Paperback (Clay & Yumi's)

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 FUKUZAWA YUKICHIFukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901) was a multifaceted Japanese figure who founded Keio University, Jiji-Shinpō newspaper, and the Institute for Study of Infectious Diseases. An advocate for reform, his thoughts on government and social institutions significantly impacted Meiji-era Japan.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.

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 SHIBUSAWA EIICHIShibusawa Eiichi (1840–1931), known as the "father of Japanese capitalism," introduced Western capitalist practices to Japan post-Meiji Restoration, including double-entry accounting, joint-stock corporations, and modern banking. He is a fitting face for the 2024 10,000 yen note.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.

★For Upper Beginners Learning Japanese ★These readers are to not only help improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension but also to introduce tourist sites you may want to visit for your next Japan visit. It will also help you understand Japanese geography and culture as well. ♥ABOUT THIS VOLUME This volume includes three essays:  Japanese Sakura Trees - Learn about the tree itself and what variety makes up the majority of cherry blossom trees Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC - The fascinating story behind the U.S. capital's famous sakura trees Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots - 花見 Hanami flower viewing is very popular in Japan. But what locations are most famous for cherry blossom viewing? 105 Pages FEATURES Includes three essays Each story is presented in three formats: 1) Sentence-by-Sentence with definition and commentary below 2) Japanese only (to test your reading ability) 3) English translation (to confirm your understanding) The Sentence-by Sentence section of each story presents a small chunk of the Japanese with furigana over the kanji and a complete glossary of all the words; important grammatical patterns are pointed out and explained in plain English Find a link to download sound files for the stories (for no extra charge) on the last page of the book Or use the QR codes to scan with your phone's camera for on-demand audio Each story has a slow and normal speed recording of the Japanese read by Yumi    WHO IS THIS FOR? This book is designed so that both those fairly new to Japanese and those in the intermediate stages can equally find value. The ideal level, however, is for the upper beginner, somewhere around the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4 or N3 (intermediate).    If you are learning Japanese and look forward to your next Japan trip, click the Buy Now button to begin studying now. 

Unpacking Japanese Words Reading Mackerel and Other Curious Japanese Sayings By Clay & Yumi Boutwell Exploring Japanese word origins for learners of Japanese — Volume 1 “Wait—did you say reading mackerel?!” Yup. Welcome to the wild world of Japanese word origins. Each entry begins with the most likely etymology in Japanese, followed by the English explanation and a complete vocabulary breakdown—so you practice reading real Japanese before peeking at the English. Upper beginner to intermediate Etymology & culture Line-by-line vocab Example sentences Audio included Included digital files: The paperback purchase also includes the digital files (PDF + ePub + MP3s) at no extra charge. Save with digital: This title is also part of our discounted Vocabulary Bundle. View Vocabulary Bundle What you’ll learn Make words stick with stories Dozens of everyday (and delightfully odd) idioms, sayings, and words. Cultural and historical backstories that make phrases memorable. Line-by-line vocabulary with context and grammar notes. Example sentences for real-world usage. Audio recordings of all Japanese content—great for shadowing. Who it’s for Curious learners & word nerds Upper beginners through intermediate students. Fans of etymology, history, and language “aha!” moments. Teachers looking for bite-sized lesson content. Anyone who has ever yelled 「もしもし」 into the void. How it works Japanese first, then English Start with the Japanese etymology, use the vocabulary notes to work through it, and only then peek at the English. This keeps the reading practice front and center while giving you the story behind the words. Listen Audio samples from the book Explanation Sample: Example Sentence: Preview Read a sample right here Tip: Use the toolbar to zoom and navigate. Or open the PDF in a new tab. Ready to dive in? Unpack the stories behind Japanese words With etymology, culture notes, line-by-line vocabulary, examples, and audio, this book turns “why is it said that way?” into “oh—that makes sense now.” 153 Pages - 9798319034519 Get the Paperback See the Digital Bundle Open Sample PDF

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle. 133 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 sound files 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 eight 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 Move your Hands instead of your Mouth 「口(くち)より手(て)を動(うご)かせ！」Killing two birds with one stone 「一石二鳥(いっせきにちょう)」Preaching to deaf ears 「馬(うま)の耳(みみ)に念仏(ねんぶつ)」 Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away 「遠(とお)くの親戚(しんせき)より近(ちか)くの他人(たにん)」Full of Inconsistencies 「支離滅裂(しりめつれつ)」Best under the heavens 「天下一品(てんかいっぴん)」The Scenic Beauty 「風光明媚(ふうこうめいび)」Undoubtedly Genuinely Real 「正真正銘(しょうしんしょうめい)」   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.

NOTE: This is also available in the Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2 Bundle. 103 Pages | Includes Digital Files (Sound files and Anki deck) | 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. Kicchomu is a character often found in Japanese folktales, but he actually existed. Or rather, the character is based on a historical figure. This book contains two stories about Kicchomu. If you haven’t read our other stories staring Kicchomu, you are in for a treat. In Kicchomu and the Big Rock, Kicchomu has a big problem. There’s a big rock in his yard. Never fear! The ever clever Kicchomu has an idea how to get someone else dig it out for him. In the second story, Kicchomu accidentally sells his horse to the rice cake shop owner. How does Kicchomu get the horse back? Read and find out. 103 Pages For Upper Beginners to Intermediates Sound file recordings of story both slow and normal speed for both stories Anki deck with all the vocabulary in the stories 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 Free Anki flashcard deck for the vocabulary 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)

NOTE: This is also available in the Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2 Bundle. 108 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. Kicchomu is a character often found in Japanese folktales, but he actually existed. Or rather, the character is based on a historical figure. The two stories found in this book features Kicchomu dealing with a difficult samurai on a ferryboat and besting a master carver with his cunning rather than skill. Kicchomu's Ferryboat: きっちょむさんの渡し船【わたぶね】 The Mouse Carving: ネズミの彫り物【ほりもの】 108 Pages For Upper Beginners to Intermediates Sound file recordings of story both slow and normal speed for both stories Anki deck with all the vocabulary in the stories Japanese Reader Collection Volume 17: The Mouse Carving 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 Free Anki flashcard deck for the vocabulary 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 14 Kicchomu-san: 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. Recommended for upper beginner to intermediate level students of Japanese. BONUS! Get FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress, one read at normal speed and one read slowly. Listen while reading. The link to the MP3s is found on the last page.NOW WITH QR CODES - While you can still download the sound files with the link on the last page, we are also including handy QR codes for both the slow and normal speed recordings of the stories. Simply scan the code with the camera of your phone and the audio will begin playing in seconds. EXTRA BONUS! Included with the sound files, are PDFs of all the vocabulary and grammar points. Feel free to print these out to use while reading. 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. (The Japanese only section has no furigana so you can practice reading the story again in "real" furigana-less Japanese) 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 Japanese have furigana (printed version and Kindle version on supported devices (most new devices))* Two complete Japanese short stories. Each story is 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.* Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. THE STORIES: Kicchomu is a character very similar to another favorite of ours: Hikoichi. Kicchomu was an actual person who lived during the Edo period. However, the stories about him came much later. Like Hikoichi, Kicchomu is quick-witted and a little sneaky.This book contains two Kicchomu stories: Kicchomu and the Falling Star - Can you sweep a star from the sky with a broom? Well, Kicchomu can. Kicchomu Selling Crows - Kicchomu finds a somewhat tricky way to sell his unwanted wares 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 Now” now!

Also in: Learn Japanese with Stories — Volume 2 Bundle 🎧 Audio Sample — “Bunbuku Tea-Kettle” (Normal Speed) Your browser does not support the audio element. 📖 PDF Sample Preview Jump to Preview Open in New Tab Upper Beginner → Intermediate Learn Japanese with Stories 20 — Bunbuku Tea-Kettle（ぶんぶく茶釜ちゃがま） Paperback (5.5″ × 8.5″)  |  Digital files included (MP3s & Anki) Physical paperback ships to you. Digital downloads available immediately after purchase. MP3: slow & normal Anki deck Furigana supported Pitch-accent in deck QR codes for audio Grammar notes About This Story The classic folktale ぶんぶく茶釜（ちゃがま） features a shape-shifting tanuki who disguises itself as a tea kettle, performing delightful tricks and ultimately bringing fortune to a kind junk dealer. Morinji Temple in Tatebayashi, Gunma, preserves a version of this legend—celebrating a kettle said to pour endless tea. What You Get Short, confidence-building segments with clear explanations Two audio recordings per story: slow and normal speed Furigana for kanji (Japanese-only section has no furigana for practice) Anki deck covering most vocabulary (many with audio & pitch-accent) QR codes for instant audio playback on phone Three ways to read: GLOSS: Line-by-line running gloss with grammar notes JAPANESE ONLY: Full story without interruptions ENGLISH SUMMARY: A simple, mostly literal translation to check understanding

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 book leaves off. Eventually, this series will cover over 300 Japanese idioms in common use today. Ever wondered what it means when your mouth is 'heavy,' how to 'use people with your chin,' or what 'grinding sesame' signifies in Japanese? Uncover the meanings behind these fascinating idioms and many more. 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.

Also in: Learn Japanese with Stories — Volume 2 Bundle Upper Beginner → Intermediate Learn Japanese with Stories 19 — Kicchomu: Quick-Wit Tales 112 pages  |  Paperback (5.5″ × 8.5″)  |  Digital files included (MP3s & Anki) Physical paperback ships to you. Digital downloads available immediately after purchase. MP3: slow & normal Anki deck included Grammar notes Full JP + EN 🎧 Audio Sample — “Kicchomu and the Fire” (Normal Speed) Your browser does not support the audio element. 📖 PDF Sample Preview Jump to Preview Open in New Tab About the Stories The Kicchomu tales are classic 頓智話（とんちばなし）—quick-wit stories where a clever underdog flips the script on smug rivals. In one tale, a well-meant plan during a village crisis goes comically sideways; in another, a “mystical” horse leaves the wealthy headman speechless. Great for upper beginners to lower intermediates Read with furigana support, grammar notes, and line-by-line glosses Practice again with the all-Japanese version (no interleaved English) Confirm understanding with the full English translation Free MP3 download link is on the last page of the book (check spam if you don’t see the email). What You Get 112 pages (paperback + instant digital files) Two recordings per story: slow and normal speed Anki deck with all story vocabulary Extensive grammar notes for both stories Full Japanese text + English translation

NOTE: The digital version is found in the Beginning Japanese Phrases and Stories digital bundle. (This paperback will be shipped to you and you will also get the digital files) 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 61-90. The podcast concentrates on a single beginner-level word or phrase and then breaks down an example sentence using it. 70 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.