Japanese Readers

NOTE: The digital version is found in the Beginning Japanese Phrases and Stories digital bundle.  Have you only recently learned hiragana but need practice? Or perhaps, your hiragana is no problem, but you want to learn useful phrases you can actually use in conversation? Beginning Japanese Phrases is here to the rescue! The level of this book is somewhere between our (total beginner-level) Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha and our more advance readers such as Learn Japanese with Stories. This series is based on a weekly podcast we produce called (unimaginatively) Beginning Japanese Phrases. See here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/ This book contains the data and actual podcast files for episodes 31-60. The podcast concentrates on a single beginner-level word or phrase and then breaks down an example sentence using it. 74 Pages Includes the digital files (PDF, ePub, and MOBI) Includes all example sentence sound files  Includes all podcast sound files Scan QR codes for quick on-demand listening as you go through the book This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files for no extra charge immediately after ordering.

NOTE: The digital version is found in the Beginning Japanese Phrases and Stories digital bundle.  Have you only recently learned hiragana but need practice? Or perhaps, your hiragana is no problem, but you want to learn useful phrases you can actually use in conversation? Beginning Japanese Phrases is here to the rescue! The level of this book is somewhere between our (total beginner-level) Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha and our more advance readers such as Learn Japanese with Stories. This series is based on a weekly podcast we produce called (unimaginatively) Beginning Japanese Phrases. See here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/ This book contains the data and actual podcast files for the first 30 episodes. The podcast concentrates on a single beginner-level word or phrase and then breaks down an example sentence using it. 78 Pages Includes the digital files (PDF, ePub, and MOBI) Includes all example sentence sound files  Includes all podcast sound files Scan QR codes for quick on-demand listening as you go through the book This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files for no extra charge immediately after ordering.

  Note: This is the physical paperback version which will be shipped to your location. This physical book also includes the digital version, but if you are looking for the digital only version, please click here for the bundle with this book in it. Digital products have no shipping charges!   68 pages | Paperback | Includes FREE MP3s and eBook formats   Learn important Japanese sentences one word at a time An in-depth study of the sentence structure of 21 useful phrases with many more variations and examples.  What you'll get: 68 Page PDF Includes ePub & Mobi files MP3s with every Japanese example sentence Ready to improve your Japanese while increasing your cultural knowledge? Add to cart now.

  Note: This is the physical paperback version which will be shipped to your location. This physical book also includes the digital version, but if you are looking for the digital only version, please click here for the bundle with this book in it. Digital products have no shipping charges!   122 pages | Paperback | Includes FREE MP3s and eBook formats   30 Day Challenge One lesson a day for 30 days. Begin each day with a proverb, saying, or idiom. Master an important kanji, and then breakdown a sentence to help with your reading, vocabulary, listening, kanji, and even pronunciation. What you'll get: 122 Page PDF Includes ePub & Mobi files 120 MP3s with every Japanese sound word and its example sentence Ready to improve your Japanese while increasing your cultural knowledge? Add to cart now.

NOTE: This is also available in the Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2 Bundle. 132 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files immediately after ordering. The Bowl-Wearing Princess: 鉢かぶり姫【はちかぶりひめ】 Japan's Cinderella story  + a Solomon-esque story based on a historical Japanese figure. 132 Pages For Beginners and Upper Beginners The Bowl-Wearing Princess The Wisdom of Oooka Echizen MP3 recording of story both slow and normal speed Anki deck with all the vocabulary in the stories Japanese Reader Collection Volume 16: The Bowl-Wearing Princess Recommended for upper beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. FREE PDF and MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker–download link found on the last page. Listen while reading to develop listening comprehension, reading skills, and building vocabulary.    WHAT YOU GET:  All vocabulary is defined in English under each paragraph The full story just in Japanese is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption An English translation is provided (but we encourage you to try the Japanese first) Extensive grammar notes for both stories Best of all, download FREE MP3s of the story read by a native Japanese speech actress. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering - check your spam folder if you don't see it)

NOTE: This is also available in the Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 2 Bundle. 126 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files immediately after ordering. Hikoichi Strikes back: Enjoy two new stories about Hikoichi, that mischievous yet wise young man.  126 Pages For Beginners and Upper Beginners Hikoichi, Sitting in the Middle of Eight Hikoichi's Kappa Fishing MP3 recording of story both slow and normal speed Anki deck with all the vocabulary in the stories Japanese Reader Collection Volume 15: Hikoichi Strikes Back Recommended for upper beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. FREE PDF and MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker–download link found on the last page. Listen while reading to develop listening comprehension, reading skills, and building vocabulary.    WHAT YOU GET:  All vocabulary is defined in English under each paragraph The full story just in Japanese is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption An English translation is provided (but we encourage you to try the Japanese first) Extensive grammar notes for both stories Best of all, download FREE MP3s of the story read by a native Japanese speech actress. (Link will be emailed to you after ordering - 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.   131 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback Japanese Reader Collection Volume 14 Kicchomu-san: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Paperback 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. Recommended for upper beginner to intermediate level students of Japanese. BONUS! Get FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress, one read at normal speed and one read slowly. Listen while reading. The link to the MP3s is found on the last page.NOW WITH QR CODES - While you can still download the sound files with the link on the last page, we are also including handy QR codes for both the slow and normal speed recordings of the stories. Simply scan the code with the camera of your phone and the audio will begin playing in seconds. EXTRA BONUS! Included with the sound files, are PDFs of all the vocabulary and grammar points. Feel free to print these out to use while reading. 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. (The Japanese only section has no furigana so you can practice reading the story again in "real" furigana-less Japanese) 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 Japanese have furigana (printed version and Kindle version on supported devices (most new devices))* Two complete Japanese short stories. Each story is presented in three unique ways.* 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.* Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. THE STORIES: Kicchomu is a character very similar to another favorite of ours: Hikoichi. Kicchomu was an actual person who lived during the Edo period. However, the stories about him came much later. Like Hikoichi, Kicchomu is quick-witted and a little sneaky.This book contains two Kicchomu stories: Kicchomu and the Falling Star - Can you sweep a star from the sky with a broom? Well, Kicchomu can. Kicchomu Selling Crows - Kicchomu finds a somewhat tricky way to sell his unwanted wares Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese! What are you waiting for? Ninja up your Japanese. Click “Buy Now” now!

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   131 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback Japanese Reader Collection Volume 13 Hikoichi and the Kitsune: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Paperback 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. Recommended for upper beginner to intermediate level students of Japanese. BONUS! Get FREE sound files of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress, one read at normal speed and one read slowly. Listen while reading. The link to the MP3s is found on the last page.NOW WITH QR CODES - While you can still download the sound files with the link on the last page, we are also including handy QR codes for both the slow and normal speed recordings of the stories. Simply scan the code with the camera of your phone and the audio will begin playing in seconds. EXTRA BONUS! Included with the sound files, are PDFs of all the vocabulary and grammar points. Feel free to print these out to use while reading. 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. (The Japanese only section has no furigana so you can practice reading the story again in "real" furigana-less Japanese) 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 Japanese have furigana (printed version and Kindle version on supported devices (most new devices))* Two complete Japanese short stories. Each story is presented in three unique ways.* 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.* Download the FREE MP3s to listen while you study. THE STORIES:The wise and mischievous Hikoichi has been a favorite of ours since we started these Japanese story readers. This book has two more stories, both involving a fox. Foxes (and tanuki), in Japanese folklore, can sometimes be spirits which can transform into different shapes. They also love to play tricks on humans. In both stories, Hikoichi is here to the rescue.Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese! What are you waiting for? Ninja up your Japanese. Click “Buy Now” now!

SAVE WITH DIGITAL! Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle.   131 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback Japanese Reader Collection Volume 12: Celestial Maiden's Feathered Robe: The Easy Way to Read Listen and Learn from Japanese Folklore Tales and Stories (Paperback 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.While students of any level can get some use out of this, it is best for upper beginners.BONUS! Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress. Listen while reading. The link to the digital files will be emailed to you after ordering.These are short stories that can be tackled by students of any level, but it is probably best for upper beginners.Are you just learning hiragana? This may be a little too challenging for you. Look at the screenshots and if you think it would be challenging but not frustrating, this might be good for you. Instead, we recommend our Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha bundle here.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. * 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) Includes QR codes to easily scan and instantly hear the story on demand   STORY 1: 瓜子姫(うりこひめ)とあまのじゃく Princess Uriko and the AmanojakuAn Amanojaku in Japanese folklore is an antagonistic ogre. This Amanojaku causes trouble for Princess Uriko, a beautiful woman born of a... melon.STORY 2: 天女(てんにょ)の羽衣(はごろも) Celestial Maiden's Feathered RobeStories of beautiful celestial women coming from the sky are found in many cultures. Such legends are also common in Japan. In this story, a young man finds a way to make the Tennyo (Celestial maiden) marry him. But will it last? Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese!What are you waiting for? Ninja up your Japanese. Click “Add to Cart” now! 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.

NOTE: The digital version is found in the Beri- Beri- Shoshinsha bundle.  Have you only recently learned hiragana but need practice? Or perhaps, your hiragana is no problem, but you want to build your hiragana and kanji reading comprehension? This new collection of stories is here to the rescue! Read real Japanese—beginner level but not boring Japanese! You won't find the Japanese version of Dick and Jane, but you will find stories written for adults. Enjoy reading flash fiction, super short essays, and funny stories of common mistakes made by learners of Japanese.Best of all, the only requirement is that you can read hiragana and have a very basic understanding of Japanese. Vocabulary and grammar will be defined and explained. The format is a little different from our other more advanced readers. The idea is for the reader to read the entire story three times. Each page will have a sentence or two in hiragana (with spaces between words for you to see “words” instead of syllables) at the top and that same content in full Japanese (with furigana—small hiragana over kanji) at the bottom. The middle will have the glossary and grammatical explanations. Lastly, the story is presented in Japanese without furigana. See if you can read it after going through the previous two versions and explanations. If you have just learned hiragana, you may want to listen to the sound file while reading the hiragana section to practice correct pronunciation. If you have studied Japanese a bit longer, you may want to start with the bottom version and take note of the glossary for understanding.The glossary will have the word as it appears in the story, but it will also give the “dictionary” form so you can look the word up further. Having fun while learning a language is a great way to increase motivation. With increased motivation, you are less likely to skip a day's study. A skipped day can quickly become a lost week and then a lost… forever. And so, we hope you will have as much fun reading these stories as we had writing them. This is a physical paperback which will be shipped to you. You'll also receive the digital files for no extra charge immediately after ordering.

Note: This is the physical paperback version which will be shipped to your location. If you are looking for the digital only version, please click here for the bundle with this book in it. Digital products have no shipping charges! 138 pages | Paperback | Includes FREE MP3s and eBook formats Learn Japanese through Haiku: Matsuo Bashō Read real Japanese today with 25 timeless haiku by 松尾芭蕉 (Matsuo Bashō, 1644–1694)—the most celebrated poet of the classical tradition. This edition pairs clear bilingual commentary, carefully curated vocabulary, and high-quality audio so you can read, listen, and truly understand. 25 Bashō haiku MP3 audio included PDF + ePub + Anki Bilingual commentary Beginner to intermediate Makoto+ Explorer coming soon What you will get A complete read + listen learning kit 25 classic haiku presented in Japanese with natural English renderings. Short, insightful commentary that explains grammar, word choice, kireji, and seasonal cues. Curated vocabulary lists with context so the words stick. Professional audio: a clear poem reading plus guided commentary for each selection. Digital bundle: printable PDF, ePub for e-readers, and an Anki deck for spaced review. QR codes inside for instant audio access; downloadable files included with your purchase. Coming soon: Makoto+ Japanese Explorer integration for inline furigana, audio, and fast lookups. Listen Sample audio from the book Below: the poem reading and a short commentary. Haiku reading: Your browser does not support the audio element. Commentary audio: Your browser does not support the audio element. Recorded in clear, standard Japanese—great for shadowing, rhythm, and pitch practice. Preview Read a page right here Tip: Use the toolbar to zoom and navigate. If the embed does not load, open the sample PDF. How to use it Read. Listen. Absorb. Review. Listen once without reading to catch flow and pitch. Read the Japanese with notes, then replay and shadow the lines. Reinforce with the Anki deck and revisit a few poems during the week. Who it is for Haiku lovers and Japanese learners If you love Japanese culture and want steady gains in reading, vocabulary, and listening, this book is for you. Perfect for self-learners, classrooms, and anyone who prefers meaningful, bite-size practice that fits into a busy day. About Bashō The master of the road Matsuo Bashō, famed for his travels and crystalline style, is commemorated across Japan with monuments to his verses. His poems distill quiet moments of nature into unforgettable images— ideal for learners seeking authentic, elegant Japanese. Listen now Preview a page

NOTE: This paperback is for the previous version and is 50% off. The stories weren't changed and the only difference with the new version is the formatting is much improved and the vocabulary and grammar explanations have been updated and expanded. Still, the old version will work perfectly with the audio and the Makoto+ Sentence Explorer integration if you want to snag a physical copy at half price. Note: This is the physical paperback version which will be shipped to your location. If you are looking for the digital only version, please click here.   280 pages | Paperback | Includes FREE MP3s and eBook formats   READ real Japanese Today! Are you a beginner to upper beginner level students of Japanese? If so, this reader is for you. Every word is defined and important grammatical patterns are explained in plain English. If you can read hiragana, you are ready for this book. BONUS! Get FREE Sound Files of each story. Listen while reading. The link to the MP3s is found on the last page. The Story:While on an intergalactic spy mission, Frank the alien crash landed in Japan and met Obaasan. In their first adventure, they helped prevent an inter-galactic war with the aid of natto. But now, a new menace has emerged which, once again, threatens the entire universe. * All Japanese kanji have furigana* 10 complete episodes in one story arc. Each story is presented in real Japanese (with furigana) and with a running gloss which breaks down all vocabulary and grammar points.* 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.* Download the FREE sound files to listen while you study. Frank and the Obaasan is a fun (certainly not serious) reader for beginners of Japanese. If you are looking for Japanese reading material that is fairly easy but not written for children, this is a resource for you. Finally, we invite the reader to contact us with questions or requests for future Japanese readers. You will find our personal email addresses in the book. To your Japanese! What are you waiting for? Ninja up your Japanese. Click “Buy Now” now!