Upper Beginner

Hear the sounds Japanese uses every day. Rain that starts ぽつぽつ, a door that shuts ばたん, a friend who bursts out laughing げらげら. Japanese is full of these sound and feeling words, and textbooks barely touch them. This book teaches 39 of the most useful in 11 themed chapters, with native audio for everything. What you get The complete book as a PDF and ePub, plus a Kobo edition: 11 chapters, 118 pages, furigana throughout 63 MP3 tracks: every word lesson, pattern drill, reading and manga scene, read by a native speaker An Anki deck of 182 sentences, each with its own audio, grouped by chapter A vocabulary cheatsheet for quick review An unlock code for the Makoto+ Japanese Explorer: all 182 sentences on the web and in the app, broken down word by word with audio Inside each chapter. A short fox-and-tanuki manga sets the scene. Each sound word gets its own lesson with example sentences, when to use it, and how it differs from its neighbors. Then pattern practice, a short reading (with and without furigana), exercises, and an answer key that translates every manga line. The chapters. Rainy Days · Summer Heat · Feeling the Cold · Soft and Satisfying Textures · Floppy Shapes and Messy Things · Everyday Actions and Sounds · Running Out of Energy · Surprise and Strong Feelings · Getting Annoyed · Smiles and Smirks · Quiet Chuckles and Loud Laughter Who it is for. Learners who read hiragana and know basic verb forms. Expanded from our Makoto magazine articles, with new examples, readings and manga. Yours to keep and download, no subscription. Delivered through your Japan Shop downloads page the moment you order. From Clay & Yumi, teaching Japanese since 2002.

Meet the kappa. Green, about the size of a small child, with a shell on its back and a dish of water balanced on its head. Almost every Japanese child can draw one. It turns up in warnings about swimming in rivers, in the name of a sushi roll, and in a proverb about how even an expert can come unstuck. This first volume of Learn Japanese with Yokai uses the kappa to carry you through three readings in real Japanese: What is the Kappa? What a kappa looks like, where it lives, why it loves cucumbers, and why a Japanese speaker might call a strong swimmer a kappa. A Kappa Mummy. A sake brewery in Saga that has been in business for nearly three hundred years, and the strange thing the family found in a box in the attic while repairing the roof in 1953. A Kappa Repays a Debt. An old folktale about a hardworking farmer, a lunchbox that will not stay where he leaves it, and the afternoon he decides to watch it closely. Every part is taught in seven passes Story introduction – a short English preview so you know where you are headed. Vocabulary – the key words in Japanese, then English, with room to repeat after a native speaker. Slow speed – the full text read slowly and clearly, every word catchable. Line by line – each Japanese sentence broken into bite-size phrases with their English meanings, then rebuilt. This is where the language really sinks in. Normal speed – the same text at natural pace. Hear how much more you catch the second time. Comprehension questions – hear the question, pause to answer out loud, then hear the answer in Japanese and in English. English version – the whole piece retold in English so you can confirm you got it. Japanese narration by native speaker Yumi Boutwell, English by Clay Boutwell: the husband-and-wife team behind TheJapanShop.com, helping people learn Japanese since 2002. What you download 24 chapter MP3s (1 hr 29 min) plus a single all-in-one MP3 Chaptered M4B audiobook file for Apple Books, BookPlayer, and other audiobook apps 6 bonus tracks: a shadowing practice track and an English-to-Japanese vocabulary review for each of the three parts The full 155-page PDF of Learn Japanese with Yokai 1: The Kappa, with furigana and vocabulary notes, so you can follow the text while you listen A short How to Listen guide No textbook needed and no pages to turn. Press play in the car or on a walk and let the repetition do the work. By the final pass you will not just follow these readings, you will own the vocabulary and grammar inside them. Perfect for upper beginners (JLPT N5 to N4) ready to move past word lists into real Japanese, and for anyone curious about the creatures that fill Japanese folklore. Digital download. Your download link arrives by email right after checkout, and your files are always available from your TheJapanShop.com downloads page.

Learn Japanese with Haiku is a set of three digital books that take seventy-five Japanese poems apart line by line. Every poem comes with furigana, a word-by-word vocabulary breakdown, the seasonal word that anchors it, an explanation written in simple modern Japanese, and an English essay on what the poem is actually doing. Audio for every poem and every explanation, with the new Chiyo-ni book narrated by Yumi. Three books today, ten planned, and everything we add is yours free. Level N4–N3 CEFR A2–B1 · upper beginner to intermediate N5 N4 N3 N2 N1 Just startingNative material Best after Genki I Furigana on every kanji Classical forms explained, not assumed From Clay & Yumi, teaching Japanese since 2002. Every poem and every explanation is recorded, and Yumi narrates the new Chiyo-ni book herself. New Series · Founding Price Seventy-five poems, taken apart word by word A haiku is seventeen syllables. That is short enough to read every single word of it and still finish in an afternoon. These three books do exactly that: the poem in Japanese with furigana, every word defined, the season word that anchors it, an explanation in simple Japanese you can actually read, and an essay in English on why the poem lands the way it does. Upper Beginner · Intermediate (N4 to N3) 3 Books · 513 Pages 75 Haiku 150 Audio Tracks PDF ePub & Kobo Anki Decks Vocabulary Cheatsheets Digital Extras Unlock Code Buy now, get all ten Three books today. Ten when the series is done. One price. This bundle is just getting started. We are building it out to ten full haiku volumes, and everyone who buys it now gets every one of them at no extra charge, however far the price climbs between now and then. The three books here sell for $6.99 each. The finished ten-book series will be worth several times what this bundle costs today. The Method What You Get for Every Single Poem Not a translation with a footnote. Each of the seventy-five poems gets its own full chapter, six or seven pages long, built the same way every time. The poem, with furigana Every kanji carries its reading, plus a romaji line so you can feel the 5-7-5 rhythm before you can read at speed. Four English translations Not one "official" version. Four, from literal to literary, so you can see how much of a haiku lives in the choices a translator makes. Every word defined A bulleted vocabulary list for the poem, with furigana and bracketed notes on grammar and etymology. Nothing is left for you to guess at. The kigo, named The seasonal word and which season it signals. This is the machinery of haiku, and once you can spot it you read every poem differently. An explanation in simple Japanese The heart of the method: the poem explained in Japanese, at a level you can handle, with furigana throughout and its own vocabulary list. This is your graded reading practice. Then an analysis in English What the poem is doing, what the poet was living through when they wrote it, and why the word order matters. Written to be read aloud, so it works as an audiobook too. Two recordings per poem The haiku is read aloud, then the Japanese explanation. 150 MP3s across the three books, plus tap-to-listen links inside the PDFs. Yumi narrates the new Chiyo-ni book, and full native-speaker audio for the other two is coming very soon, free to everyone who owns the bundle. Classical Japanese, explained These are real poems, so they use けり, なり, 垂るる, old kana. The books teach those forms as they come up instead of pretending they are not there. A quick-reference spread All twenty-five poems in one place at the back of each book with short translations, for review once you have worked through them. 75 haiku, each with its own chapter 150 recordings, poem and explanation 1,267 vocabulary words, JLPT-tagged 295 Anki cards, ready to import The Three Books One woman who gave her life to the form, and two of Japan’s most famous novelists who wrote haiku when nobody was looking. 1Book Chiyo-ni 千代尼 · 1703–1775 Fukuda Chiyo of Kaga, later the nun Chiyo-ni, was the rare Edo-period woman who made her name as a poet in her own right. In 1763 her domain chose her poems as the gift for a visiting Korean embassy. Twenty-five poems, including the morning-glory-and-well-bucket haiku that Japanese schoolchildren still recite, and her death poem. 月も見て 我はこの世を かしく哉 Her final poem. Kashiku was the word a woman wrote to close a letter — and she uses it to close her life. 2Book Akutagawa Ryūnosuke 芥川龍之介 · 1892–1927 The author of "Rashōmon" and "In a Grove," the two stories behind Kurosawa's film, and the man Japan's most prestigious literary prize is named after. Shortly before his death at thirty-five he chose seventy-seven of his own haiku for a final collection, handed out to mourners at his memorial. Many of the poems here come from it. 青蛙 おのれもペンキ ぬりたてか "Green frog — are you, too, freshly painted?" 3Book Natsume Sōseki 夏目漱石 · 1867–1916 The author of I Am a Cat, Botchan, and Kokoro, whose face was on the 1000 yen note until recently. He studied haiku seriously under Masaoka Shiki, his lifelong friend. His novels get translated and studied everywhere; his haiku mostly do not. ちらちらと 陽炎立ちぬ 猫の塚 Heat shimmer over the grave of the cat — the real one, buried under a cherry tree in 1908 with a marker reading 猫の墓. 4–10Books More poets on the way 近日公開 We are building this out to ten volumes. Every new book lands in your account free, forever, no matter what the bundle costs by then. Look Inside · Hear It Read Here is the very first poem in the Chiyo-ni book. Listen to the haiku, then to the Japanese explanation that follows it in the book, and flip through the sample pages below. 独り寝の さめて霜夜を さとりけり hitorine no | samete shimoya wo | satori keri “Sleeping alone — I wake, and the frosty night enlightens me.” Kigo: 霜夜 shimoya, a frosty night — winter. The book gives four translations of this one, then takes apart けり, the classical ending that makes the realization land. 🎧 The haiku, read by Yumi Your browser does not support the audio element. Every one of the 75 poems is recorded, poem and explanation both. 🎙️ The explanation, in simple Japanese Your browser does not support the audio element. This is the graded-reading part, and it is recorded too. ‹ Prev Page 1 / – Next › Loading sample… Trouble viewing? Open the Chiyo-ni sample PDF in a new tab. What’s Included 3 complete digital books — Chiyo-ni, Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, and Natsume Sōseki, 513 pages in total PDF, ePub, and a Kobo-ready .kepub of every book 150 audio tracks — the poem and the Japanese explanation, separately, for all 75 haiku, with Yumi narrating the Chiyo-ni book Anki flashcard decks — a poem deck for each book, plus vocabulary decks for Akutagawa (105 cards) and Sōseki (115 cards) A vocabulary cheatsheet for every book — 1,267 words in total, each tagged with its JLPT level and the poem it came from An unlock code in every book for your digital extras at MakotoPlus.com Free lifetime updates. Every new haiku volume we publish, all the way to ten, at no extra cost, plus the full native-speaker re-recording of the Akutagawa and Sōseki audio, coming very soon Buy more, save more, no coupon needed. Add two digital bundles to your cart for an automatic 5% off your entire digital order, three for 10% off, or five or more for a full 20% off everything. Who Is This For? If you have finished a first textbook — Genki I, or the equivalent — you can start here. The Japanese explanations sit around N4 to N3, everything carries furigana, and every word in every poem is defined on the page. The poems themselves are classical Japanese, which is a level nobody is at, including native speakers who have not studied it. That is the point: they are taught, not assumed. A haiku is seventeen syllables, so a form that would be forbidding in a novel is perfectly manageable one poem at a time. Already have our Japanese Culture Bundle? These are three entirely different poets from the Bashō, Buson, Issa, and Shiki books in there, in a newer and much more detailed format. Every one of our bundles includes: ✅ Multiple formats (PDF, ePub, Kobo, MP3s, plus Anki flashcard decks) ✅ One-time payment ✅ Discounted versus buying each book separately ✅ Free lifetime updates to this bundle ✅ Instant download, no waiting ✅ Satisfaction guaranteed. If it’s too easy or too hard, tell us and we’ll swap it for a better-suited bundle or refund you. Instant access: your download links are ready the moment you order, and you can always come back for the newest versions by logging in here with your email and any of your order numbers. ➡️ Need help opening the eBooks? Follow the steps in our eBook guide. 俳句で日本語を学ぼう！ Let’s learn Japanese through haiku.

Japan's Jidai Vol 5: About the Sengoku and Edo Periods is a Japanese reader with full furigana and native audio, pitched at the intermediate level, past the point where most graded readers leave off. Bilingual on the page: the Japanese text with a full English translation, vocabulary and grammar notes. 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 Vol 4: About the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods is a Japanese reader with full furigana and native audio, pitched at the intermediate level, past the point where most graded readers leave off. Bilingual on the page: the Japanese text with a full English translation, vocabulary and grammar notes. 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.

Japan's Jidai Vol 3: About the Nara and Heian Periods is a Japanese reader with full furigana and native audio, pitched at the intermediate level, past the point where most graded readers leave off. Bilingual on the page: the Japanese text with a full English translation, vocabulary and grammar notes. Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 3: Nara & Heian Periods Experience Japan’s golden age—poetry, palaces, and power shifts—while mastering Japanese. Includes paperback + digital bundle (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki flashcards). Upper-Beginner Friendly Guided, approachable readings with smooth difficulty. Line-by-Line Support Japanese text + vocabulary and grammar notes for every line. Audio via QR Codes Listen to native recordings for shadowing and pronunciation. Anki Flashcards Included Reinforce vocabulary anywhere with the downloadable deck. What You’ll Learn Nara Period: Buddhism under imperial patronage, monumental temples, and early state reforms. Heian Period: Refined court culture, waka poetry, and shifting political power through regency and marriages. Cultural Legacy: How these eras forged Japan’s literary and artistic foundations. Inside the Book Line-by-Line Reader: Clear passages with vocabulary and grammar breakdowns. Furigana Support: Build kanji confidence while reading. English Translations: Check comprehension at the end. Audio Access: Scan QR codes to stream or download MP3s. What’s Included Beautiful paperback mailed to you Instant download link after purchase (PDF + MP3 + Anki deck) Furigana and line-by-line notes English translations for deeper comprehension Who It’s For Learners at the upper-beginner level who want meaningful reading practice and cultural depth—with full support for understanding every line. Step into Japan’s golden age—your paperback purchase includes the complete digital bundle (PDF, MP3, and Anki). Download link delivered immediately after checkout. Details Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 3) Focus: Nara & Heian Periods Level: Upper Beginner 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 furigana included? Yes—furigana is provided to support kanji reading. Use the full-text section and English translations to test comprehension. Can I use the Anki deck on mobile? Absolutely. The deck works great with AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile for on-the-go study.

Japan's Jidai Vol 2: The Kofun & Asuka Periods is a Japanese reader with full furigana and native audio, pitched at the intermediate level, past the point where most graded readers leave off. Bilingual on the page: the Japanese text with a full English translation, vocabulary and grammar notes. Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 2: Kofun & Asuka Periods Uncover Japan’s ancient power struggles and spiritual awakening—while improving your Japanese! Includes paperback + digital files (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki flashcards). Upper Beginner–Intermediate Level Ideal for learners seeking real Japanese reading practice with cultural depth. Line-by-Line Support Every Japanese line comes with vocabulary and grammar explanations. Audio via QR Codes Listen to native speakers for better pronunciation and listening comprehension. Anki Flashcards Included Reinforce vocabulary on the go with the downloadable Anki deck. What You’ll Learn Kofun Period: Explore the rise of powerful clans and their monumental keyhole-shaped tombs guarded by haniwa clay figures. Asuka Period: Witness Japan’s first political reforms, the spread of Buddhism, and the visionary leadership of Empress Suiko and Prince Shōtoku. Cultural Foundations: Understand how these eras shaped Japan’s political identity, religion, and art. Inside the Book Line-by-Line Reader: Clear Japanese text with vocabulary and grammar breakdowns. Furigana Support: Every kanji is supported by furigana for smooth reading. Full English Translations: Check comprehension at the end of each section. Audio Access: Stream or download MP3s via QR codes. What’s Included Beautiful paperback book shipped to you Instant download link (PDF + MP3 audio + Anki flashcard deck) Line-by-line Japanese with grammar notes Furigana and English translations Who It’s For Learners from upper-beginner to intermediate levels who want to explore Japanese history through meaningful, structured reading—complete with full linguistic support. Step into Japan’s formative centuries—where myth meets history. Your paperback purchase includes the complete digital bundle (PDF, MP3, and Anki deck). Details Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 2) Focus: Kofun & Asuka Periods Level: Upper Beginner – Intermediate Includes: Paperback + PDF + MP3 + Anki Flashcards Publisher: Kotoba Books When will I receive the digital files? You’ll receive a download link immediately after purchase. Your paperback will ship soon after. Are the QR codes in the book active? Yes—each QR code links directly to the matching MP3 audio for the passage you’re reading. Can I use the Anki deck on my phone? Absolutely! The deck works perfectly on AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile apps for on-the-go study.

Japan's Jidai Vol 1: Jōmon & Yayoi Periods is a Japanese reader with full furigana and native audio, pitched at the intermediate level, past the point where most graded readers leave off. Bilingual on the page: the Japanese text with a full English translation, vocabulary and grammar notes. Japan’s Jidai Series Vol. 1: Jōmon & Yayoi Periods Discover Japan’s earliest civilizations—and build real Japanese reading skill—with a clear, learner-friendly reader crafted for upper beginners. Upper-Beginner Friendly Real history, approachable language, smooth difficulty curve. Line-by-Line Support Japanese text plus vocabulary and grammar notes for each line. Audio via QR Codes Listen to native recordings for shadowing and pronunciation. Anki Flashcards Included Reinforce vocabulary on the go with the downloadable deck. What You’ll Learn Jōmon Culture: Pottery, lifeways, and early spiritual practices that shaped prehistoric Japan. Yayoi Transformation: Rice cultivation, metal tools, and social shifts that set the stage for early statehood. Cultural Evolution: How Jōmon and Yayoi developments influenced later Japanese history and identity. Inside the Book Line-by-Line Reader: Clear Japanese passages with vocabulary and grammar notes. Furigana Support: Read confidently while growing kanji recognition. Full English Translations: Review and confirm comprehension at the end. Audio Access: Scan QR codes to stream or download native recordings. What’s Included Primary reader (digital and/or paperback, depending on option selected) MP3 audio via QR codes Downloadable Anki deck for vocabulary review Vocabulary lists and focused grammar explanations Who It’s For Learners at the upper-beginner to lower-intermediate level who want meaningful reading practice, cultural depth, and guided support to understand every line with confidence. Travel back to ancient Japan—and move your Japanese forward. Add Volume 1 to your library and start reading today. Details Series: Japan’s Jidai (Volume 1) Focus: Jōmon & Yayoi Periods (prehistoric to proto-historic Japan) Level: Upper Beginner / Lower Intermediate Formats: Paperback and Digital (PDF + MP3 + Anki deck) Publisher: Kotoba Books Is the audio included? Yes. You'll receive all the digital files immediately in addition to having the paperback shipped to you. Scan the QR codes inside the book to access native MP3 recordings for listening, shadowing, and review. Do I need to know a lot of kanji? Furigana is provided to support kanji reading. As you gain confidence, try the full-text sections and check the English translations at the end. Is there a flashcard deck? Yes. A downloadable Anki deck is included to reinforce vocabulary from the reader.

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

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 YAMAHA TORAKUSUYamaha Torakusu, born April 20, 1851, was the visionary founder of Yamaha Corporation, known for pioneering Japan's first reed organs. His company, originally called Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. in Hamamatsu, crafted organs, pianos, and harmonicas. In tribute to his legacy, the company was later renamed the Yamaha Corporation. Yamaha passed away on August 8, 1916, leaving a significant mark on musical instrument manufacturing.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.