Makoto Magazine #96 - All the Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks

Makoto E-Zine Series #96

Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.

Makoto Japanese Language & Culture Magazine Issue 96 (February 2026)

Fun, story-driven reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese

Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue blends short stories, language lessons, cultural notes, humor, and native-audio recordings—designed to make Japanese feel alive, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable.

In this issue (February 2026, Issue 96):

This month’s issue brings three very different reading experiences together: a true beginner-friendly story, a continued chapter in Frank and the Obaasan’s increasingly chaotic life in Japan, and a classic Japanese folktale retold with learners in mind.

The language range is intentionally wide. Absolute beginners get carefully scaffolded reading practice, while upper-beginner learners get more natural sentence flow, real-world vocabulary, and cultural context that rewards slower, thoughtful reading.

Highlights include:

• Beginner Story: Super"man"
  A gentle, confidence-building story written entirely for beginners. Presented in multiple formats, including a hiragana-only version with spacing, making it ideal for early reading practice.
• Frank and the Obaasan: Season 3, Episode 4
  Frank faces a very human challenge: paperwork. This episode raises the language level slightly while maintaining clear structure, humor, and full study support, including line-by-line breakdowns, translations, and Japanese-only reading.
• The Magical Listening Hood (聞き耳ずきん)
  A classic Japanese folktale retold in accessible Japanese, with both Japanese-only and translated versions. Designed to help learners experience traditional storytelling without being overwhelmed by archaic language.
• Japanese Grammar: あとで
  A practical grammar feature explaining how あとで is actually used in everyday Japanese, with clear examples and usage patterns.
• Onomatopoeia Focus: Japanese Laughter
  にやにや, にやり, くくく, ひひひ, and more. A deeper look at how Japanese expresses laughter, mood, and personality through sound-symbolic words.
• Kanji Spotlight: 食 (JLPT N5)
  Meanings, readings, example words, and usage centered on one of the most essential kanji related to eating and daily life.
• Japanese Saying: 熱をあげる
  A useful expression meaning to become obsessed or infatuated, with explanation and example usage.
• Prefecture Spotlight: Aichi
  An introduction to Aichi Prefecture, including cultural notes and practical vocabulary.
• Etymology Corner: 一肌脱ぐ
  The origin and imagery behind this common expression meaning to go out of one’s way to help someone.
• Anime Phrase of the Month
  A real line from a popular anime, carefully unpacked for meaning, nuance, and natural usage.
• Haiku Spotlight
  A short seasonal poem with vocabulary, translation, and cultural explanation.
• Jokes, riddles, and wordplay
  Light reading that reinforces real Japanese in an approachable way.

Includes:

• 85 pages (Print)

• 30 MP3 audio files

• Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access

• Integration with Makoto+ Sentence Explorer for interactive reading, audio playback, furigana-on-demand, translations, notes, and vocabulary tracking

Perfect for learners who want Japanese that feels human, readable, and fun, without sacrificing clarity or study support.

🔊 Instant Audio Immersion: Scan the QR codes throughout the magazine to hear native recordings on the spot.

🎁 Free Bonus Materials: Sound files, Anki flashcards, and Sentence Explorer integration are all included at no extra cost.

➡️ How to Read: Follow our step-by-step eBook guide if you’re new to digital reading.

🛒 Start your journey today: Download instantly and join thousands of learners who look forward to Makoto every month!