Book Review, children's literature, Fiction, N2, novel

[N2] カラフル

A soul enters the afterlife, where it is told that it has no further to go from there. Whoever this soul was, it was responsible for something bad in their previous life and thus won't be reborn. But fortunately, the soul is given a second chance by being sent back to earth once more to continue to live the life of Kobayashi Makoto, who has just died by suicide.

Book Review, children's literature, Fiction, N2, novel

[N2] 少年探偵団(しょうねんたんていだん)

In 1937, the Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Ranpo published the serial novel "Detective Boys" in a youth magazine. In this story, his already established private detective Akechi Kogoro is teaming up with a gang of curious boys.

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Top Japanese Books of 2022: My Highlights

In 2022, I read more books in Japanese than ever before and with all that progress in reading comprehension was also able to finally enjoy reading some truly exceptional Japanese novels. In this post, I'll be sharing my personal highlights of this year and I'll also provide links to each book in case you want… Continue reading Top Japanese Books of 2022: My Highlights

Book Review, children's literature, fairy tale, Fiction, N3

[N3] 親指姫(おやゆびひめ)

Thumbelina is born from a flower her mother received from a witch, but she is no taller than a thumb (jp: 親指(おやゆび))! The animals of the forest are fascinated by her and take her along to live with them. This fairy tale was originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish writer. It was… Continue reading [N3] 親指姫(おやゆびひめ)

Book Review, children's literature, N3, Non-Fiction

[N3] ほんとうにあったお話 1年生

At the start of each day, many schools in Japan have a time slot, in which students can freely read their own books. Today's recommendation is a book for first graders and intended to be read during this reading time. The short stories in here are - as the title suggests - based on true… Continue reading [N3] ほんとうにあったお話 1年生

Advice, Blog

Introduction to reading Japanese novels – Where to get books with furigana

Reading novels in Japanese can be a real challenge if your reading flow comes to a stop every time you encounter a kanji you can't read. These books with 100% furigana on all kanji will help cutting back on that frustration so you can focus on reading in Japanese.

Book Review, children's literature, Fiction, N3

[N3] ふしぎ駄菓子屋(だがしや)銭天堂(ぜにてんどう)

This children's book by Hiroshima Reiko is about a magical candy shop that seems to pop up whenever a little magic is needed in the lives of their future customers. From young to old, poor to rich, the customers either find their fortune here or an important lesson in their lives. Author: 廣嶋 玲子(ひろしま れいこ)Illustrator: jyajyaPublisher:… Continue reading [N3] ふしぎ駄菓子屋(だがしや)銭天堂(ぜにてんどう)