Discover One of Japan’s Most Extraordinary Villages

Hidden deep in the mountains of Shikoku lies a remarkable village where scarecrows now outnumber people. Through authentic photographs and engaging descriptive texts, learners discover how one woman’s creativity transformed a quiet rural community into a unique cultural destination that now attracts visitors from around the world.

Based on a real village in Japan, this reader introduces learners to authentic Japanese culture while developing reading confidence through increasingly detailed descriptive and factual texts. As they explore the village, learners are encouraged to observe carefully, imagine what the scarecrows might be thinking, and discuss the stories behind each fascinating scene.

With meaningful repetition, rich cultural content, and authentic photography, this reader develops both Japanese language skills and a deeper appreciation of rural Japan and the power of community creativity.

Language Features

Students will practise:

• Reading descriptive and factual texts using increasingly detailed です・ます sentences
• Reading longer connected texts with richer cultural information
• Learning vocabulary related to villages, nature, community life, and everyday activities
• Using authentic photographs to predict meaning and deepen comprehension
• Discussing and imagining what the scarecrows might be doing and thinking
• Developing reading confidence through meaningful repetition and authentic cultural content

Details: 

Japanese Reader Level: 8
Recommended for: Advanced Learners
Language Focus: Descriptive and factual texts using polite (です・ます) forms with selected JLPT N5–N4 grammar, including ～と思います, ～てみる, and other connected sentence patterns.
Vocabulary Theme: Rural village life, community, nature, and everyday activities
Cultural Theme: Scarecrow Village, rural Japan, community creativity, and regional Japanese culture

Character Count: 592
Pages: 20
Product Type: A5 saddle-stitched booklet
ISBN: 978-0-6481178-8-9

Perfect For

• Secondary school Japanese programs
• JLPT N5–N4 learners
• Adult learners
• Home learning
• Japanese language classrooms
• Exploring one of Japan’s most unique hidden cultural destinations

 Teaching & Learning Resources

Every reader includes free access to our Resource Library.

Included with every reader:

•  Audio recordings narrated by Mariko Sensei
•  English translation
•  Quizlet vocabulary activities

Also available for schools and teachers:

•  Class Sets with Online Flipbooks

💜 A Note from Mariko Sensei

Although I was born and raised in Japan, I had never heard of this extraordinary village until my mother visited it and showed me her photographs.

I was amazed. Hidden deep in the mountains of Shikoku was a tiny village where handmade scarecrows had become part of everyday life. What touched me most was learning how Ayano Tsukimi lovingly created the scarecrows, inspired by the people and memories of her village. Over time, her creativity transformed this quiet community into a place that now welcomes visitors from around the world.

Every photograph in this reader tells its own story. Some scarecrows wait at the bus stop, some work in the fields, while others spend time with friends and family. Even today, whenever I look at these photographs, I still find myself wondering what each scarecrow might be thinking.

I hope this reader inspires learners not only to build their Japanese reading confidence but also to use their imagination as they discover one of Japan’s most fascinating hidden treasures.

Happy reading!

— Mariko Sensei

📖 Your Next Japanese Reader

Continue building your Japanese reading confidence with these engaging Level 8 readers:

• うんどうかい (Sports Day) — Experience one of Japan’s most exciting school traditions while expanding your Japanese through authentic cultural experiences.
• とけちゃった！ (It’s Melted!) — Enjoy a heartwarming story about family, kindness, and unexpected surprises while strengthening your reading skills.
• ほごねこ ちいちゃん (Rescued Cat Chii-chan) — Follow the touching story of a rescued cat while developing confidence with richer vocabulary and more advanced sentence patterns.

These Japanese readers are intended for individual use and extensive reading (tadoku).

© Mariko Earle. All rights reserved.