All Products

Enjoy the serene world of Basho's poetic frog, rendered in stunning sumi-e ink style. This one-of-a-kind design captures the ephemeral beauty of nature and the deep traditions of Japanese haiku. 古池や、蛙飛びこむ、水の音 furuike ya, kawazu tobikomu, mizu no oto.Old pond / A frog jumps in / Splash! / Silence again. This may be Basho's most well-known poem. The poet wanted to emphasize the stillness of the air before and after the frog's splash. Hence the “silence again." 古池(ふるいけ) old pond [This sets the tranquil, timeless scene] や a particle indicating exclamation or emphasis [commonly used in poetry and classical texts] 蛙(かわず) frog [かわず is an archaic reading for “frog”. In modern Japanese, “frog” is かえる] 飛(と)びこむ to jump in; to leap into [This is the act that disrupts the tranquility; it is made of 飛ぶ (to fly; to jump) and こむ (into; to go into)] 水(みず) water [part of the setting] の modifying particle [links the water to its sound; it isn’t just any “sound” but the “sound of water”] 音(おと) sound [The sound created by the frog's action] • 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

Makoto E-Zine series #63 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From a few dollars a month! Click here to learn more. Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.FREE Anki flashcard deck of the vocabulary found in the intermediate story. (Included in the free download)The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue includes two brand new stories or essays with newly recorded high-quality sound files for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: May 2023 51 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 19 Sound Files | 1 Anki Flashcard Deck Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 足が棒になる Prefecture Spotlight: Miyagi Etymology: 五月雨 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 正岡子規 Kanji Spotlight: 午 Grammar Time! こちら/そちら/あちら/どちら Japanese Readers: Children's Day (beginner) + Buying Mittens Part 1 (Intermediate  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

Makoto E-Zine series #62 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From a few dollars a month! Click here to learn more. Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.FREE Anki flashcard deck of the vocabulary found in the intermediate story. (Included in the free download)The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue includes two brand new stories or essays with newly recorded high-quality sound files for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: April 2023 56 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 19 Sound Files | 1 Anki Flashcard Deck Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 袋のネズミ Prefecture Spotlight: Yamagata Etymology: 豹変 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 松尾芭蕉 Kanji Spotlight: 年 Grammar Time! ここ/そこ/あそ こ/どこ Japanese Readers: Schools in Japan (beginner) + Black Camellia Flower (Intermediate  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

Makoto E-Zine series #61 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From a few dollars a month! Click here to learn more. Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. NOTE: The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll instantly get the download version with either choice. Now includes handy QR codes on each page to scan and instantly hear that page's sound files. (You can still download the sound files and PDF for no extra charge)FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.FREE Anki flashcard deck of the vocabulary found in the intermediate story. (Included in the free download)The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue includes two brand new stories or essays with newly recorded high-quality sound files for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: March 2023 51 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 20 Sound Files | 1 Anki Flashcard Deck Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 腹が黒い Prefecture Spotlight: Fukushima Etymology: 玉の輿 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 正岡子規 Kanji Spotlight: 休 Grammar Time! この・その・あの・どの Japanese Readers: Hinamatsuri (beginner) + Kicchomu: Kinoko and Shiitake (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

★For Upper Beginners Learning Japanese ★Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yokai thrive in Japanese imagination. What are yokai? They are monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, and even sentient household items. Yokai can be harmless and amusing, or they can be terrifying.  Now you can learn about yokai and read stories about them while polishing your Japanese. ♥ABOUT THIS VOLUME The 山姥(やまんば) is a scary youkai mountain witch. She eats whoever enters her mountain. In this volume, we’ll look at two legends involving the 山姥(やまんば).The first is about an ox-cart man (someone who made deliveries) who encountered a 山姥(やまんば). The second story is about a young priest who has three magic charms to protect him from the 山姥(やまんば). FEATURES Includes three essays or stories Each story is presented in three formats: 1) Sentence-by-Sentence with definition and commentary below 2) Japanese only (to test your reading ability) 3) English translation (to confirm your understanding) The Sentence-by Sentence section of each story presents a small chunk of the Japanese with furigana over the kanji and a complete glossary of all the words; important grammatical patterns are pointed out and explained in plain English Find a link to download sound files for the stories (for no extra charge) on the last page of the book Each story has a slow and normal speed recording of the Japanese read by Yumi 201 pages Includes E-book versions, sound files, and an Anki deck of the vocabulary for no extra charge.    STORIES INCLUDED  ① Ushikata and Yamanba   ② Yamanba and the Three Magic Charms   WHO IS THIS FOR? This book is designed so that both those fairly new to Japanese and those in the intermediate stages can equally find value. The ideal level, however, is for the upper beginner, somewhere around the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4.    If you are learning Japanese and are fascinated by yokai and traditional tales of old Japan, click the Buy Now button to begin studying now. 

★For Upper Beginners Learning Japanese ★Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yokai thrive in Japanese imagination. What are yokai? They are monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, and even sentient household items. Yokai can be harmless and amusing, or they can be terrifying.  Now you can learn about yokai and read stories about them while polishing your Japanese. ♥ABOUT THIS VOLUME Mermaids in Japanese are called ningyo, but unlike the Western image of a beautiful and seductive creature, the Japanese ningyo can be quite grotesque even. Sometimes the "human" part of the creature looks more bird-like or even ape-like.Ningyo usually appear at night and come from the sea. They often have amazing abilities, and eating their flesh may result in a very long, long life. 85 Pages FEATURES Includes three essays or stories Each story is presented in three formats: 1) Sentence-by-Sentence with definition and commentary below 2) Japanese only (to test your reading ability) 3) English translation (to confirm your understanding) The Sentence-by Sentence section of each story presents a small chunk of the Japanese with furigana over the kanji and a complete glossary of all the words; important grammatical patterns are pointed out and explained in plain English Find a link to download sound files for the stories (for no extra charge) on the last page of the book Each story has a slow and normal speed recording of the Japanese read by Yumi   STORIES INCLUDED  ① The Nihon Shoki and Mummies  ② The 800-Year-Old Nun  ③ Amabie   WHO IS THIS FOR? This book is designed so that both those fairly new to Japanese and those in the intermediate stages can equally find value. The ideal level, however, is for the upper beginner, somewhere around the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4.    If you are learning Japanese and are fascinated by yokai and traditional tales of old Japan, click the Buy Now button to begin studying now. 

➡️ 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 with a free 7 day trial. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more.   Makoto E-Zine series #37 39 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 15 Sound FilesRecommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese.FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: March 2021 39 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 15 Sound FilesTWO NEW READERS: Frank and the Obaasan Season Two Episode Nine (beginner) + Jigokudani Monkey Park (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary Prefecture Spotlight: Tottori Etymology: Igirisu Cool Anime / Manga Phrase Haiku Natsume Souseki Kanji Spotlight Grammar Time! Using Ka Japanese Readers: Frank and the Obaasan (beginner) + Jigokudani Monkey Park (Intermediate)   ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE

➡️ 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 with a free 7 day trial. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more.   Makoto E-Zine series #36 47 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 19 Sound FilesRecommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese.FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker--download link found on the last page. Listen while reading.The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge. IN THIS ISSUE: February 2021 47 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 19 Sound FilesTWO NEW READERS: Frank and the Obaasan Season Two Episode Eight (beginner) + Nara (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: あけすけに言う Prefecture Spotlight: Gifu Special Report: Gero, Gifu Etymology: バカ Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku Kanji Spotlight: 住 Grammar Time! は～が Japanese Readers: Frank and the Obaasan (beginner) + Nara (Intermediate)   ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   101 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 8 Hikoichi Revisited: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Japanese Edition)   Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   READ real Japanese Today! By choosing short stories, the intimidation factor is greatly reduced. Not only that, but we divide the story up into tiny, easy-to-swallow segments with complete explanations to give you confidence as you read real Japanese page by page.Perfect for upper beginner level students of Japanese.BONUS! Get FREE MP3s and eBook versions of the story. The story is read by a native Japanese voice actress, once read at normal speed and once read slowly. Listen while reading. The link to the digital files will be emailed to you immediately after ordering.Now with Furigana! All our readers now have furigana in both the paperback and Kindle versions. Furigana is the small hiragana over the kanji--most devices support this new feature.Have you studied for a year or two but just don’t feel like you are progressing? This book is for you too. We suggest reading the Japanese only section first (includes furigana) and then go through the line-by-line running gloss section to cement understanding and learn vocabulary. All kanji characters have furigana. Three Stories in Total: Two new Hikoichi stories + Oni's Mask and the Girl* GLOSS: Read the story with a running gloss—understand completely. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with English explanation of the grammar.* JAPANESE ONLY: The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption.* ENGLISH SUMMARY: Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Short stories makes reading full Japanese texts possible. This book has two complete stories with a total explanation for every level. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering) HikoichiYou may know our first Japanese Reader Collection Volume has several Hikoichi stories. By far, those have been the most popular among students. Hikoichi is, after all, an interesting character. Smart, sassy, creative in his laziness… In short, his adventures are entertaining. Plus, not many non-Japanese are as familiar with Hikoichi as they are Momotaro or the Moon Princess. So, be one of the few to dig in, enjoy, and learn more about Hikoichi!     Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle. 78 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 9 - The Fountain of Youth    Note: this is a physical paperback that will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files by email immediately after ordering.   All kanji characters have furigana. Three Stories in Total:  * The Fountain of Youth: A traditional Japanese folk tale* The Hundred Tales Game: With the scariest of all endings * The Wise Child: A child shows his smarts by answering the question, which is farther, Edo or the Sun. Three ways to read the story:GLOSS: Read the story with a running gloss—understand completely. Every sentence is broken down word-for-word and with English explanation of the grammar. JAPANESE ONLY: The full story in Japanese only (without the running gloss) is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Finally, we have included a simple and mostly literal English translation for you to check your understanding (Don’t cheat! Work through the Japanese first!). Short stories makes reading full Japanese texts possible. This book has two complete stories with a total explanation for every level. Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering)       Please note: This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive a download link for the digital files immediately after ordering. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it.

Makoto E-Zine series #90 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 90 (August 2025)Fun, culturally rich reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to lower-intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue features short articles, cultural notes, language lessons, jokes, and native-audio recordings—designed to make learning fun, immersive, and memorable. In this issue (August 2025, Issue 90): This month’s theme is 平成時代 (The Heisei Era)—a reflective, nostalgic journey into the cultural currents that defined Japan from 1989 to 2019. Whether you're a Shōwa old-hand, Heisei native, or Reiwa rookie, we hope this issue brings back memories—or makes some new ones. Highlights include: Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns – because language learning should never be boring Vocabulary Spotlight: うり二つ (lookalike; spitting image) Prefecture Spotlight: Mie – home of Ise Shrine and the ninja of Iga Etymology Deep Dive: 浴衣 (ゆかた) – from bathrobe to summer fashion icon Anime Phrase of the Day – quote and explanation from a popular anime Onomatopoeia: Summer rain – the many moods of Japanese raindrops Haiku Spotlight: Yosa Buson – poetic imagery for rainy days Kanji Focus: 雨 (rain) Grammar Time! ～なくてはならない (how to say “must do” in polite Japanese) Japanese Readers: Beginner: A summer vacation story Intermediate: An overview of the Heisei era (with Sentence Explorer integration on Makoto+) Includes: 63-page PDF and ePub formats 27 MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed) 1 Anki flashcard deck (beginner story vocabulary) Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access Integration with Makoto+ Sentence Explorer for the intermediate reading Perfect for learners who love Japanese culture and want engaging, real-world content. Use it to build vocabulary, sharpen listening skills, and explore the language in all its cultural richness—rain or shine. Clay & Yumi ➡️ How to read the eBooks: You may need to follow the steps outlined in our eBook guide. ❝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, Makoto+ Sentence Explorer integration, & 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. Also, all sentences and vocabulary found in the intermediate story have been added to Makoto+ Sentence Explorer.  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 #82 Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. You can purchase the printed version on Amazon by clicking here.   Welcome to the December issue of Makoto! This month, we’ve packed in a delightful mix of learning and laughter to carry you through the winter season.  This issue also includes a beginner-friendly essay on the subtle differences between 気持(きも)ちがいい and 気分(きぶん)がいい, two expressions that often puzzle Japanese learners. These phrases may sound similar, but each captures a unique nuance. For example, 気持(きも)ち refers to physical or emotional sensations – that refreshed, cozy feeling when you settle into a hot bath. 気分(きぶん) , on the other hand, describes your overall mood or mental state, like when you say, “Today, I feel great!” to express a positive vibe. Simply put, 気持(きも)ち focuses on tangible feelings, while 気分(きぶん) reflects the broader mood. Understanding these subtle differences can make your Japanese sound more natural, and we’re sure you’ll find it easier than it seems. Dive in and enjoy this month’s exploration of Japanese language and culture, tailored to warm up your winter! ➡️ 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: 58 Pages Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge Audio: 19 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 #82 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. 58 Pages | 2 eBook Formats | 19 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: 肩を持つ Prefecture Spotlight: Shimane Etymology: いざ鎌倉 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 小林一茶 Kanji Spotlight: 分 Grammar Time! ～はずだ Japanese Readers: “Kimochi ga ii” and “Kibun ga ii” (beginner) + Kamakura 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