20th Century Japanese Stories: Hachiko, Instant Ramen, and Kurosawa

For Upper Beginning and Above Students of Japanese

Embark on a fascinating journey through Japan's 20th century with our unique Japanese reader, specifically designed for upper beginner students. “20th Century Japanese Stories: Hachiko, Instant Ramen, and Kurosawa” is not just a book, but a comprehensive learning experience that brings to life the tales of iconic figures who left an indelible mark on the world.
In this engaging collection, you'll explore three captivating essays:
1. The Loyal Dog, Hachiko: Uncover the touching story of loyalty and unwavering devotion that captured the hearts of millions.
2. The Japanese Man who Invented Instant Ramen: Discover the incredible innovation that revolutionized global cuisine.
3. World-Renown Kurosawa: Delve into the life of Kurosawa Akira, whose visionary work transformed the landscape of cinema.
But it's more than just reading. Included with your purchase are Anki flashcard decks, complete with all the vocabulary from the stories, comprehensive sound files, and detailed pitch accent diagrams — at no extra charge!
Key Features:

Dual Speed MP3 Sound Files: Receive FREE access to native Japanese speaker recordings, available in both slow and normal speeds. Enhance your learning by listening while reading.

Detailed Language Breakdowns: Each sentence is broken down, offering word-for-word translations and grammar explanations.

Kanji Support: Furigana is provided for all kanji (except in the all Japanese text which is to test your kanji reading ability), catering to those new to kanji reading.

Kanji in Focus: Special sections highlighting key kanji from each story, enhancing your understanding and retention.

Uninterrupted Japanese Texts: Challenge yourself with full Japanese-only versions of each story, perfect for immersive reading practice.

Literal English Translations: Test your comprehension with our straightforward English translations. Remember, try working through the Japanese text first!

Contact the Authors: Your learning journey doesn't end with the last page. We welcome questions and suggestions for future readers. Our personal email addresses are included in the book.


Whether you're a dedicated student of the Japanese language or a curious enthusiast of Japanese culture and history, this book is an invaluable resource. Dive into the 20th century's most influential Japanese stories and enhance your language skills in a uniquely engaging way. Let's embark on this exciting journey into Japanese language and culture together. To your Japanese!