Yonde Miyo-!: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic Kanji - Paperback

by Yumi Boutwell (Author), John Clay Boutwell (Author)

Yonde Miyo ! Volume 1: Short and Fun Japanese Stories in Hiragana and Basic KanjiJust learned hiragana? Start reading real Japanese-right away.

We've completely rebuilt Yonde Miyo ! Volume 1 from the ground up! Every story, sentence, vocabulary note, and grammar explanation has been revised and expanded. We also added dozens of mini-lessons on key kanji and grammar patterns throughout the book.

This beginner-friendly collection is perfect for students who can read hiragana and are ready to begin reading real Japanese-with a little help along the way.

Native Audio Download - Scan the quick QR code inside to instantly download high-quality MP3s recorded by a native Japanese voice actress. Each story includes two versions: one at normal speed and one at a slower, easier-to-follow pace.

Unlimited Online Access - Your book purchase includes full access to our interactive Makoto+ Sentence Explorer. Read and listen to every sentence in the book, explore vocabulary and grammar notes, and test yourself with built-in quizzes. Requires a free account-no credit card needed.

10 Entertaining Stories Designed for Beginners

These short, funny, and culturally insightful stories are based on real-life situations (and mistakes!) made while living in Japan:

1. Clay Is Lost - Clay's in Japan, but he gets... lost.

2. Genkan & Clay's Shoes - An awkward moment at the front door.

3. Is It Blue? Or Is It Green? - A peek at how Japanese color words can surprise you.

4. My Turn - What could go wrong with a polite card game?

5. Nattou - Sticky beans, strong smells, and one not-so brave visitor.

6. Japanese Snowman - Discover what makes Japanese snowmen different.

7. Japanese Vending Machines - Hot drinks, cold soup, and unexpected surprises.

8. My Car - A driving mishap leads to a good laugh.

9. Island Country - Learn about Japan.

10. Japanese Schools - How the Japanese school year works-and why.

Read Each Story Four Times for Maximum Learning

1. Hiragana Only - With word spacing to build reading confidence

2. Vocabulary + Grammar Notes - Simple, clear, and beginner-friendly

3. Kanji + Furigana - The same sentences, now with standard formatting and small hiragana over the kanji

4. Japanese Only - Reread the full story without furigana to test yourself

Use the printable book, the downloadable audio, and the online Sentence Explorer together to supercharge your Japanese practice.

Read Japanese with Confidence and Joy

You don't need to know hundreds of kanji to start reading. You don't need to wait until you're "ready."

If you can read hiragana and know a little bit of grammar, Yonde Miyo ! will help you build real comprehension-step by step-and have fun along the way.

No textbook drudgery. No boring dialogues. Just real, simple Japanese-made for beginners.