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Step into an infinite world of stories

Listen and read

Clay Boutwell

Yumi Boutwell

For Beginners to Intermediates
This book is ideal for upper beginners, but beginners who have a good grasp of hiragana and the most fundamental aspects of Japanese grammar and sentence structure will find it valuable.

ABOUT NATSUME SOUSEKI
夏目漱石 is one of Japan’s most famous authors. He is primarily celebrated for his novels "Kokoro," "Botchan," "I Am a Cat," "Kusamakura," and his unfinished piece "Light and Darkness." Additionally, he was a scholar of English literature and a prolific writer of haiku, kanshi poetry, and fairy tales. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The book features two versions of the biography. Begin with the simplified version, which uses primarily JLPT N5-N4 level vocabulary and grammar. Then, progress to the intermediate version, which presents the same information but in a longer format with more complex grammar and vocabulary.

The intermediate biography, initially featured in our Makoto Magazine (MakotoPlus.com), has been significantly revised and expanded for this edition. The book also includes a concise beginner-level version of the essay. Start by reviewing the vocabulary and grammar notes, proceed with the beginner-level essay, and then challenge yourself with the full intermediate essay.

BONUS MATERIAL
Access the bonus content via the link on the last page of the book to enhance your Japanese reading skills (PDF & ePub), listening comprehension (audio files - both slow and regular speed), and vocabulary acquisition (Anki flashcard decks). The Anki flashcard decks are a fast way to assimilate the vocabulary. An incredible value!

Bonuses include:

Audio recordings of both essays at slow and regular speeds.

An Anki flashcard deck to study and memorize the story's vocabulary.

QR Codes: Easily scan the QR codes in the book to stream the audio and listen along as you read.

Vocabulary Section: Before delving into the essay (either the beginner or the intermediate version), go through the story's vocabulary, sorted by parts of speech.

Grammar Section: Review key grammatical patterns featured in the stories.

Kanji in Focus: Explore essential kanji from the story, including on and kun readings, meanings, example sentences, and mnemonic stories for the kanji parts.

An enjoyable method of learning about significant Japanese figures while also boosting your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Perfect for upper beginners, but also accessible to beginners familiar with hiragana and basic grammatical structures. Every line and every word are meticulously explained and defined, making it a perfect resource for upper beginners to intermediate learners. Expand your Japanese vocabulary, grasp new grammatical structures, polish your reading skills, and enhance your listening capabilities. Each essay is accompanied by two MP3s, narrated by a native Japanese voice actress. Print the PDFs and load the MP3s onto your phone for studying on the go.

What are you waiting for? Unlock the full potential of your Japanese learning journey—purchase now and begin reading and learning.

Kotoba Inc

Biographies of Great Japanese Figures

Natsume Souseki: Read, Listen, and Learn with Japanese Essays on Important Historical Figures

Boutwell Clay

For Beginners to Intermediates
This book is ideal for upper beginners, but beginners who have a good grasp of hiragana and the most fundamental aspects of Japanese grammar and sentence structure will find it valuable.

ABOUT Tezuka Osamu
Tezuka Osamu (1928–1989), a pioneering Japanese manga artist and animator from Osaka, earned titles like "the Father of Manga" for his influential works. Known as Japan's Walt Disney, he initiated the manga revolution with "New Treasure Island" (1947) and created famous series such as "Astro Boy" and "Black Jack." His impact continues through his extensive, award-winning contributions to manga and animation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The book features two versions of the biography. Begin with the simplified version, which uses primarily JLPT N5-N4 level vocabulary and grammar. Then, progress to the intermediate version, which presents the same information but in a longer format with more complex grammar and vocabulary.

The intermediate biography, initially featured in our Makoto Magazine (MakotoPlus.com), has been significantly revised and expanded for this edition. The book also includes a concise beginner-level version of the essay. Start by reviewing the vocabulary and grammar notes, proceed with the beginner-level essay, and then challenge yourself with the full intermediate essay.

BONUS MATERIAL
Access the bonus content via the link on the last page of the book to enhance your Japanese reading skills (PDF & ePub), listening comprehension (audio files - both slow and regular speed), and vocabulary acquisition (Anki flashcard decks). The Anki flashcard decks are a fast way to assimilate the vocabulary. An incredible value!

Bonuses include:

Audio recordings of both essays at slow and regular speeds.

An Anki flashcard deck to study and memorize the story's vocabulary.

QR Codes: Easily scan the QR codes in the book to stream the audio and listen along as you read.

Vocabulary Section: Before delving into the essay (either the beginner or the intermediate version), go through the story's vocabulary, sorted by parts of speech.

Grammar Section: Review key grammatical patterns featured in the stories.

Kanji in Focus: Explore essential kanji from the story, including on and kun readings, meanings, example sentences, and mnemonic stories for the kanji parts.

An enjoyable method of learning about significant Japanese figures while also boosting your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Perfect for upper beginners, but also accessible to beginners familiar with hiragana and basic grammatical structures. Every line and every word are meticulously explained and defined, making it a perfect resource for upper beginners to intermediate learners. Expand your Japanese vocabulary, grasp new grammatical structures, polish your reading skills, and enhance your listening capabilities. Each essay is accompanied by two MP3s, narrated by a native Japanese voice actress. Print the PDFs and load the MP3s onto your phone for studying on the go.

What are you waiting for? Unlock the full potential of your Japanese learning journey—purchase now and begin reading and learning.

Tezuka Osamu: Read, Listen, and Learn with Japanese Essays on Important Historical Figures

For Beginners to Intermediates
This book is ideal for upper beginners, but beginners who have a good grasp of hiragana and the most fundamental aspects of Japanese grammar and sentence structure will find it valuable.

ABOUT SHIBUSAWA EIICHI

Shibusawa Eiichi (1840–1931), known as the "father of Japanese capitalism," introduced Western capitalist practices to Japan post-Meiji Restoration, including double-entry accounting, joint-stock corporations, and modern banking. He is a fitting face for the 2024 10,000 yen note.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The book features two versions of the biography. Begin with the simplified version, which uses primarily JLPT N5-N4 level vocabulary and grammar. Then, progress to the intermediate version, which presents the same information but in a longer format with more complex grammar and vocabulary.

The intermediate biography, initially featured in our Makoto Magazine (MakotoPlus.com), has been significantly revised and expanded for this edition. The book also includes a concise beginner-level version of the essay. Start by reviewing the vocabulary and grammar notes, proceed with the beginner-level essay, and then challenge yourself with the full intermediate essay.

BONUS MATERIAL
Access the bonus content via the link on the last page of the book to enhance your Japanese reading skills (PDF & ePub), listening comprehension (audio files - both slow and regular speed), and vocabulary acquisition (Anki flashcard decks). The Anki flashcard decks are a fast way to assimilate the vocabulary. An incredible value!

Bonuses include:

Audio recordings of both essays at slow and regular speeds.

An Anki flashcard deck to study and memorize the story's vocabulary.

QR Codes: Easily scan the QR codes in the book to stream the audio and listen along as you read.

Vocabulary Section: Before delving into the essay (either the beginner or the intermediate version), go through the story's vocabulary, sorted by parts of speech.

Grammar Section: Review key grammatical patterns featured in the stories.

Kanji in Focus: Explore essential kanji from the story, including on and kun readings, meanings, example sentences, and mnemonic stories for the kanji parts.

An enjoyable method of learning about significant Japanese figures while also boosting your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Perfect for upper beginners, but also accessible to beginners familiar with hiragana and basic grammatical structures. Every line and every word are meticulously explained and defined, making it a perfect resource for upper beginners to intermediate learners. Expand your Japanese vocabulary, grasp new grammatical structures, polish your reading skills, and enhance your listening capabilities. Each essay is accompanied by two MP3s, narrated by a native Japanese voice actress. Print the PDFs and load the MP3s onto your phone for studying on the go.

What are you waiting for? Unlock the full potential of your Japanese learning journey—purchase now and begin reading and learning.

Shibusawa Eiichi: Read, Listen, and Learn with Japanese Essays on Important Historical Figures

For Beginners to Intermediates
This book is ideal for upper beginners, but beginners who have a good grasp of hiragana and the most fundamental aspects of Japanese grammar and sentence structure will find it valuable.

ABOUT FUKUZAWA YUKICHI

Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901) was a multifaceted Japanese figure who founded Keio University, Jiji-Shinpō newspaper, and the Institute for Study of Infectious Diseases. An advocate for reform, his thoughts on government and social institutions significantly impacted Meiji-era Japan.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

The book features two versions of the biography. Begin with the simplified version, which uses primarily JLPT N5-N4 level vocabulary and grammar. Then, progress to the intermediate version, which presents the same information but in a longer format with more complex grammar and vocabulary.

The intermediate biography, initially featured in our Makoto Magazine (MakotoPlus.com), has been significantly revised and expanded for this edition. The book also includes a concise beginner-level version of the essay. Start by reviewing the vocabulary and grammar notes, proceed with the beginner-level essay, and then challenge yourself with the full intermediate essay.

BONUS MATERIAL
Access the bonus content via the link on the last page of the book to enhance your Japanese reading skills (PDF & ePub), listening comprehension (audio files - both slow and regular speed), and vocabulary acquisition (Anki flashcard decks). The Anki flashcard decks are a fast way to assimilate the vocabulary. An incredible value!

Bonuses include:

Audio recordings of both essays at slow and regular speeds.

An Anki flashcard deck to study and memorize the story's vocabulary.

QR Codes: Easily scan the QR codes in the book to stream the audio and listen along as you read.

Vocabulary Section: Before delving into the essay (either the beginner or the intermediate version), go through the story's vocabulary, sorted by parts of speech.

Grammar Section: Review key grammatical patterns featured in the stories.

Kanji in Focus: Explore essential kanji from the story, including on and kun readings, meanings, example sentences, and mnemonic stories for the kanji parts.

An enjoyable method of learning about significant Japanese figures while also boosting your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Perfect for upper beginners, but also accessible to beginners familiar with hiragana and basic grammatical structures. Every line and every word are meticulously explained and defined, making it a perfect resource for upper beginners to intermediate learners. Expand your Japanese vocabulary, grasp new grammatical structures, polish your reading skills, and enhance your listening capabilities. Each essay is accompanied by two MP3s, narrated by a native Japanese voice actress. Print the PDFs and load the MP3s onto your phone for studying on the go.

What are you waiting for? Unlock the full potential of your Japanese learning journey—purchase now and begin reading and learning.