Learn Japanese with Yōkai
Vol. 2: The Tengu
[PAPERBACK + DIGITAL]

A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to strengthen reading and listening skills through traditional stories of old Japan.

Physical paperback • Includes free digital files for this volume (PDF + MP3 audio)

About This Volume

Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yōkai thrive in the Japanese imagination. They may appear as monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, or even everyday objects that have taken on a life of their own.

In this volume, you’ll explore the world of the tengu, legendary creatures associated with mountains and deep forests. While often mischievous or frightening, tengu are also known to show kindness and even wisdom toward humans.

Early depictions portrayed tengu as bird-like creatures. Over time, they came to be represented as ascetic mountain priests known as yamabushi. Unlike ordinary yamabushi, tengu possess unnaturally long noses, carry a scroll called the tora no maki, and wield powerful magic.

According to legend, tengu may have even taught ninjas their mysterious skills.

What This Book Includes

• Three essays / stories centered on the tengu
• Each story presented in three formats:
  ① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations
  ② Japanese-only version to test reading ability
  ③ Full English translation to confirm understanding
• Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of important grammar patterns in plain English
• Free audio downloads included (link provided on the final page of the book)
• Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi

Stories Included

1. About the Tengu
2. Origin of the Tengu
3. Tengu Stories

Who Is This Book For?

This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can find value. The ideal level, however, is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4.

If you already know basic grammar and kana and want to start reading real Japanese— with guidance—this book is a natural next step.

Interested in yōkai, folklore, and learning Japanese through stories?

Click Add to Cart and continue your journey into Japan’s mysterious mountain world.