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Makoto E-Zine Series #99 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 99 (May 2026) Story-driven reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue blends short stories, language lessons, cultural notes, humor, and native-audio recordings — all designed to make Japanese feel natural, usable, and enjoyable. In this issue (May 2026, Issue 99): This month moves from kitchen mishap to one of Japan's most famous ghost stories. A beginner story about an American making curry from scratch sets up a quietly devastating run-in with the metric system, while a classic Edo-period 怪談 about a maid, ten precious plates, and a well you don't want to stand near at midnight delivers some of the most haunting Japanese in folklore. In between, Frank survives his third job interview — barely — by confessing to a sushi-shop crime of love. Readers: Beginner Reader: カレー (Curry) Mark moves to Japan and decides to cook dinner from scratch. He buys the roux, chops the vegetables, and confidently ignores the part of the instructions written in milliliters. What he ends up with is not curry. Presented in hiragana-spaced, kanji+furigana, and natural formats for multiple reading passes. Intermediate Reader: 番町皿屋敷 (The Dish Mansion at Banchō) One of Japan's most enduring ghost stories. A samurai. A loyal maid named お菊. Ten precious heirloom plates — and only nine after midnight. A voice in the well counting one… two… three… and stopping at nine, every night, until a wandering monk does the one thing that finally lets her rest. Guided reading with full vocabulary, grammar notes, audio, and kanji breakdowns. Frank and the Obaasan: Season 3, Episode 7 三度目のバイト先 Two days at a sushi place. One day at a convenience store. Frank's resume is not selling itself. But when the owner of a small 定食屋 asks why he keeps getting fired, Frank's answer — "My love is too strong" — turns out to be exactly the right answer. Includes structured Japanese, vocabulary/grammar support, and Japanese-only reading. Language & culture lessons: Grammar Time: ～はずがない (JLPT N5) A versatile pattern for "there's no way…" Includes examples for verbs, nouns, and both adjective types. Onomatopoeia Focus: Soft Things ぷにぷに, むにゅむにゅ, and ぐにゃぐにゃ — three flavors of "soft" that English would just call "squishy" and leave it at that. Vocabulary: 肩が軽くなる Japan's version of "a load off my shoulders." Includes comparison with ほっとする. Etymology: サボる The surprisingly tidy journey from French sabotage (factory-floor resistance) to Japanese skipping class. Kanji Spotlight: 書 (JLPT N5) Readings, meanings, stroke order, and example words. Prefecture Spotlight: 長野 (Nagano) Home to nine of Japan's twelve tallest mountains, the famously bathing snow monkeys at Jigokudani, Matsumoto Castle, and the 1998 Winter Olympics. Anime Phrase of the Month Haiku Spotlight: 小林一茶 (Kobayashi Issa) A quiet early-summer haiku about new tea cutting through midday drowsiness — with five different translations to compare. More... Includes: 100 pages (PDF) 26 MP3 audio files 4 Anki flashcard deck 2 eBook formats Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access Full integration with Makoto+ Sentence Explorer for interactive reading, audio playback, furigana-on-demand, translations, notes, and vocabulary tracking Perfect for learners who want Japanese that feels human, readable, and fun — whether you're guessing at milliliters, counting plates by a well, or trying to convince a chef that loving food too much is actually a job qualification. 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 #23Recommended 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: January 2020TWO NEW READERS: Let's Read! Japanese Schools (Beginner-level) & Kappa (Intermediates)* Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns* Vocabulary: Japanese Proverb* Prefecture Spotlight: Kagoshima* Etymology: Cat* Cool Anime / Manga Phrase* Haiku Takahama Kyoshi* Kanji Spotlight: Language Kanji* Grammar Time! Keredo* Japanese Readers: Let's Read! Japanese Schools (Beginner-level) & Kappa (Intermediates) ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE

Makoto E-Zine Series #97 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 97 (March 2026) Fun, story-driven reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue blends short stories, language lessons, cultural notes, humor, and native-audio recordings—designed to make Japanese feel alive, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable. In this issue (March 2026, Issue 97): This month’s issue moves comfortably between the everyday and the supernatural. From a beginner-friendly story about トイレのスリッパ to a classic Japanese 怪談 shaped by 百物語, you’ll see how the same Japanese language handles daily life, comedy, and quiet dread—with full study support throughout. Highlights: Beginner Reader: Toilet SlippersA confidence-building story rooted in everyday life in Japan, presented in multiple formats for early reading practice. Intermediate Reader: 牡丹灯籠 (The Peony Lantern)A famous 怪談 retold in accessible Japanese, with guided reading support and audio. Frank and the Obaasan: Season 3, Episode 5 回転寿司の惨劇Frank’s first day at a part-time job goes about as well as you’d expect. Includes structured Japanese, vocabulary/grammar support, and Japanese-only reading. Language & culture lessons: Grammar Time: ～ばいいですかA practical pattern for asking “What should I do?” naturally in Japanese. Onomatopoeia Focus: Laughterにやにや, にやり, くくく, ひひひ, and more. Vocabulary / Idiom: さじを投げるMeaning, nuance, and usage. Etymology: 詰むWhere the meaning comes from and how it’s used today. Kanji Spotlight: 読 (JLPT N5)Readings, meanings, example words, and usage. Prefecture Spotlight: 静岡Cultural notes and practical vocabulary. Anime Phrase of the MonthA real line from anime, unpacked for meaning and natural usage. Haiku Spotlight: 正岡子規Seasonal poetry with vocabulary and explanation. Jokes, riddles, and wordplayLight reading that reinforces real Japanese. Includes: 92 pages (Print) 30 MP3 audio files Scan-and-listen QR codes for quick mobile access Integration with Makoto+ Sentence Explorer for interactive reading, audio playback, furigana-on-demand, translations, notes, and vocabulary tracking Perfect for learners who want Japanese that feels human, readable, and fun, without sacrificing clarity or study support.   🔊 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.

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.

Learn Japanese with YōkaiVol. 1: The Kappa [PAPERBACK + DIGITAL] A folklore-based Japanese reader for upper beginners who want to improve reading, listening, and cultural understanding—one strange creature at a time. Paperback edition • Includes free digital files (PDF + MP3 audio + Anki) Preview This Book: Kappa (Read & Listen) Try the same format you’ll get in the paperback—audio first, then read along. Normal Speed Audio Slow Speed Audio Preview PDF Open in new tab About This Volume Living in shadows and the in-between world of dreams and reality, yōkai thrive in the Japanese imagination. They are monsters, ghosts, unnatural beings—and sometimes even everyday objects that have come to life. Some are playful and humorous. Others are deeply unsettling. In this first volume, you’ll meet one of Japan’s most famous yōkai: the kappa. Kappa live in and around rivers, love cucumbers, and are notorious for pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. But they aren’t simply villains. In many stories, kappa repay kindness, teach medical knowledge, or help people in times of need. Through these stories, you’ll explore Japanese folklore while steadily polishing your Japanese reading and listening skills. What This Book Includes Three essays / stories about the kappa 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 key grammar patterns in plain English Free audio downloads included (link provided inside the book) Each story includes both normal-speed and slow-speed recordings read by Yumi Stories Included What Is the Kappa? A Kappa Mummy A Kappa Repays a Debt Who Is This Book For? This book is designed so that both newer learners and intermediate learners can find value. However, the ideal level is upper beginner, roughly around JLPT N4. If you already know basic grammar and kana and want to start reading real Japanese— with support—this book is an excellent next step. Fascinated by yōkai and traditional Japanese stories? Click Add to Cart and begin your journey into Japanese folklore— while building real Japanese reading and listening skills.

NOTE: The digital version is found in the digital only 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.     In this volume: STORY 1 TAIYAKI  STORY 2 MITARASHI DANGO  STORY 3 JAPANESE PANCAKES  STORY 4 JAPANESE DIALECTS STORY 5 COLD MEALS  STORY 6 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DAY  STORY 7 SPORTS DAY STORY 8 JAPANESE NAMES STORY 9 GENERAL CLEANING STORY 10 MOTIVATION    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.

Makoto E-Zine series #57 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From $5 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. 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: November 2022 51 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 16 Sound Files | 1 Anki Flashcard Deck Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 白い眼で見る Prefecture Spotlight: Saitama Etymology: ださい Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 小林一茶 Kanji Spotlight: 木 Grammar Time! Japanese Readers: Japanese Names (beginner) + Yamanba and the Three Magic Charms (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

Makoto E-Zine series #55 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From $3 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. 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 2022 48 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 18 Sound Files Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 口車に乗る Prefecture Spotlight: Tokyo Etymology: 君 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 小林一茶 Kanji Spotlight: 火 Grammar Time! ～中 Japanese Readers: Disaster Preparedness Day (beginner) + Tezuka Osamu (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in 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 with a free 7 day trial. Cancel at any time! Click here to learn more.   Makoto E-Zine series #29Recommended 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: July 2020TWO NEW READERS: Frank and the Obaasan Season Two Episode One (beginner) + The Seikan Tunnel (Intermediate) Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: Spill the Beans Prefecture Spotlight: Kochi Etymology: Cream Puff Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku Kanji Spotlight Grammar Time! Japanese Readers: Frank and the Obaasan Season Two Episode One (beginner) + The Seikan Tunnel (Intermediate)   ➡️ LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MAKOTO+ MEMBER. CLICK HERE

Makoto E-Zine series #53 Become a Makoto+ member to get this issue as part of your subscription. From $3 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. 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: July 2022 41 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 16 Sound Files * Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns * Vocabulary: 縁起(えんぎ)が悪(わる)い * Prefecture Spotlight: Niigata * Etymology: 太刀(たち)打(う)ち * Anime Phrase of the Day * Haiku : Issa * Kanji Spotlight: 子 * Grammar Time!  しか * Japanese Readers: Dialects (beginner) + Yamaha Part 2 (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds. 

Makoto E-Zine series #46 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: December 2021 Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: あいづちを打つ Prefecture Spotlight: Fukui Etymology: 民 Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 芥川龍之介 Kanji Spotlight: 曜 Grammar Time!  ながら Japanese Readers: Trains (beginner) + Kicchomu (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds.

Makoto E-Zine series #54 Become a Makoto+ member to get the latest issue as part of your subscription. From $3 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. 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: August 2022 45 Pages | 3 eBook Formats | 16 Sound Files Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 顔から火が出る Prefecture Spotlight: Kanagawa Etymology: 王国と帝国の違い Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 松尾芭蕉 Kanji Spotlight: 月 Grammar Time! の as a pronoun Japanese Readers: Cold meals (beginner) + The History of Anime (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.   106 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 10 Urashima Tarou and Other Stories: 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: 1) The Young Man Who Slept for Three Years2) Hanasaka Jiisan3) Urashima Tarou Three ways to Enjoy the Stories:* 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) The Young Man Who Slept for Three Years - Sometimes what appears to be laziness is actually strategic planning Hanasaka Jiisan - A story of the importance of not being greedy Urashima Tarou - A Japanese Rip Van Winkle story       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: Don't need a physical book? This is also available in this Money-Saving Digital Bundle. 93 Pages | Includes Digital Files | 5.5 x 8.5 inch Paperback   Japanese Reader Collection Volume 6 Yuki Onna: The Easy Way to Read 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 beginning and upper beginning students of Japanese. This affordable Japanese reader contains two stories just about every Japanese knows and loves.BONUS! Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese voice actress. Listen while reading. The link to the files will be emailed to you immediately 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. Yuki Onna and Anchin & Kiyohime Two full traditional Japanese stories 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. 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)   YUKI ONNA The Snow WomanYuki Onna (Snow Woman) is a traditional Japanese folktale of a spirit or yōkai who appears on snowy nights in a white kimono and even whiter skin. She is beautiful, but deadly, leading unsuspecting travelers astray or killing them outright. In our story, she is both deadly and compassionate.Anchin & KiyohimeA young priest learns the danger a lie can invite.While beginners to Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is required.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 IT NOW” 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.

Makoto E-Zine series #50 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. Preview the inside of this issue:   IN THIS ISSUE: April 2022 Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns Vocabulary: 身を固める Prefecture Spotlight: Shizuoka Etymology: 耳を傾ける Anime Phrase of the Day Haiku : 正岡子規 Kanji Spotlight: 女 Grammar Time!  など Japanese Readers: Taiyaki (beginner) + Kicchomu  and the Fire (Intermediate)  Buy now and start reading in seconds.