Makoto Magazine #95 - All the Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks
Makoto E-Zine Series #95
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.
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 1–3A 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 SpotlightA short, humorous poem with full language and cultural breakdown
Anime Phrase of the DayA real line from a popular anime, carefully unpacked for meaning, grammar, and nuance
Prefecture Spotlight: ToyamaA 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 wordplayLight, 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).
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This series is also available on Amazon.
Japanese Anime Samurai Cat in Kimono White Mug
Experience the fusion of traditional Japan with a modern anime twist in this captivating design. A warrior cat in a kimono stands valiantly amidst cherry blossoms with the sun radiating behind.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• 20 oz mug dimensions: 4.3″ (10.9 cm) in height, 3.7″ (9.3 cm) in diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Blank product sourced from China
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Japanese Anime Samurai Cat in Kimono T-Shirt
Experience the fusion of traditional Japan with a modern anime twist in this captivating design. A warrior cat in a kimono stands valiantly amidst cherry blossoms with the sun radiating behind.
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!Size guide
LENGTH (inches)
WIDTH (inches)
S
28
18
M
29
20
L
30
22
XL
31
24
2XL
32
26
3XL
33
28
LENGTH (cm)
WIDTH (cm)
S
71.1
45.7
M
73.7
50.8
L
76.2
55.9
XL
78.7
61
2XL
81.3
66
3XL
83.8
71.1
Attack of Cat Ukiyo-e Feline Invasion T-Shirt
Witness a feline colossus descend upon a cityscape in our "Attack of the Cat" design, rendered in mesmerizing ukiyo-e style. Japanese text adds an authentic touch to this whimsical cat mayhem.
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!Size guide
LENGTH (inches)
WIDTH (inches)
S
28
18
M
29
20
L
30
22
XL
31
24
2XL
32
26
3XL
33
28
LENGTH (cm)
WIDTH (cm)
S
71.1
45.7
M
73.7
50.8
L
76.2
55.9
XL
78.7
61
2XL
81.3
66
3XL
83.8
71.1
Anime ga Suki - I like Anime Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
The word "Anime" is spelled out in bold letters filled with cute anime characters against a splash of purple paint, with Japanese text that translates to "I like Anime" for a fun, upbeat design celebrating anime fandom. The lively characters encapsulate the appeal and excitement of Japanese animation. You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% ring-spun cotton • Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton • 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²) • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Size guide
LENGTH (inches)
WIDTH (inches)
S
28
18
M
29
20
L
30
22
XL
31
24
2XL
32
26
3XL
33
28
Sharaku Ukiyo-e of Actor Otani Oniji Famous Japanese Ukiyoe Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Honduras, Haiti, Mexico, or Nicaragua
Summer has come in Japanese Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
夏が来た! natsu ga kita! Summer has come. Welcome summer with Japanese and a pair of sandals. You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft and comfy. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% ringspun cotton • 4.5 oz/y² (153 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
Size guide
S
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
Length (inches)
28
29 ¼
30 ¼
31 ¼
32 ½
33 ½
Width (inches)
18
20
22
24
26
28
Love Japan Red Heart Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
Love Japan? Grab this cute design with a red heart above the Japanese characters for Japan, pronounced "nihon."
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft and comfy. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!
• 100% ringspun cotton
• 4.5 oz/y² (153 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the centerSize guide
S
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
Length (inches)
28
29 ¼
30 ¼
31 ¼
32 ½
33 ½
Width (inches)
18
20
22
24
26
28
Sakura Cherry Blossoms with Japanese Kanji Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft and comfy. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% ringspun cotton • 4.5 oz/y² (153 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
Sakura Japanese Cherry Blossoms of Japan Hiragana Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed
Promise Keeper Anime Girl White Mug
The artwork features an anime girl looking over her shoulder, embodying a pledge of commitment, highlighted by the Japanese caption "kare to no yakusoku, zettai ni mamoruwa!" (I will definitely keep my promise to him!).
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• 20 oz mug dimensions: 4.3″ (10.9 cm) in height, 3.7″ (9.3 cm) in diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Blank product sourced from China
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Promise Keeper Anime Girl T-Shirt
The artwork features an anime girl looking over her shoulder, embodying a pledge of commitment, highlighted by the Japanese caption "kare to no yakusoku, zettai ni mamoruwa!" (I will definitely keep my promise to him!).
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!Size guide
LENGTH (inches)
WIDTH (inches)
S
28
18
M
29
20
L
30
22
XL
31
24
2XL
32
26
3XL
33
28
LENGTH (cm)
WIDTH (cm)
S
71.1
45.7
M
73.7
50.8
L
76.2
55.9
XL
78.7
61
2XL
81.3
66
3XL
83.8
71.1