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.   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.

★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 two essays:  温泉 onsen - hot springs 地獄谷野猿公苑 Jigokudani - An onsen famous for its bathing monkeys 90 Pages FEATURES Includes two 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. 

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.

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)

★For Upper Beginners Learning Japanese ★Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yokai thrive in Japanese imagination. What are yokai? They are monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, and even sentient household items. Yokai can be harmless and amusing, or they can be terrifying.  Now you can learn about yokai and read stories about them while polishing your Japanese. ♥ABOUT THIS VOLUME Mermaids in Japanese are called ningyo, but unlike the Western image of a beautiful and seductive creature, the Japanese ningyo can be quite grotesque even. Sometimes the "human" part of the creature looks more bird-like or even ape-like.Ningyo usually appear at night and come from the sea. They often have amazing abilities, and eating their flesh may result in a very long, long life. 85 Pages FEATURES Includes three essays or stories 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 Each story has a slow and normal speed recording of the Japanese read by Yumi   STORIES INCLUDED  ① The Nihon Shoki and Mummies  ② The 800-Year-Old Nun  ③ Amabie   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.    If you are learning Japanese and are fascinated by yokai and traditional tales of old Japan, click the Buy Now button to begin studying now. 

This is for the physical book which will be mailed to you. If you are looking for the digital version (with no shipping charges), this book is in the Japanese History Digital Bundle. Recommended for upper beginner students of Japanese. Wondering about Japanese era names? Learn about the new Reiwa era. If you are planning to be in Japan in July, you will want to read the essay on Japan’s rainy season. Lastly, we talk about the terrifying giant hornet of Japan. Reiwa, A New Era Rainy Season in Japan Japan's Giant Hornet Get FREE Sound Files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. The download link will be emailed to you instantly upon ordering (we will also ship the physical book). Listen while reading. Each story has two MP3 versions: Read Slowly & Normal Speed FEATURES: All Japanese have furigana those starting out with kanji. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with explanation of the grammar. The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption. Kanji in Focus covers the key kanji found in each essay 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!). Includes FREE Sound files to listen while you study. Includes both normal speed and slow speed readings. You will be emailed a download link instantly after ordering (the actual physical book will also be mailed to you). While beginners to Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is required. 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!

★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. 

★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 two essays:  Mt Fuji - the most iconic mountain in Japan The Beckoning Cat - They are everywhere, greeting shoppers throughout Japan 84 Pages FEATURES Includes two 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. 

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！

For Beginning to Intermediate Students of JapaneseVocabulary through 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！

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)

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)