Japanese Reader Collection Paperbacks

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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: This is also available in the Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2 Bundle. 126 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. Hikoichi Strikes back: Enjoy two new stories about Hikoichi, that mischievous yet wise young man.  126 Pages For Beginners and Upper Beginners Hikoichi, Sitting in the Middle of Eight Hikoichi's Kappa Fishing MP3 recording of story both slow and normal speed Anki deck with all the vocabulary in the stories Japanese Reader Collection Volume 15: Hikoichi Strikes Back 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)