarou Three ways to Enjoy the Stories:* 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 Young Man Who Slept for Three Years - Sometimes what appears to be laziness is actually strategic planning Hanasaka Jiisan - A story of the importance of not being greedy Urashima Tarou - A Japanese Rip Van Winkle story       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.

Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 3: Nara & Heian Periods Experience Japan’s golden age—poetry, palaces, and power shifts—while mastering Japanese. Includes paperback + digital bundle (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki flashcards). Upper-Beginner Friendly Guided, approachable readings with smooth difficulty. Line-by-Line Support Japanese text + vocabulary and grammar notes for every line. Audio via QR Codes Listen to native recordings for shadowing and pronunciation. Anki Flashcards Included Reinforce vocabulary anywhere with the downloadable deck. What You’ll Learn Nara Period: Buddhism under imperial patronage, monumental temples, and early state reforms. Heian Period: Refined court culture, waka poetry, and shifting political power through regency and marriages. Cultural Legacy: How these eras forged Japan’s literary and artistic foundations. Inside the Book Line-by-Line Reader: Clear passages with vocabulary and grammar breakdowns. Furigana Support: Build kanji confidence while reading. English Translations: Check comprehension at the end. Audio Access: Scan QR codes to stream or download MP3s. What’s Included Beautiful paperback mailed to you Instant download link after purchase (PDF + MP3 + Anki deck) Furigana and line-by-line notes English translations for deeper comprehension Who It’s For Learners at the upper-beginner level who want meaningful reading practice and cultural depth—with full support for understanding every line. Step into Japan’s golden age—your paperback purchase includes the complete digital bundle (PDF, MP3, and Anki). Download link delivered immediately after checkout. Details Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 3) Focus: Nara & Heian Periods Level: Upper Beginner Includes: Paperback + PDF + MP3 + Anki Flashcards Publisher: TheJapanShop.com When do I get the digital files? Immediately after purchase, you’ll receive a download link for the PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki deck. Your paperback ships soon after. Is furigana included? Yes—furigana is provided to support kanji reading. Use the full-text section and English translations to test comprehension. Can I use the Anki deck on mobile? Absolutely. The deck works great with AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile for on-the-go study.

Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 2: Kofun & Asuka Periods Uncover Japan’s ancient power struggles and spiritual awakening—while improving your Japanese! Includes paperback + digital files (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki flashcards). Upper Beginner–Intermediate Level Ideal for learners seeking real Japanese reading practice with cultural depth. Line-by-Line Support Every Japanese line comes with vocabulary and grammar explanations. Audio via QR Codes Listen to native speakers for better pronunciation and listening comprehension. Anki Flashcards Included Reinforce vocabulary on the go with the downloadable Anki deck. What You’ll Learn Kofun Period: Explore the rise of powerful clans and their monumental keyhole-shaped tombs guarded by haniwa clay figures. Asuka Period: Witness Japan’s first political reforms, the spread of Buddhism, and the visionary leadership of Empress Suiko and Prince Shōtoku. Cultural Foundations: Understand how these eras shaped Japan’s political identity, religion, and art. Inside the Book Line-by-Line Reader: Clear Japanese text with vocabulary and grammar breakdowns. Furigana Support: Every kanji is supported by furigana for smooth reading. Full English Translations: Check comprehension at the end of each section. Audio Access: Stream or download MP3s via QR codes. What’s Included Beautiful paperback book shipped to you Instant download link (PDF + MP3 audio + Anki flashcard deck) Line-by-line Japanese with grammar notes Furigana and English translations Who It’s For Learners from upper-beginner to intermediate levels who want to explore Japanese history through meaningful, structured reading—complete with full linguistic support. Step into Japan’s formative centuries—where myth meets history. Your paperback purchase includes the complete digital bundle (PDF, MP3, and Anki deck). Details Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 2) Focus: Kofun & Asuka Periods Level: Upper Beginner – Intermediate Includes: Paperback + PDF + MP3 + Anki Flashcards Publisher: Kotoba Books When will I receive the digital files? You’ll receive a download link immediately after purchase. Your paperback will ship soon after. Are the QR codes in the book active? Yes—each QR code links directly to the matching MP3 audio for the passage you’re reading. Can I use the Anki deck on my phone? Absolutely! The deck works perfectly on AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile apps for on-the-go study.

Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 1: Jōmon & Yayoi Periods Discover Japan’s earliest civilizations—and build real Japanese reading skill—with a clear, learner-friendly reader crafted for upper beginners. Upper-Beginner Friendly Real history, approachable language, smooth difficulty curve. Line-by-Line Support Japanese text plus vocabulary and grammar notes for each line. Audio via QR Codes Listen to native recordings for shadowing and pronunciation. Anki Flashcards Included Reinforce vocabulary on the go with the downloadable deck. What You’ll Learn Jōmon Culture: Pottery, lifeways, and early spiritual practices that shaped prehistoric Japan. Yayoi Transformation: Rice cultivation, metal tools, and social shifts that set the stage for early statehood. Cultural Evolution: How Jōmon and Yayoi developments influenced later Japanese history and identity. Inside the Book Line-by-Line Reader: Clear Japanese passages with vocabulary and grammar notes. Furigana Support: Read confidently while growing kanji recognition. Full English Translations: Review and confirm comprehension at the end. Audio Access: Scan QR codes to stream or download native recordings. What’s Included Primary reader (digital and/or paperback, depending on option selected) MP3 audio via QR codes Downloadable Anki deck for vocabulary review Vocabulary lists and focused grammar explanations Who It’s For Learners at the upper-beginner to lower-intermediate level who want meaningful reading practice, cultural depth, and guided support to understand every line with confidence. Travel back to ancient Japan—and move your Japanese forward. Add Volume 1 to your library and start reading today. Details Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 1) Focus: Jōmon & Yayoi Periods (prehistoric to proto-historic Japan) Level: Upper Beginner / Lower Intermediate Formats: Paperback and Digital (PDF + MP3 + Anki deck) Publisher: Kotoba Books Is the audio included? Yes. You'll receive all the digital files immediately in addition to having the paperback shipped to you. Scan the QR codes inside the book to access native MP3 recordings for listening, shadowing, and review. Do I need to know a lot of kanji? Furigana is provided to support kanji reading. As you gain confidence, try the full-text sections and check the English translations at the end. Is there a flashcard deck? Yes. A downloadable Anki deck is included to reinforce vocabulary from the reader.

Includes the Digital Files You will receive an email with the download link for the digital files immediately after purchase. The physical book will be shipped as soon as possible. If you would prefer the digital-only bundle to save money, please click here. The digital files include: ePub, PDF, MP3 sound files, and an Anki flashcard deck. For Beginners to IntermediatesThis book is ideal for upper beginners, but beginners who have a good grasp of hiragana and the most fundamental aspects of Japanese grammar and sentence structure will find it valuable.  ABOUT Tezuka OsamuTezuka Osamu (1928–1989), a pioneering Japanese manga artist and animator from Osaka, earned titles like "the Father of Manga" for his influential works. Known as Japan's Walt Disney, he initiated the manga revolution with "New Treasure Island" (1947) and created famous series such as "Astro Boy" and "Black Jack." His impact continues through his extensive, award-winning contributions to manga and animation.WHAT'S INCLUDED? The book features two versions of the biography. Begin with the simplified version, which uses primarily JLPT N5-N4 level vocabulary and grammar. Then, progress to the intermediate version, which presents the same information but in a longer format with more complex grammar and vocabulary. The intermediate biography, initially featured in our Makoto Magazine (MakotoPlus.com), has been significantly revised and expanded for this edition. The book also includes a concise beginner-level version of the essay. Start by reviewing the vocabulary and grammar notes, proceed with the beginner-level essay, and then challenge yourself with the full intermediate essay. BONUS MATERIALAccess the bonus content via the link on the last page of the book to enhance your Japanese reading skills (PDF & ePub), listening comprehension (audio files - both slow and regular speed), and vocabulary acquisition (Anki flashcard decks). The Anki flashcard decks are a fast way to assimilate the vocabulary. An incredible value! Bonuses include: Audio recordings of both essays at slow and regular speeds. An Anki flashcard deck to study and memorize the story's vocabulary. QR Codes: Easily scan the QR codes in the book to stream the audio and listen along as you read. Vocabulary Section: Before delving into the essay (either the beginner or the intermediate version), go through the story's vocabulary, sorted by parts of speech. Grammar Section: Review key grammatical patterns featured in the stories. Kanji in Focus: Explore essential kanji from the story, including on and kun readings, meanings, example sentences, and mnemonic stories for the kanji parts. An enjoyable method of learning about significant Japanese figures while also boosting your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Perfect for upper beginners, but also accessible to beginners familiar with hiragana and basic grammatical structures. Every line and every word are meticulously explained and defined, making it a perfect resource for upper beginners to intermediate learners. Expand your Japanese vocabulary, grasp new grammatical structures, polish your reading skills, and enhance your listening capabilities. Each essay is accompanied by two MP3s, narrated by a native Japanese voice actress. Print the PDFs and load the MP3s onto your phone for studying on the go. What are you waiting for? Unlock the full potential of your Japanese learning journey—purchase now and begin reading and learning.

NOTE: This is also available in the Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2 Bundle. 132 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. The Bowl-Wearing Princess: 鉢かぶり姫【はちかぶりひめ】 Japan's Cinderella story  + a Solomon-esque story based on a historical Japanese figure. 132 Pages For Beginners and Upper Beginners The Bowl-Wearing Princess The Wisdom of Oooka Echizen MP3 recording of story both slow and normal speed Anki deck with all the vocabulary in the stories Japanese Reader Collection Volume 16: The Bowl-Wearing Princess 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.    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)

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   131 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback Japanese Reader Collection Volume 12: Celestial Maiden's Feathered Robe: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Paperback 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. * 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) Includes QR codes to easily scan and instantly hear the story on demand   STORY 1: 瓜子姫(うりこひめ)とあまのじゃく Princess Uriko and the AmanojakuAn Amanojaku in Japanese folklore is an antagonistic ogre. This Amanojaku causes trouble for Princess Uriko, a beautiful woman born of a... melon.STORY 2: 天女(てんにょ)の羽衣(はごろも) Celestial Maiden's Feathered RobeStories of beautiful celestial women coming from the sky are found in many cultures. Such legends are also common in Japan. In this story, a young man finds a way to make the Tennyo (Celestial maiden) marry him. But will it last? 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.