Makoto E-Zine series #90
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
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:
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Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns – because language learning should never be boring
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Vocabulary Spotlight: うり二つ (lookalike; spitting image)
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Prefecture Spotlight: Mie – home of Ise Shrine and the ninja of Iga
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Etymology Deep Dive: 浴衣 (ゆかた) – from bathrobe to summer fashion icon
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Anime Phrase of the Day – quote and explanation from a popular anime
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Onomatopoeia: Summer rain – the many moods of Japanese raindrops
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Haiku Spotlight: Yosa Buson – poetic imagery for rainy days
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Kanji Focus: 雨 (rain)
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Grammar Time! ～なくてはならない (how to say “must do” in polite Japanese)
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Japanese Readers:
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Beginner: A summer vacation story
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Intermediate: An overview of the Heisei era (with Sentence Explorer integration on Makoto+)
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Includes:
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63-page PDF and ePub formats
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27 MP3 audio files (normal and slow speed)
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1 Anki flashcard deck (beginner story vocabulary)
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Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access
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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.
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
