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
On the border of two countries stands a monument with wild roses, where two opposing soldiers meet every day. They become friends but it's short-lived once war breaks out between their nations.
In "Rainbow Bridge" two girls, Otāchan and Okīchan, go out to collect special shoots near the local lake, which is said to be home to a water god. The rainbow that spans the lake every summer will become an important symbol for the pair.
Nanoka is a very bright child, so she feels it's only natural that the other stupid kids in her class don't include her. After all, who needs friends their own age, when she has far superior friends outside of school!
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）
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
Iida Kunihiko was born in Manchuria in 1942, but was soon brought to Hiroshima by his mother. There he experiences and survives the atomic bombing in 1945… This story was created by the NPO 平和(へいわ)の大切(たいせつ)さを伝(つた)える日本語教材(にほんごきょうざい)をつくる会(かい) which I would translate as 'Association for the creation of Japanese language teaching materials to convey the importance of peace'.… Continue reading [N3] 飯田（いいだ）くん
When Mitsuha and Taki wake up, they sometimes find themselves in the wrong body. Mitsuha experiences life as Taki in Tokyo and Taki learns about Mitsuha's life as a shrine maiden in a small town. They leave eachother messages in their notebooks and phones, but of course still cause some problems for each other. Publisher:… Continue reading [N3] 君の名は。
This version of the fairy tale of Princess Kaguya for learners with N3 abilities was written by Takahashi Sōko for a graded reader series by ask and NPO Tagengo Tadoku. I've introduced it already during the #letsreadkaguyahime reading challenge. Kaguya is found inside fresh cut bamboo as a child and grows up to become a… Continue reading [N3] かぐや姫（ひめ）
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.
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