When learners begin reading Japanese stories,
they often enjoy simple tales that feel like familiar folklore.
This book shares a traditional Japanese folktale about mysterious water that brings youth —
a story passed down on the island of Oki in Shimane Prefecture.
Image source: ASK Publishing official website
A story from traditional Japan
This book is part of the
Yomu Yomu Bunko – Graded Japanese Readers
and belongs to the Starter level, just like the other books in this series.
The story is based on a traditional Japanese folktale from the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture.
An old man goes into the mountains,
and something strange happens there.
That is all you need to know before reading.
Japan has many folktales like this,
passed down in different regions for generations.
These stories often begin with very ordinary scenes—
an old man, a mountain, a quiet village—
and then gently introduce something unexpected.
This book follows that same tradition.
Why this story works for beginners
This folktale is simple, short, and easy to follow:
-
clear sequence of events
-
few characters
-
vivid images suggested by the plot
There are no long explanations, and the language is gentle enough for a first step into real Japanese reading.
Learning through narrative, not study
This story helps you:
-
connect words with actions
-
notice repeated structures
-
understand meaning through context
-
enjoy how Japanese expresses traditional ideas
You do not need to:
-
memorize every word
-
translate every sentence
-
analyze grammar
Instead, the story lets you feel Japanese from the inside.
What you learn along the way
Through this tale, you naturally encounter:
-
verbs of movement (go, drink, return)
-
basic nouns (water, mountain, home)
-
expressions of consequence
-
familiar patterns from folklore settings
This is how reading becomes a feeling, not just a task.
Why folktales are meaningful
Old stories like this help you:
-
experience Japanese culture
-
see how Japanese expresses cause and effect
-
recognize patterns without pressure
-
think in Japanese more naturally
Unlike textbooks, these tales do not break language into rules.
They let language live in meaning.
Who this book is for
This book is especially good for:
-
learners ready for their first full story
-
readers who enjoy cultural narratives
-
learners transitioning from simple visuals to narratives
-
people curious about real Japanese context
If Japanese reading still feels distant, this story brings it closer.
Where to find the book
If you would like to purchase this book,
you can find official information here:
(This book is part of a graded reader series and may be sold as part of a set.)
Final note
This is not a book to study Japanese.
It is a book to live Japanese through story.
By reading it, you don’t just see words —
you see how they move in time, like water flowing in a spring.
This experience deepens your feeling for Japanese
more than any list of vocabulary can.
