Japan's Jidai Vol 4: About the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods [PAPERBACK]
Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 4: Kamakura & Muromachi Periods
Unravel the age of the samurai—shoguns, Zen, and iconic arts—while improving your Japanese. Includes paperback + digital bundle (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki flashcards).
Upper Beginner–Intermediate
Real history with approachable language and a smooth difficulty curve.
Line-by-Line Support
Each Japanese line includes vocabulary and grammar explanations.
Audio via QR Codes
Stream or download native recordings for listening and shadowing.
Anki Deck Included
Reinforce key vocabulary anywhere with the bundled deck.
What You’ll Learn
Kamakura Period: The rise of the samurai, shogunate politics, and the Mongol invasions that shaped national identity.
Muromachi Period: Zen aesthetics, Noh theater, and cultural brilliance set against an era of shifting power.
Language Growth: Read authentic-style passages with built-in vocabulary and grammar insights to deepen understanding.
Inside the Book
Line-by-Line Reader: Clear Japanese text with detailed notes beneath each line.
Furigana Support: Build kanji confidence while reading.
English Translations: Review and confirm comprehension at the end.
Audio Access: Scan QR codes to listen at normal and slow speeds.
What’s Included
Beautiful paperback shipped to you
Instant download link after purchase (PDF + MP3 audio + Anki deck)
Furigana and line-by-line notes
English translations for deeper comprehension
Who It’s For
Learners from upper-beginner to intermediate who want structured, meaningful reading about Japanese history—with full linguistic support.
Step into the samurai era—your paperback purchase includes the complete digital bundle (PDF, MP3, and Anki). Download link delivered immediately after checkout.
Details
Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 4)
Focus: Kamakura & Muromachi Periods
Level: Upper Beginner – Intermediate
Includes: Paperback + PDF + MP3 + Anki Flashcards
Publisher: TheJapanShop.com
When will 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 this suitable if I’m new to history topics?
Yes—each passage is supported line-by-line with vocabulary and grammar notes, plus furigana and English translations for clarity.
Can I use the Anki deck on my phone?
Absolutely—works great with AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile for on-the-go study.
Yonde Miyo~! Volume 4 - 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.
In this volume:
STORY 1 TAIYAKI
STORY 2 MITARASHI DANGO
STORY 3 JAPANESE PANCAKES
STORY 4 JAPANESE DIALECTS
STORY 5 COLD MEALS
STORY 6 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DAY
STORY 7 SPORTS DAY
STORY 8 JAPANESE NAMES
STORY 9 GENERAL CLEANING
STORY 10 MOTIVATION
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 Names - A Crash Course on Learning Japanese First and Last Names [Paperback]
Thoroughly learn the top 100 family and over a hundred given names (male and female) through kanji studies, worksheets, and Anki flashcard decks.
This is the paperback version, but it also includes the eBook ePub, Anki flashcard, PDF worksheets, and MP3 sound files as a download for no extra charge. You'll receive the download link immediately after purchase and the physical paperback will mailed to you.
If you would like just the eBook version, please purchase our Japanese Culture Bundle by clicking here.
Japanese names are difficult.
Challenging kanji, atypical pronunciations, and lengthy syllable sequences can make Japanese names a hurdle for English-speaking students of the language.
If you are serious about learning Japanese, Japanese names is a subject you simply can't ignore.
Want to make Japanese friends? Having a thorough understanding of names will help. Want to enjoy Japanese movies, TV, or novels? If this fits your description, this book is for you.
And with a little concentrated study, you can learn the most common family and given names.
In this book, we'll thoroughly study the top 100 family and over a hundred given names (male and female) through kanji studies, worksheets, and Anki flashcard decks.
152 Pages
Learn the most common 100 family names today
Over a hundred given names (male and female)
Master the most common kanji and the most common readings found in Japanese names
Download Anki decks, sound files, and worksheets for no extra charge.
Imagine being introduced to Mr. Saitou. After going through this book, you ask him, "Is that a Saitou with a 斉 or a 斎?" Mr. Saitou (whether 斉藤 or 斎藤) will truly be impressed.
This book is based on a much more in-depth online course at Makoto+. If you want extra practice plus hundreds of famous names (historical, actors, actresses, musicians, singers, and more), please check out the course here:
https://makotoplus.com/makoto-courses/japanese-names-course/
It’s free for Shogun and Lifetime members.
Samurai members can find a deeply discounted coupon in the members' section. Or you can purchase the course without being a member.
Learn Japanese through Memes Volume 2 [Paperback]
For Beginning to Intermediate Students of JapaneseVocabulary through Memes Volume 2 - 50 More MemesMemes. They are everywhere these days. A meme is most often an humorous image with text that is spread rapidly by internet users. We think funny memes can be a good way to learn vocabulary and Japanese sentence structure.The memes found in this collection were posted on our Instagram over the past few years and have been edited and expanded for this book.The sentences found in this collection may or may not be beginner level, but every word and grammar point is explained so even beginners can understand. Nearly all examples are very casual, and while mostly suitable for using around friends, it isn’t recommended for use with people you’ve just met.If you find a sentence you like, try memorizing it so you can plug and play other words to use the form in different contexts.The sentences are short and represent natural Japanese you may not find in regular Japanese textbooks.Who is this for?Any student of Japanese wanting to improve Japanese vocabulary and an understanding of casual Japanese sentence structure.
What's included?
50 memes with funny sayings in Japanese
Example sentences
Literal and more natural translations so you can gain a better understanding of Japanese sentence structure.
Every word defined and grammar explained
Download sound files of every sentence read both slowly and at normal speed - No extra charge - Link found in the back of the book
As with any of our books, you'll find the authors' email in the book. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to help, if we can.がんばってください!
Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 11: Kachi Kachi Yama [Paperback]
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.
96 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback
Japanese Reader Collection Volume 11 Kachi Kachi Yama: 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.
Kachi Kachi Yama, a traditional Japanese folktale 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)
Kachi Kachi YamaThis is a story about a nasty raccoon who gets what he deserves. Since this is a long story, we are cutting it into three parts.
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 Vol 5: About the Sengoku and Edo Periods [PAPERBACK]
Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 5: Sengoku & Edo Periods
Discover the chaos and calm of feudal Japan—battles, shoguns, tea ceremony, and city life—while building real Japanese skills. Includes paperback + digital bundle (PDF, MP3 audio, Anki flashcards).
Upper Beginner–Intermediate
Engaging history with approachable Japanese and a smooth difficulty curve.
Line-by-Line Support
Each line includes vocabulary and grammar explanations.
Audio via QR Codes
Professionally recorded MP3s at slow and natural speeds.
Anki Deck Included
Reinforce key vocabulary on the go with the bundled deck.
What You’ll Learn
Sengoku (“Warring States”) Period: Civil war, strategy, and unification under leaders like Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Edo Period: Peace, city culture, and refined arts—from tea ceremony and kabuki to ukiyo-e prints.
Language Growth: Authentic-style passages plus built-in notes to deepen reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
Inside the Book
Triple-Format Essays: Line-by-line (JP + notes), Japanese-only, and full English translations.
Furigana Support: Build kanji confidence as you read.
Audio Access: Scan QR codes to stream or download MP3s (slow & natural).
What’s Included
Beautiful paperback shipped to you
Instant download link after purchase (PDF + MP3 audio + Anki deck)
Line-by-line notes, furigana, and English translations
Who It’s For
Learners from upper-beginner to intermediate who want structured, meaningful reading on Japan’s age of upheaval and unity—with full linguistic support.
Your paperback purchase includes the complete digital bundle (PDF, MP3, and Anki). The download link is delivered immediately after checkout; the paperback ships soon after.
Details
Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 5)
Focus: Sengoku & Edo Periods
Level: Upper Beginner – Intermediate
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 this suitable if I’m new to history topics?
Yes—each passage has line-by-line notes, furigana, and full English translations to keep you moving with confidence.
Can I use the Anki deck on my phone?
Absolutely—works great with AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile for on-the-go review.
Beginning Japanese Phrases Volume 2 [Paperback]
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 learn useful phrases you can actually use in conversation?
Beginning Japanese Phrases 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.
This series is based on a weekly podcast we produce called (unimaginatively) Beginning Japanese Phrases. See here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/
This book contains the data and actual podcast files for episodes 31-60.
The podcast concentrates on a single beginner-level word or phrase and then breaks down an example sentence using it.
74 Pages
Includes the digital files (PDF, ePub, and MOBI)
Includes all example sentence sound files
Includes all podcast sound files
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.
Beginning Japanese Phrases Volume 1 [Paperback]
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 learn useful phrases you can actually use in conversation?
Beginning Japanese Phrases 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.
This series is based on a weekly podcast we produce called (unimaginatively) Beginning Japanese Phrases. See here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/
This book contains the data and actual podcast files for the first 30 episodes.
The podcast concentrates on a single beginner-level word or phrase and then breaks down an example sentence using it.
78 Pages
Includes the digital files (PDF, ePub, and MOBI)
Includes all example sentence sound files
Includes all podcast sound files
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.
Akutagawa’s The Trolley Cart (トロッコ) – Japanese Reader [PAPERBACK]
Akutagawa’s トロッコ — The Trolley Cart (Japanese Reader)
DISCOVERING AKUTAGAWA’S トロッコ — A literature-first reader for intermediate students of Japanese, with furigana/no-furigana versions and sentence-by-sentence breakdowns.
Level: Intermediate • Pages: 135 • ISBN: 9798306992075
Furigana & No-Furigana Line-by-line vocab & grammar Literal English translation Audio via QR codes Anki + eBook downloads
Included digital files: The paperback purchase also includes the digital files (PDF + ePub + MP3s) at no extra charge. Scan the in-book QR codes to hear native audio instantly.
What’s inside
Made for reading real literature—without getting lost
Versions with and without furigana: Build confidence, then test yourself.
Sentence-by-sentence breakdowns: Vocabulary, grammar, and cultural notes for every sentence.
Literal English translation: Track meaning while appreciating Akutagawa’s prose.
Audio through QR codes: Native read-aloud for immersive practice (no app install required).
Study materials included: Downloadable Anki decks and eBooks (PDF/ePub), plus audio—no extra cost.
About the story
Childhood wonder and self-discovery
トロッコ follows Ryōhei, a boy fascinated by the handcars used in railway construction. What begins as a thrilling adventure becomes a poignant realization of his own limits—told in clear yet evocative prose that rewards close reading.
Why this reader
Bridge classic literature and language growth
Carefully graded scaffolding—furigana, granular notes, and literal translation—lets you enjoy Akutagawa’s craft while steadily improving your kanji, syntax awareness, and reading stamina.
Preview
Read a sample right here
Tip: Use the toolbar to zoom and navigate. Or open the PDF in a new tab.
Ready to read?
Uncover the story—master the language
Whether you’re exploring Akutagawa’s themes or polishing your kanji and parsing skills, this reader gives you everything you need to grow with authentic literature.
Get the Paperback Open Sample PDF
Japanese Kanji Reading Practice for JLPT N5 - Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 [Paperback]
Japanese Kanji Reading Practice for JLPT N5
For beginners who know the basics and want to master readings in context—no tedious writing drills required. Learn to recognize and pronounce kanji accurately with short, practical readings and targeted practice.
JLPT N5 Kanji readings in context Themed lessons (numbers · time · directions) Practice activities MP3 audio included Beginner friendly
Tip: Prefer digital? This title is often included in discounted digital bundles (PDF + ePub + MP3s).
View JLPT N5 Digital Options
What you will get
Focused kanji reading practice—made simple
Practical essays: See the kanji come to life in real-world scenarios.
Interactive activities: Quizzes, matching, and more to lock in readings.
Repetition with purpose: Key kanji and vocabulary recur to build confidence.
Audio support: Free MP3s for all Japanese essays (download link will be emailed to you immediately after purchasing the paperback).
For learners who know the basics: Not a kanji primer—this is reading practice.
How it works
Read, pronounce, and confirm
Start with a themed lesson (numbers, time, directions, etc.).
Read the short essay and focus on kanji readings in context.
Use the practice activities to check and reinforce recognition.
Listen to the MP3s to solidify pronunciation.
Who it’s for
JLPT N5 and early readers
If you’ve learned basic kanji and want to get comfortable reading them, this book is for you—perfect for exam prep or general study without writing drills.
Support: The last page includes the download link and our email. If you have any trouble, reach out—we’ll help as quickly as possible.
Preview
Read a sample right here
Tip: Use the toolbar to zoom and navigate. Or open the PDF in a new tab.
Designed for success
Confident progress toward JLPT N5
With its practical focus, friendly layout, and comprehensive practice tools, this book helps you master kanji readings with confidence—whether you’re taking the JLPT N5 or improving your everyday reading skills.
ありがとうございます!Here’s to your success in learning Japanese.
Yonde Miyo~! Volume 5 - 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.
In this volume:
STORY 1 SETSUBUN
STORY 2 HINAMATSURI
STORY 3 JAPANESE SCHOOLS
STORY 4 CHILDREN'S DAY
STORY 5 SHIKKE
STORY 6 OPENING THE BEACHES
STORY 7 SIGNAGE
STORY 8 TOMOKOROSHI
STORY 9 KANNAZUKI
STORY 10 KOHARUBIYORI
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.
101 Common Japanese Idioms Volume 3
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! This item is included in a digital bundle at a discount. If you would like the eBook version (PDF and ePub) and the MP3s sound files, please see our discounted bundles here - Japanese Vocabulary Booster Value Pack
WHICH FORMAT SHOULD I GET?Paperback: Requires shipping but you also instantly get the digital filesDigital Download: Get instant access of the ebook and sound files
Discover 101 more Japanese idioms.This book picks up where our first and second books leave off. This adds another 101 for a total of 303 useful idioms.
In this volume, we continue our exploration of Japanese idioms, categorizing them into four thematic sections:
Part 1: Body Part IdiomsPart 2: Animal IdiomsPart 3: Personality and Behavior IdiomsPart 4: Situational Idioms
Each idiom is thoroughly explained, providing:
• The expression in Japanese and its figurative English translation• The literal meaning and common usage• Etymology and cultural background where available• An example sentence showcasing the idiom in context• A comprehensive vocabulary breakdown of the example sentence
While this book is immensely beneficial even for beginners, hiragana and a basic understanding of Japanese sentence structure are required.
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, sound files for all the examples found in this book. Use these files to practice your pronunciation and listening.
In addition, we are also including a free Anki flashcard deck with sound of all the idioms found in the collection. Anki is a free flashcard software that will help you quickly remember these idioms.
In this edition, we've eliminated all Rōmaji (Roman letters) and limited Furigana (the small Hiragana over Kanji) to its first occurrence in each lesson. This approach may challenge beginners, but it's our way of ensuring your success in Japanese - consider it 'tough love. Our goal is your success in mastering Japanese. Early reliance on Rōmaji and Furigana can impede long-term progress.We advocate for learning vocabulary in its proper context as the most effective method. Every idiom is followed by an example sentence and a paragraph or two explaining the context and usage.To further support your learning journey, we're offering an exceptional collection of bonus materials:
300+ Sound Files
Anki Flashcard Deck
ePub and PDF versions of the book
For each idiom, we provide three accompanying sound files. All sound files have been recorded by native Japanese 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. The download link for the complimentary sound files is located on the book's last page.
Don't wait any longer to enrich your Japanese vocabulary. Give your Japanese vocabulary a boost with 101 More Common Japanese Idioms now.
