Generating Buzz Before Release! Professor Kazuma Kitamura's Latest Book! An English Reading Comprehension Book to Fully Appreciate University Entrance Exam English Texts, 'English Reading Comprehension STANDARD for Cultivating Culture and English Skills' Now Available

Gakken Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President: Hiroaki Miyahara), released 'English Reading Comprehension STANDARD for Cultivating Culture and English Skills: Intensive English Reading for Adults to Train with University Entrance Exam English Texts' on March 27, 2026.

This book, conceived by Professor Kazuma Kitamura, who is highly regarded for his English reading comprehension explanations, with the concept of fully appreciating university entrance exam English texts, has been generating buzz on social media and elsewhere even before its release. It is an English reading comprehension training book for adults that fosters English proficiency and cultural knowledge through 'intensive reading' of carefully selected English texts from university entrance exams, deeply analyzing the arguments of contemporary 'intellectual influencers' such as Yuval Noah Harari and Michael Sandel.

English texts appearing in university entrance exams have functioned as an entry point to the world of knowledge, transcending the mere framework of test questions. They can be regarded as a treasure trove of 'high-quality texts' carefully selected by university examiners from excellent cultural books and argumentative essays, with great thought, as a first step into the academic world.

This book proposes a new learning experience for adults, treating these exquisite English texts as subjects for 'intensive reading' driven by pure intellectual curiosity. For learners who 'struggle to break through the English barrier' or 'want to encounter intellectual stimulation beyond practical English,' this book provides the ability to accurately comprehend the structure and logic of English texts, as well as deep cultural knowledge to view the world from multiple perspectives.

In an era where generative AI streamlines translation and information gathering, the importance of 'intellectual intensive reading' — deeply and accurately comprehending the essence of a text, not just its superficial meaning — is increasing. This book was planned as the definitive edition for cultivating the deep insight and cultural knowledge unique to humans, which AI cannot fully complement.

■Experience the true pleasure of 'intensive reading' to accurately comprehend English texts from their structure!

'Intensive reading' is a learning method that goes beyond merely following the surface meaning of an English text. It involves deeply analyzing the text's structure, context, and the underlying ideas and logic to foster essential understanding and multifaceted perspectives.

In the 'PROLOGUE' of this book, the 'most basic rules for accurately reading English texts' are thoroughly explained. By solidifying the foundation of intensive reading, such as the thought process of predicting structure from the first few words of a sentence, learners acquire the basic rules for accurately grasping the writer's intent without being misled by modifiers. The application of these rules is fundamental to intensive reading.

■Acquire culture and English skills with engaging English texts carefully selected from university entrance exams!

University entrance exam English texts are, so to speak, 'crystallizations of knowledge,' condensing the ideas and logic at the forefront of academia. This book carefully selects 15 texts from university entrance exams since 2020 that adults should read now.

The English texts from university entrance exams are presented as much as possible in their original form, without the 'questions' that were part of the exam. The focus is on deeply grasping the inherent power of the words and the writer's intent, and stimulating intellectual reading desire. The time spent engaging with 'raw English texts' taken from overseas argumentative essays, newspapers, and magazines offers an exquisite intellectual experience for adult learners.

■Detailed explanations and rich columns to break through the 'intermediate wall'

Professor Kazuma Kitamura, author of bestsellers such as the 'Eibun Kaitai Shinsho' series (Kenkyusha) and 'Eigo no Yomikata' (Chuko Shinsho), and widely supported by English learners, provides thorough explanations of the English texts. He offers guidance for learners at the Eiken Grade 2 or TOEIC 600-800 level to 'understand perfectly down to the details' in order to advance to an advanced level. In addition to deep explanations of grammar and usage, the book is enriched with readable content that touches on the author's essence, such as the column 'Nyushi no Komado' (Entrance Exam Window), which shines with his insights into English education, and the column 'MR. BIG no Tsubuyaki' (MR. BIG's Mumble), where he candidly discusses his English journey.

【Author Profile】

Kazuma Kitamura

Associate Professor, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Kyorin University. Born in 1982. Completed doctoral coursework at Keio University Graduate School in 2010. During his undergraduate and graduate studies, he was in charge of English courses for difficult university entrance exams at Ryusei Seminar, a university entrance exam cram school in Kansai. His books include 'Eibun Kaitai Shinsho,' 'Eibun Kaitai Shinsho 2,' 'Eibun Kaitai Shinsho 3' (all Kenkyusha), 'Eigo no Yomikata,' 'Eigo no Yomikata Listening Hen' (both Chuko Shinsho), 'Eibun Dokkai wo Kiwameru' (NHK Publishing Shinsho), 'Jokyu Eibun Kaishaku Quiz 60 de Bunpo Chishiki to Dokkai Ryoku wo Takameru' (Sayusha), 'Meibun de Manabu Eigo no Yomikata' (SB Shinsho), and co-authored 'Jokyu Eitango LOGOPHILIA' (Ask). He has also been alternately serving as the question setter for the 'Eibun Kaishaku Enshushitsu' (English Interpretation Practice Room) in the magazine 'Eigo Kyoiku' (Taishukan Shoten) since the April 2026 issue.

[Product Overview]

■'English Reading Comprehension STANDARD for Cultivating Culture and English Skills: Intensive English Reading for Adults to Train with University Entrance Exam English Texts'

Author: Kazuma Kitamura

Price: 2,530 yen (tax included)

Release Date: March 27, 2026

Format: A5 size, 304 pages

Electronic version: None

ISBN: 978-4-05-306382-3

Publisher: Gakken Co., Ltd.

Gakken Publishing Website: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130638200

[Purchase this book here]

・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4053063825

・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18494848/

・7net: https://7net.omni7.jp/detail_isbn/978-4-05-306382-3

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FAQ

Who is the main target audience for this book?

The main targets are adults struggling at an intermediate English level, those seeking intellectual stimulation beyond practical English, and adults looking to relearn.

Why were university entrance exam English texts chosen as teaching materials?

University entrance exam English texts are considered the best introduction to the academic world, a treasure trove of high-quality texts selected from excellent cultural and argumentative works.

What exactly is 'intensive reading' as a learning method?

Intensive reading is a learning method that involves deeply analyzing not only the surface meaning of English texts but also their structure, context, underlying ideas, and logic to foster essential understanding and multifaceted perspectives.

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