Our Japanese Readers
Unlike books written for native Japanese-speaking children, Mariko Sensei’s Japanbooks are specifically designed for learners of Japanese.
Written by native Japanese educators with many years of teaching experience, our readers use authentic, natural Japanese that native speakers use every day. The language is then carefully graded to make it accessible, enjoyable, and achievable for learners.
This unique combination allows learners to experience authentic Japanese while building confidence through successful reading from the very beginning.
Furthermore, our books are designed to support steady progress. Our collection begins with simple hiragana word-level readers for complete beginners. It progresses through nine carefully graded levels to advanced readers, introducing increasingly complex language, sentence structures, and authentic Japanese along the way.
What Makes Our Readers Different?
Every Japanese graded reader is thoughtfully designed to make reading enjoyable, achievable, and rewarding.
Each reader features:
- Carefully graded language
- Authentic, natural Japanese
- High-frequency vocabulary
- Clear and predictable sentence patterns
- Beginner-friendly word spacing
- Beginner-friendly textbook font
- Furigana support
- Colour-coded particles
- Visual support on every page
- Authentic photographs that support comprehension
- Cultural and factual content
- An appropriate amount of text for each reading level
- A gradual progression across nine levels
Why It Matters
Together, these features help learners:
- Build reading confidence
- Read more fluently
- Understand authentic Japanese more easily
- Develop vocabulary naturally through context
- Enjoy successful reading from the very beginning
Teachers can also use our readers for:
- Whole-class teaching
- Small-group instruction
- Independent reading
- Home reading
- Classroom libraries
- Extension and revision activities
Every Reader Includes
Every Japanese graded reader includes a range of learning resources designed to support both independent study and classroom teaching. These additional resources help learners develop reading confidence while giving teachers practical tools for effective lessons.
🎧 Audio recordings narrated by Mariko Sensei to support listening, pronunciation, and reading fluency.
📖 English translations to help learners check their understanding and build reading confidence.
💻 Interactive Quizlet vocabulary sets for engaging vocabulary practice and revision.
🖥️ Optional Class Sets with Online Flipbooks allow teachers to display books on an interactive whiteboard or classroom screen, model pronunciation using the audio recordings, and lead shared reading and interactive classroom activities.
Built on Proven Language Learning Principles
Our Japanese graded readers are built on proven language learning principles, many years of classroom teaching experience, and a deep understanding of how learners acquire Japanese.
As a result, they help learners build reading confidence, develop reading fluency, and acquire authentic Japanese naturally through meaningful reading experiences.
Our readers support a range of recognised teaching approaches, including:
- Graded Reader Approach
- Comprehensible Input
- Scaffolding
- Reading for Fluency
- Contextual Vocabulary Learning
- Visual Learning
- Culture-Based Language Learning
- Differentiated Instruction
Furthermore, many of our cultural and factual readers are well-suited to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), Japanese immersion programs, bilingual education, and independent learning.
Our Goal
We want every learner to experience the satisfaction of successful reading. More importantly, we want learners to build confidence, develop reading fluency, and enjoy becoming independent readers of Japanese.
Ready to Start Reading?
Browse our collection of Japanese graded readers and discover books that inspire confidence, develop language skills, and make learning Japanese enjoyable.
English 
日本語