Designed to support engaging and flexible Japanese lessons.

Ideal for:

• Whole-class teaching
• Interactive whiteboard lessons
• Shared classroom reading
• Small-group activities
• Listening and pronunciation practice
• Guided vocabulary activities
• Independent reading
• Revision and review

Build reading confidence while introducing authentic Japanese culture through carefully selected vocabulary and photographs.

Book Description

One word at a time. One step closer to reading Japanese.

This reader introduces learners to shiritori, one of Japan’s favourite word games.

Each page features one authentic photograph and one Japanese word, making it easy for absolute beginners to experience success from their very first Japanese lesson. Students can confidently read using a hiragana chart while gradually becoming familiar with both hiragana and katakana. Katakana words include hiragana support (furigana).

As learners work through the shiritori word chain, they discover both everyday vocabulary and fascinating aspects of Japanese culture. Words such as tanuki, maiko, daruma, and koinobori introduce authentic cultural icons, while familiar vocabulary helps students connect Japanese with real life.

The interactive online flipbook makes whole-class participation easy. Teachers can encourage students to read aloud together, predict the next word, practise pronunciation, and reinforce vocabulary using authentic photographs.

This Class Set helps students build confidence by showing them that they really can read Japanese from the very beginning.

Key Features

• One authentic photograph and one Japanese word on every page
• Learn through the traditional Japanese word game shiritori
• Introduces both hiragana and katakana
• Katakana words include hiragana support (furigana)
• Discover authentic Japanese culture through everyday vocabulary
• Builds early reading confidence

Language Features

Students will practise:

• Reading individual Japanese words
• Reading hiragana using a hiragana chart
• Recognising basic katakana with hiragana support (furigana)
• Building everyday vocabulary
• Discovering Japanese cultural vocabulary
• Developing reading confidence one word at a time

Details

Japanese Reader Level: 1
Recommended for: Complete Beginners
Language Focus: Individual Japanese words
Vocabulary Theme: Everyday vocabulary and Japanese cultural words
Cultural Theme: Japanese word games and authentic Japanese culture

Character Count: 95
Pages: 21
Product Type: A5 saddle-stitched booklet
ISBN: 978-1-925808-09-4

Perfect For

• Whole-class Japanese lessons
• Primary school Japanese programs
• Beginning secondary school students
• Students learning hiragana
• Students beginning to read Japanese
• Building vocabulary through authentic photographs
• Introducing Japanese culture from the very first lesson

💜 A Note from Mariko Sensei

Shiritori was one of my favourite word games when I was growing up in Japan.

My family often played it at home, on picnics, and during long car trips. I always wanted to beat my older sister, but she usually won! Those happy memories inspired me to create this reader so that Japanese learners can experience the same enjoyment while building confidence in reading.

I also wanted learners to discover that Japanese words can introduce them to Japanese culture. Through words such as maiko, tanuki, daruma, and koinobori, I hope students will not only learn new vocabulary but also become curious about Japan.

Happy reading!

— Mariko Sensei

• Beginner Hiragana Readers Starter Pack (Levels 1–3) — A carefully graded introduction to reading Japanese through words, phrases, questions, and simple sentences.
• Primary & Elementary School Japanese Readers Pack — Authentic Japanese readers designed for young learners, with engaging cultural topics and visual support.
• All Japanese Readers Pack — Our complete collection of graded readers, providing a structured pathway from Level 1 to Level 9.

Copyright © Mariko Earle. All rights reserved.

All books included in this pack are protected by copyright law. No part of these publications may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission from the copyright holder.