Gokaku Dekiru JLPT N2 with CDs
$56.00
This book practices all parts of the JLPT N2 level. It includes two CDs for the listening section. This is a practice test book and not necessarily a study guide. It doesn't have a lot of explanation (it does have some hints), but it is great for determining your strengths and weaknesses and that will help you prepare for the test. The best thing is it will provide a lot of practice for you.
183 Pages with a 28 page Answer Key
ISBN 978-4-7574-1882-0
Bring it on! in Japanese Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
$39.00
This makes for a great staple t-shirt. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% ringspun cotton • 4.5 oz (153 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center Model is wearing a size M. He's 6.2 feet (190 cm) tall, chest circumference 37.7" (96 cm), waist circumference 33.4" (85 cm).
Baka Funny Japanese Stupid Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
$39.00
This makes for a great staple t-shirt. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% ringspun cotton • 4.5 oz (153 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center Model is wearing a size M. He's 6.2 feet (190 cm) tall, chest circumference 37.7" (96 cm), waist circumference 33.4" (85 cm).
Akutagawa’s The Trolley Cart (トロッコ) – Japanese Reader [PAPERBACK]
$24.00
Akutagawa’s トロッコ — The Trolley Cart (Japanese Reader)
DISCOVERING AKUTAGAWA’S トロッコ — A literature-first reader for intermediate students of Japanese, with furigana/no-furigana versions and sentence-by-sentence breakdowns.
Level: Intermediate • Pages: 135 • ISBN: 9798306992075
Furigana & No-Furigana Line-by-line vocab & grammar Literal English translation Audio via QR codes Anki + eBook downloads
Included digital files: The paperback purchase also includes the digital files (PDF + ePub + MP3s) at no extra charge. Scan the in-book QR codes to hear native audio instantly.
What’s inside
Made for reading real literature—without getting lost
Versions with and without furigana: Build confidence, then test yourself.
Sentence-by-sentence breakdowns: Vocabulary, grammar, and cultural notes for every sentence.
Literal English translation: Track meaning while appreciating Akutagawa’s prose.
Audio through QR codes: Native read-aloud for immersive practice (no app install required).
Study materials included: Downloadable Anki decks and eBooks (PDF/ePub), plus audio—no extra cost.
About the story
Childhood wonder and self-discovery
トロッコ follows Ryōhei, a boy fascinated by the handcars used in railway construction. What begins as a thrilling adventure becomes a poignant realization of his own limits—told in clear yet evocative prose that rewards close reading.
Why this reader
Bridge classic literature and language growth
Carefully graded scaffolding—furigana, granular notes, and literal translation—lets you enjoy Akutagawa’s craft while steadily improving your kanji, syntax awareness, and reading stamina.
Preview
Read a sample right here
Tip: Use the toolbar to zoom and navigate. Or open the PDF in a new tab.
Ready to read?
Uncover the story—master the language
Whether you’re exploring Akutagawa’s themes or polishing your kanji and parsing skills, this reader gives you everything you need to grow with authentic literature.
Get the Paperback Open Sample PDF
Unpacking Japanese Words: Reading Mackerel and Other Curious Japanese Sayings [PAPERBACK]
$24.00
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
Makoto Magazine #92 - All the Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks
$11.00
Makoto E-Zine Series #92
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.
Makoto Japanese Language & Culture Magazine Issue 92 (October 2025)Your monthly passport to Japan’s language, culture, and timeless stories.
Each month, Makoto delivers fun, culturally rich content for learners of Japanese. Short articles, cultural notes, grammar lessons, etymology deep-dives, jokes, and professionally recorded native audio make studying Japanese engaging, memorable, and something to look forward to.
Discover the timeless folktale The Straw Millionaire, learn why Nintendo’s name means “leaving luck to heaven,” explore autumn onomatopoeia, and enjoy jokes, haiku, grammar tips, and more in this month’s issue.
✨ Highlights of Issue 92:
Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns
Vocabulary: 玉にきず
Prefecture Spotlight: Gifu
Etymology: 任天堂(にんてんどう)
Anime Phrase of the Day
Onomatopoeia: Cool evenings
Haiku : Masaoka Shiki
Kanji Spotlight: 車
Grammar Time! ~なさい
Japanese Readers: Frank & the Obaasan (beginner) + The Straw Millionaire (Intermediate)
📦 What’s Included:
68-page PDF & ePub formats
36 MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed)
Anki flashcard deck for beginner story vocabulary
Scan-and-listen QR codes for instant mobile audio playback
Makoto+ Sentence Explorer integration for interactive reading
Why you’ll love Makoto:Every issue blends authentic Japanese with helpful explanations, giving you the tools to grow your reading, listening, and cultural understanding. Whether you’re revisiting folktales you’ve heard before or discovering new words like ちやほや, each page is designed to spark joy and deepen your knowledge.
🔊 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.
❝Makoto is a wonderful magazine that blends language learning with culture, history, and fun. Each issue feels like a guided tour through Japan’s words, traditions, and hidden gems.❞
🛒 Start your journey today: Download instantly and join thousands of learners who look forward to Makoto every month!
NOTE:
Digital and Print Versions Available (print on Amazon, digital here).
Digital version downloads are instant—no waiting.
No Dropbox account required. Download directly on PC/Mac or access files on mobile.
If you don’t see your email right away, check your spam folder or contact us.
This series is also available on Amazon.
Makoto Magazine #91 - All the Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks
$11.00
Makoto E-Zine Series #91
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.
Makoto Japanese Language & Culture Magazine Issue 91 (September 2025)Your monthly passport to Japan’s language, culture, and timeless stories.
Each month, Makoto delivers fun, culturally rich content for learners of Japanese. Short articles, cultural notes, grammar lessons, etymology deep-dives, jokes, and professionally recorded native audio make studying Japanese engaging, memorable, and something to look forward to.
This month’s theme: The gentle turning of the seasons — the fading chorus of summer cicadas, the hush of autumn breezes, and a folktale that has touched generations: Tsuru no Ongaeshi (“The Crane’s Return of Gratitude”).
✨ Highlights of Issue 91:
Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns – playful Japanese that proves learning doesn’t have to be serious
Vocabulary Spotlight: 首を長くする – “to crane one’s neck” and eagerly await something
Prefecture Spotlight: Shiga – explore Lake Biwa, ninja history, Omi beef, and legendary pottery
Etymology: ちやほや – from Heian court poetry to modern-day pampering
Anime Phrase of the Day: A fearless line from Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳)
Onomatopoeia: The sounds of late summer—fireworks, cicadas, and cool winds
Haiku Spotlight: Akutagawa Ryūnosuke – seasonal sensitivity from the “father of the Japanese short story”
Kanji Focus: 電 (electricity; power)
Grammar Time!: ~なら (“if; in the case of”) explained clearly with natural examples
Japanese Readers:
Beginner: A cheerful September-themed story
Intermediate: Tsuru no Ongaeshi – annotated with vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context
📦 What’s Included:
65-page PDF & ePub formats
29 MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed)
Anki flashcard deck for beginner story vocabulary
Scan-and-listen QR codes for instant mobile audio playback
Makoto+ Sentence Explorer integration for interactive reading
Why you’ll love Makoto:Every issue blends authentic Japanese with helpful explanations, giving you the tools to grow your reading, listening, and cultural understanding. Whether you’re revisiting folktales you’ve heard before or discovering new words like ちやほや, each page is designed to spark joy and deepen your knowledge.
🔊 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.
❝Makoto is a wonderful magazine that blends language learning with culture, history, and fun. Each issue feels like a guided tour through Japan’s words, traditions, and hidden gems.❞
🛒 Start your journey today: Download instantly and join thousands of learners who look forward to Makoto every month!
NOTE:
Digital and Print Versions Available (print on Amazon, digital here).
Digital version downloads are instant—no waiting.
No Dropbox account required. Download directly on PC/Mac or access files on mobile.
If you don’t see your email right away, check your spam folder or contact us.
This series is also available on Amazon.
Makoto Magazine #88 - All the Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks
$8.00
Makoto E-Zine series #88
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.
Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to lower-intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue is packed with short articles, stories, jokes, cultural notes, and audio read by a native speaker. Designed to make learning Japanese fun and engaging, Makoto helps build your vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills through real-world context and quirky humor.
In this issue (June 2025, Issue 88):
This month's theme explores the early Showa period in Japan—before the karaoke machines and bullet trains. Learn how party politics gave way to military power, and discover how one small grammar slip-up could accidentally make you confess to murder. (Oops.)
Highlights include:
Vocabulary Spotlight: Abura ga Noru (to hit your stride or to get deliciously fatty)
Onomatopoeia: Uruuru (eyes welling up with tears)
Etymology Deep Dive: Iki no Ne o Tomeru (what you meant vs what you accidentally said)
Grammar Focus: Nai de (how to say "don't do X" or "without doing X")
Beginner Story: Understanding the many meanings of "ii desu"
Intermediate Reading: The turbulent early years of the Showa era
Haiku by Takahama Kyoshi
Kanji Spotlight: Shiro (white)
Prefecture Spotlight: Nara
Anime Quote: Live beautifully until the end (from Gintama)
Includes:
PDF and ePub formats
24 MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed)
Free Anki flashcard deck for the main story vocabulary
Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile audio access
Perfect for learners who enjoy Japanese culture and want real content that’s both educational and entertaining. Use it to boost your vocabulary, improve your listening, and deepen your cultural understanding—all while having fun.
Clay & Yumi
➡️ How to read the eBooks: You may need to follow the steps outlined in our eBook guide.
➡️ To purchase a digital or print version, kindly click the "Format" option below the product title.
Page Count: 62 Pages
Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge
Audio: 23 High-Quality Sound Files
Interactive Learning: Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files
Exclusive Bonus: Free Anki Flashcard Deck (Tailored for this issue's main story)
❝Makoto is a great magazine for not only learning the Japanese language, but it also features articles about Japanese culture and food as well. Furthermore, it holds lots of info about places of interest that one should visit when traveling in Japan.❞
🔊 Now Featuring QR Codes for Instant Audio Playback! Scan the QR codes peppered throughout the magazine and hear the accompanying sound files instantly! A complete immersion experience at your fingertips.
🎁 FREE Sound Files & Anki Flashcards Each issue comes with free sound files of all the Japanese examples read by a native Japanese speaker. Plus, download a free Anki flashcard deck to help solidify your vocabulary of the main story. All freebies can be accessed through the download link on the last page.
You can get this issue at a discounted price by subscribing to Makoto+:
https://makotoplus.com
Discover the Fun Side of Japanese Not Covered in Textbooks. If you enjoy our readers and lessons, you'll love Makoto, the e-zine packed with insightful articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, and Japanese trivia. Additionally, each issue features two brand-new stories or essays, complete with newly recorded high-quality sound files available for download at no extra cost.
🛒 Purchase now and start your enriching Japanese learning journey in just seconds!
NOTE:
Digital and Print Versions are Available! Digital here and Print on Amazon.
If you choose a digital version, you'll instantly get the download links in a minute after purchasing.
You do not need to have a Dropbox account to access or download the files. You will be able to instantly download all files on a PC or Mac (computer or laptop) and/or access any individual file on any of your mobile devices.
If you don't see the email after the order, please check your spam folder or email us for support.
This series is available on Amazon
101 Common Japanese Idioms Volume 2
$24.00
SAVE WITH DIGITAL! This item is included in a digital bundle at a discount. If you would like the eBook version (PDF and ePub) and the MP3s sound files, please see our discounted bundles here - Japanese Vocabulary Booster Value Pack
WHICH FORMAT SHOULD I GET?Paperback: Requires shipping but you also instantly get the digital filesDigital Download: Get instant access of the ebook and sound files
Discover 101 more Japanese idioms.This book picks up where our first book leaves off. Eventually, this series will cover over 300 Japanese idioms in common use today.
Ever wondered what it means when your mouth is 'heavy,' how to 'use people with your chin,' or what 'grinding sesame' signifies in Japanese? Uncover the meanings behind these fascinating idioms and many more.
While this book is immensely beneficial even for beginners, hiragana and a basic understanding of Japanese sentence structure are required.
Once one zooms beyond the basics of a language, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and slang can provide the spice to keep motivation up and progress going forward. This book will introduce 101 of the most common Japanese idioms.
We are including, at no extra charge, sound files for all the examples found in this book. Use these files to practice your pronunciation and listening.
In addition, we are also including a free Anki flashcard deck with sound of all the idioms found in the collection. Anki is a free flashcard software that will help you quickly remember these idioms.
In this edition, we've eliminated all Rōmaji (Roman letters) and limited Furigana (the small Hiragana over Kanji) to its first occurrence in each lesson. This approach may challenge beginners, but it's our way of ensuring your success in Japanese - consider it 'tough love. Our goal is your success in mastering Japanese. Early reliance on Rōmaji and Furigana can impede long-term progress.We advocate for learning vocabulary in its proper context as the most effective method. Every idiom is followed by an example sentence and a paragraph or two explaining the context and usage.To further support your learning journey, we're offering an exceptional collection of bonus materials:
300+ Sound Files
Anki Flashcard Deck
ePub and PDF versions of the book
For each idiom, we provide three accompanying sound files. All sound files have been recorded by native Japanese voice actors and actresses. The first sound file is the idiom itself. The second is the example sentence. The third sound file has the idiom, an English translation, the idiom repeated slowly, and the example sentence with translation. Try to mimic the Japanese speakers in sound and presentation. The download link for the complimentary sound files is located on the book's last page.
Don't wait any longer to enrich your Japanese vocabulary. Give your Japanese vocabulary a boost with 101 More Common Japanese Idioms now.
Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 19: Kicchomu's Horse [Paperback]
$24.00
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)
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📖 PDF Sample Preview
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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
Good Work Sandwich in Japanese T-Shirt
$39.00
This is a play on the common Japanese phrase "otsukaresama" which is said when workers leave work to go home. It means something like "You must be tired" or "good work today!" But the twist is the Japanese says "otsukare sandoicchi" which means "tired sandwich."
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!Size guide
LENGTH (inches)
WIDTH (inches)
S
28
18
M
29
20
L
30
22
XL
31
24
2XL
32
26
3XL
33
28
LENGTH (cm)
WIDTH (cm)
S
71.1
45.7
M
73.7
50.8
L
76.2
55.9
XL
78.7
61
2XL
81.3
66
3XL
83.8
71.1
Not a Party Person in Japanese T-Shirt
$39.00
Embrace the irony with "watashi, paripi dewanai", a vibrant design that declares "I'm not a party person" amidst lively party visuals. A playful juxtaposition for the introverted celebrant.
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!Size guide
LENGTH (inches)
WIDTH (inches)
S
28
18
M
29
20
L
30
22
XL
31
24
2XL
32
26
3XL
33
28
LENGTH (cm)
WIDTH (cm)
S
71.1
45.7
M
73.7
50.8
L
76.2
55.9
XL
78.7
61
2XL
81.3
66
3XL
83.8
71.1