Read real Japanese today — one famous Japanese tale, fully explained, line by line.
Studied for a year or two but don't feel like you're progressing? Reading is the fastest way forward, and this series makes real Japanese approachable: each story is divided into small segments with complete word-by-word vocabulary and grammar explanations, so you build confidence page by page.
Every story is presented three ways:
GLOSS — the full story with definitions under every sentence and plain-English grammar notes
JAPANESE ONLY — the same story without furigana or gloss, so you can practice reading "real" Japanese uninterrupted
ENGLISH SUMMARY — a mostly literal translation to check your understanding (work through the Japanese first — no cheating)
Listen while you read. Each part of the story includes QR codes for two recordings by a native Japanese voice actress — natural speed and slow speed. Scan with your phone camera and the audio plays in seconds. No sign-up required.
Practice beyond the page. Your purchase unlocks every sentence from this book in the Makoto+ Sentence Explorer — interactive word-by-word breakdowns, audio, and quizzes on the web or in the Makoto+ app. A free Anki flashcard deck (most cards with audio and pitch-accent diagrams) is included too.
About this story: Kachi Kachi Yama ("Crackling Mountain") is one of Japan's most famous folktales — and one of its darkest. A wicked tanuki, a grieving old man, and a clever rabbit with a long memory and a patient plan. It's not a very pleasant story, but every Japanese person knows it, and now you will too. Because it's longer than our usual tales, we've split it into three digestible parts, each with its own audio.
Recommended for upper-beginner to intermediate learners. Furigana throughout the glossed section (paperback and supported e-readers).
Start reading real Japanese today.
