Makoto E-Zine series #89
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
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 (July 2025, Issue 89):
This month's theme is “Summer in Japan”—and it’s sizzling! From wild Edo-period slang to the drama of Japan’s hottest historical publisher, this issue dives deep into the cultural and literal heat of summer. You'll meet a Kenshiro-quoting bento clerk, learn about an outrageously hot NHK Taiga drama, and pick up phrases that are as sharp as the sun is brutal.
Highlights include:
-
Vocabulary Spotlight: 痛くも痒くもない (I couldn’t care less; it doesn’t bother me)
-
Onomatopoeia: expressions of oppressive summer heat
-
Etymology Deep Dive: べらぼう— from reckless brat to “off-the-charts” emphasis
-
Grammar Focus: ～なくてもいい (how to politely say “you don’t have to…”)
-
Beginner Story: A sticky, sweaty summer tale
-
Intermediate Reading: A look at the early postwar Shōwa era
-
Haiku by Masaoka Shiki
-
Kanji Spotlight: 天 (heaven; sky)
-
Prefecture Spotlight: Kyoto (where summer is steeped in sweat and tradition)
-
Anime Quote: From Sakamoto Days: “And then… Sakamoto got fat.”
Includes:
-
71 Page PDF and ePub formats
-
26 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.
- Page Count: 71 Pages
- Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge
- Audio: 26 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.
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.
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
