Makoto E-Zine Series #95
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
Makoto Japanese Language & Culture Magazine Issue 95 (January 2026)
Fun, story-driven reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese
Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue blends short stories, language lessons, cultural notes, humor, and native-audio recordings—designed to make Japanese feel alive, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable.
In this issue (January 2026, Issue 95):
This month marks the official start of Frank and the Obaasan: Season 3—and things immediately get weirder.
Frank is still an alien trying to survive everyday life in Japan. Obaasan is still calm, terrifyingly capable, and one step ahead of everyone. Season 3 raises the language level slightly from Season 1, leaning into upper-beginner Japanese, while doubling down on humor, misunderstandings, and cultural friction. To match this shift, the opening chapters have been reworked and reformatted to make the language clearer, more supportive, and easier to study.
Across three episodes in this issue, Frank faces new bureaucratic realities, a deceptively normal Japanese word, and a misunderstanding that spirals far beyond what anyone intended. It’s fun, a little stupid, and—by design—stupidly funny.
Highlights include:
-
Frank and the Obaasan: Season 3, Episodes 1–3
A refreshed and reformatted start to the new season, written at an upper-beginner level with clearer structure, vocabulary notes, and study support -
Onomatopoeia Focus: Japanese Laughter
あはは, にやにや, げらげら, どはは and more—how Japanese expresses laughter across moods, personalities, and situations -
Grammar Time!: ぜひ
What ぜひ really means in natural Japanese, and how it’s actually used in conversation -
Vocabulary Spotlight: 思う壺
“Just as planned”—an idiom that captures intention, manipulation, and satisfaction all at once -
Kanji Focus: 話 (JLPT N5)
Meanings, readings, example words, and usage centered around one of the most foundational kanji in Japanese -
Haiku / Senryū Spotlight
A short, humorous poem with full language and cultural breakdown -
Anime Phrase of the Day
A real line from a popular anime, carefully unpacked for meaning, grammar, and nuance -
Prefecture Spotlight: Toyama
A look at geography, culture, and regional flavor beyond the usual tourist path -
Etymology Corner: だめ
Where this extremely common word comes from—and why it feels the way it does -
Jokes, riddles, and wordplay
Light, enjoyable reading that still reinforces real Japanese
Includes:
-
73-page PDF and ePub formats
-
MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed)
-
Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access
-
Integration with Makoto+ Sentence Explorer for interactive reading, audio, furigana-on-demand, translations, notes, and vocabulary tracking
Perfect for learners who enjoy Japanese through stories, humor, and culture—and who want material that’s fun first, but secretly very effective.
🔊 Instant Audio Immersion: Scan the QR codes throughout the magazine to hear native recordings on the spot.
🎁 Free Bonus Materials: Sound files, Anki flashcards, and Sentence Explorer integration are all included at no extra cost.
➡️ How to Read: Follow our step-by-step eBook guide if you’re new to digital reading.
❝Makoto is a wonderful magazine that blends language learning with culture, history, and fun. Each issue feels like a guided tour through Japan’s words, traditions, and hidden gems.❞
🛒 Start your journey today: Download instantly and join thousands of learners who look forward to Makoto every month!
NOTE:
- Digital and Print Versions Available (print on Amazon, digital here).
- Digital version downloads are instant—no waiting.
- No Dropbox account required. Download directly on PC/Mac or access files on mobile.
- If you don’t see your email right away, check your spam folder or contact us.
- This series is also available on Amazon.
Previous Product
Next Product
