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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

Makoto E-Zine series #71 Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. You can also buy this series on Amazon by clicking here - Makoto e-Zine #71 ➡️ 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: 63 Pages Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge Audio: 17 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 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.   In This Issue Makoto E-Zine series #71 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. 63 Pages  2 eBook Formats  17 Sound Files  Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files  Free Anki Flashcard Deck (for this issue's main story) IN THIS ISSUE: January 2024 Fun and Games: Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary Corner: 図に乗る Explore Japan: Prefecture Spotlight on Miyazaki Word Origins: Etymology of 素 (素敵) Pop Culture: Anime Phrase of the Day Poetic Inspirations: Haiku by 小林一茶 Kanji Focus: 上 Grammar Workshop: V+てください Japanese Reader: Kakizome (Beginner) + Natsume Souseki (Intermediate) 🛒 Purchase now and start your enriching Japanese learning journey in just seconds! ➡️ WAIT! Want to save a dollar and get the latest issue each month? Become a member of our Makoto+ club and not only save and download new Makoto issues but also access web versions of the past three Makoto issues. Want more? Well, Makoto+ members also get a 10% reusable coupon good for anything at theJapanShop.com, and each month, we will post a new eBook for you to download free of charge. Subscribe today for only $5 a month or $50 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more. NOTE: Digital and Print Versions are Available! The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll also receive the digital version immediately after purchase. 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

Makoto E-Zine series #77 Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. You can also buy this series on Amazon by clicking here - Makoto #77 Kindle or Paperback Edition Do you know the etymology for 富士山 (ふじさん - Mt. Fuji)? No? Well, don’t feel bad. No one else really knows for sure, but in today’s issue, we explore a few intriguing origin stories. Hint: it has something to do with Princess Kaguya! The beginner reader, titled “Mandarin Orange,” is a fun story about how easy it is to mess up Japanese. It’s a great example of how trying to be polite can sometimes come off as shockingly rude. The cover says, 暑(あつ)くなってきましたね, which means, “It’s becoming hot, don’t you think?” This phrase combines the adverbial form of  暑(あつ)い (hot) and なってきました which indicates a process that has been happening and has now reached the present. "なって" (becoming) + "きました" (has come to be) implies that the temperature has been rising and it is now noticeably hot. So, dig in and let us know if you have any questions. ➡️ 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: 56 Pages Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge Audio: 17 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. In This Issue Makoto E-Zine series #77 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. 56 Pages | 2 eBook Formats | 17 Sound Files | Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files | Free Anki Flashcard Deck (for this issue's main story) IN THIS ISSUE: July 2024 Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 猫の額ほど Prefecture Spotlight: Kochi Etymology: 富士山 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : Kobayashi Issa Kanji Spotlight: 高 Grammar Time! ことができる Japanese Readers: Mandarin Orange (beginner) + Kofun Period (Intermediate) 🛒 Purchase now and start your enriching Japanese learning journey in just seconds! NOTE: Digital and Print Versions are Available! The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll also receive the digital version immediately after purchase. 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

Makoto E-Zine series #83 Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here. Happy New Year from the Makoto Team! This month's cover features a stunning photo of 金閣寺(きんかくじ) (the Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, captured just last month by our talented editor Neddy and her equally talented husband. Doesn’t it make you feel like taking a trip to Kyoto? Whether you've visited Kyoto many times or it’s still on your bucket list, this iconic sight is always awe-inspiring. Speaking of iconic, let’s talk about ラーメン. Did you know that while it’s considered one of Japan’s quintessential comfort foods, it actually has roots in Chinese cuisine? Our etymology feature dives into how those humble wheat noodles twisted and turned their way into Japanese hearts—and stomachs—over centuries. Here’s a teaser: Japan’s first ramen shop, 来々軒 （らいらいけん）, opened in 1910, and the rest is delicious history. But ramen isn’t just about slurping noodles—it’s about the culture that surrounds it. From regional variations to late-night ramen adventures (who hasn’t craved a steaming bowl after a long day?), it’s no wonder ramen is beloved worldwide. Have a favorite ramen topping? Egg, chashu, or maybe corn and butter? Whatever your preference, there's no wrong way to enjoy it. This issue is packed with goodies to start your year with a smile: jokes and puns, a deep dive into the prefecture of Okayama, the rhythmic charm of the onomatopoeia どきどき, and a fresh set of Japanese Readers for learners of all levels. Let’s ring in 2024 with laughter, learning, and maybe a steaming bowl of noodles by your side. ➡️ 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: 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. 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. In This Issue Makoto E-Zine series #83 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. 62 Pages | 2 eBook Formats | 26 Sound Files | Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files | Free Anki Flashcard Deck (for this issue's main story) In this Issue: Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 脚光を浴びる Prefecture Spotlight: Okayama Etymology: ラーメン Anime Phrase of the Day Onomatopoeia: どきどき Haiku: 正岡子規 Kanji Spotlight: 学 Grammar Time! ～に気がつく Katakana Match Japanese Readers: Bad head? (beginner) + Muromachi Period​ (Intermediate) 🛒 Purchase now and start your enriching Japanese learning journey in just seconds! NOTE: Digital and Print Versions are Available! The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll also receive the digital version immediately after purchase. 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

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 E-Zine Series #93 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 93 (November 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 November issue celebrates warmth, humor, and a touch of the unexpected—from a grandmother convinced her Roomba is alive to Fukui Prefecture’s dinosaurs and handmade washi paper, and the hilarious (yet cautionary) folktale Gonzōmushi, where greed literally turns a man into a bug! ✨ Highlights of Issue 93: Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: のどから手が出る Prefecture Spotlight: Fukui Etymology: サラリーマン Anime Phrase of the Day: from Yowamushi Pedal Onomatopoeia: Words for Exhaustion (へとへと, ぐったり, ふらふら, ヘロヘロ) Haiku: Kobayashi Issa – “A radish puller points the way—with his radish!” Kanji Spotlight: 国 Grammar Time! ～にくい Japanese Readers: Frank and the Obaasan: Frank Needs a Job (Beginner) + Gonzōmushi (Intermediate) 📦 What’s Included: 65-page PDF & ePub formats 35 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 or discovering new words like のどから手が出る, 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 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.