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➡️ 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 $3 a month or $36 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more. Makoto E-Zine series #20Recommended 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 new 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: October 2019NEW READER: よんでみよう！ Let's Read! & Ukiyoe, Part Two* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary* Prefecture Spotlight* Etymology* Phrase of the Day* Haiku: Basho* Kanji Spotlight* Grammar Time!* Japanese Readers: Yonde miyou! Let's Read! and Ukiyoe, Part Two ➡️ 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 for only $3 a month or $36 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more. IN THIS ISSUE: February 2019 NEW READER: Frank and the Obaasan & The Japanese Man who Invented Instant Ramen* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary: Basic Adjectives* Prefecture Spotlight: Oita* Etymology: Kingyo no fun* Phrase of the Day: Dogs and Monkeys* Haiku: Masaoka Shiki* Kanji Spotlight: Nature Kanji* Grammar Time! The Feminine Wa* Frank and the Obaasan Reader, Grammatical Notes, Kanji Notes, and English Translation [Beginner Level]* The Man who Invented Instant Ramen Reader [Beginner Level] ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: Mangajin ceased publication in 1998. These back issues may be new or used, but they will not be pristine. A few are still in sealed bags (for mailing), but even those are unlikely to be pristine due to shelf-wear and the amount of time passed. Please consider these as learning tools to be used rather than for collecting. That being said, if condition is important to you, please contact us with specific issues and we'll send you photos of the actual items.   Mangajin was a wonderful magazine for learners of Japanese. Each issue somehow had something for every level, but we recommend them most for upper beginners.  Those interested in translation will love how Mangajin breaks down the manga it presents, explaining grammar, vocabulary, and cultural references with ease. The cover image above and the table of contents below are for this particular issue. The extra sample pages inside may or may not be from this exact issue.   

➡️ 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 $3 a month or $36 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more. Makoto E-Zine series #19Recommended 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 new 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: September 2019NEW READER: Frank and the Obaasan #15 (LAST EPISODE!) & Ukiyoe, Part One* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary* Prefecture Spotlight* Etymology* Phrase of the Day* Haiku: Basho* Kanji Spotlight* Grammar Time!* Japanese Readers: Frank & the Obaasan Episode 15 and Ukiyoe, Part One ➡️ 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 for only $3 a month or $36 a year. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more. Makoto E-Zine series #15Recommended 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 new 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: May 2019NEW READER: Frank and the Obaasan & Hanasaka Jiisan, the Blossoming Old Man* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary: Don't Stick Out!* Prefecture Spotlight: Tokushima* Etymology: tonikaku* Phrase of the Day: omoigakenai* Haiku: Basho* Kanji Spotlight: Body Part Kanji* Grammar Time! ga* Japanese Readers: Frank & the Obaasan Episode 11 and Hanasaka Jiisan ➡️ 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 #28Recommended 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: June 2020TWO NEW READERS: The Race (beginner) + The Blue Tunnel (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: Sailor Moon Prefecture Spotlight: Ehime Etymology: Pochi Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku Kanji Spotlight: to Ride Grammar Time! Japanese Readers: The Race (beginner) + The Blue Tunnel (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.

Makoto E-Zine series #51 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. 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: May 2022 - Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns- Vocabulary: 犬猿の仲- Prefecture Spotlight: Yamanashi- Etymology: セレブ- Anime Phrase of the Day- Haiku : 小林一茶- Kanji Spotlight: 男- Grammar Time! くらい- Japanese Readers: Mitarashi Dango (beginner) + Kicchomu’s Horse (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

Makoto E-Zine series #43 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. 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: September 2021 Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 音頭をとる Prefecture Spotlight: Okayama Etymology: エネルギー Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 加賀の千代女 Kanji Spotlight: 買 Grammar Time!  どんな Japanese Readers: Sitting Cross-legged (beginner) + The Bowl-wearing Princess (Intermediate) Buy now and start reading in seconds.

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!

Makoto E-Zine series #18Recommended 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 new 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: August 2019NEW READER: Frank and the Obaasan & Japan's Giant Hornets* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary* Prefecture Spotlight* Etymology* Phrase of the Day* Haiku: Basho* Kanji Spotlight* Grammar Time! * Japanese Readers: Frank & the Obaasan Episode 14 and Japan's Giant Hornets ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE

Learn Japanese with 妖怪 Vol. 6: 山姥（やまんば） [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL] A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to build real reading confidence while exploring darker traditional tales. Physical paperback • Includes free digital files for this volume (PDF, MP3 audio, and Anki vocabulary deck) Format Preview (From Another Volume) This preview is from a different book in the series and is shown to demonstrate the format, layout, audio style, and learning approach. This 山姥（やまんば） volume follows the same structure. Normal Speed Audio (Sample) Slow Speed Audio (Sample) PDF Preview (Sample) Open in new tab About This Volume Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, 妖怪 thrive in the Japanese imagination. They may appear as monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings, or even everyday objects that have taken on a life of their own. The 山姥（やまんば） is a terrifying mountain witch. She lives deep in the mountains and devours anyone who wanders into her domain. Unlike playful or mischievous yōkai, the 山姥 represents pure danger, isolation, and the fear of the wilderness. In this volume, you will explore two classic legends involving the 山姥. One tells the story of an ox-cart man who encounters her during his deliveries. The other follows a young priest armed with three magical charms that may protect him from her power. These stories are darker than most in the series and offer a fascinating look at how fear, survival, and faith appear in traditional Japanese folklore. Length: 201 pages What This Book Includes Multiple traditional stories centered on 山姥（やまんば） Each story presented in three formats:① Sentence-by-sentence Japanese with explanations② Japanese-only version for reading practice③ Full English translation to confirm understanding Sentence-by-sentence sections include furigana over kanji, a complete glossary, and clear explanations of important grammar patterns in plain English Free audio downloads included (link provided on the final page of the book) Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi Includes PDF e-book versions, sound files, and an Anki deck of the vocabulary at no extra charge Stories Included 牛方と山姥（うしかたとやまんば） 山姥と三つの護符（やまんばとみっつのごふ） Who Is This Book For? This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can benefit. The ideal level, however, is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4. If you are ready to move beyond simple textbook sentences and want to read traditional Japanese stories—with guidance—this volume is an excellent challenge. Ready to face one of Japan’s most frightening yōkai? Click Add to Cart and complete your journey through the Learn Japanese with 妖怪 series.

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 #40 Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese. 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) All the fun Japanese not found in textbooks!FREE sound files 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: June 2021TWO NEW READERS: Japanese Toilets (beginner) + Uriko and the Amanojaku (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: ookina kao o suru Prefecture Spotlight: Wakayama Etymology: Amanojaku Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku: By Aoki Kayoko Kanji Spotlight Grammar Time! All about the topic particle は wa Japanese Japanese Toilets (beginner) + Princess Uriko and the Amanojaku (Intermediate)

Makoto E-Zine series #52 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. 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: June 2022 * Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary: 血も涙もない* Prefecture Spotlight: Nagano* Etymology: デカ* Anime Phrase of the Day* Haiku : 夏目漱石* Kanji Spotlight: 人* Grammar Time! だけ* Japanese Readers: Japanese Pancakes (beginner) + Yamaha (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds.