Book Review, 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

Book Review, Fiction, Manga, N4

[N4] サムライ漫画(まんが)

You can get a taste of samurai manga with this story about a nameless rōnin who experiences a typical day full of fights, selfish heroism and hospitality. This short manga was written and illustrated by Yuki Sengoku for the Japan Foundation's anime-manga website. The language of this manga itself can be challenging, but with the… Continue reading [N4] サムライ漫画(まんが)

Advice, Blog

How to start reading manga as a beginner

For many fans outside Japan, Japanese popular culture continues to be a central factor in why they are interested in the Japanese language. When I asked participants of the dokusho book club at the beginning what their goals were for reading in Japanese, some answered that they wanted to read a certain text in the… Continue reading How to start reading manga as a beginner

Advice, Blog

Graded readers for Japanese – where to start

Graded readers are a helpful tool for language learners, providing shorter books specifically tailored to their current level of reading comprehension. The vocabulary, grammar, and length of the books are carefully selected to match the reader's proficiency and to make sure that they can follow the story without too much difficulty - sometimes even without… Continue reading Graded readers for Japanese – where to start

Book Review, Fiction, Manga, N4

[N4] はるちゃんの学校生活(がっこうせいかつ)

Haru experiences a typical day at school. You will accompany her from walking to school, through homeroom, classes and club activities, to finally homework and falling asleep. This short manga was written and illustrated by Yagi Yukari for the Japan Foundation's anime-manga learning site. picture credit: anime-manga.jp This is honestly such a cool project! Every… Continue reading [N4] はるちゃんの学校生活(がっこうせいかつ)

Book Review, N5, Non-Fiction

[N5] メッセージアプリ

What apps do you use to stay in touch with your friends? In Japan the most popular messaging app is LINE and this text by 本間 理恵 for the Mongolia Nihongo Tadoku Library talks about the apps's functions and it's history. I personally only use LINE for keeping in touch with friends in Japan and… Continue reading [N5] メッセージアプリ