Natsume Publishing (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Masataka Tamura), a publisher of practical books, children's books, and educational works, will release 'My First HIRAGANA & KATAKANA Book: Japanese culture through characters and sounds' on June 16.

Its sister volumes, 'My First KANJI Book,' 'My Favorite KANJI Book,' and 'ONOMATOPE,' are long-selling titles in a convenient pocket-size format that helps readers engage with the Japanese language, and are popular as souvenirs for travelers visiting Japan. Two new volumes in the series will be released simultaneously.

Also being released on the same day is 'My Special KANJI Book: Japanese Classic Idioms,' which focuses on Japanese idioms and allows readers to familiarize themselves with Japan's Kanji culture.

Abundant vocabulary examples The book features a wide selection of everyday items, traditional elements that feel quintessentially Japanese, and words actually seen on the streets of modern Japan. Simply flipping through the pages allows readers to intuitively experience and enjoy the Japanese language and culture.

Experience the 'fun of Japanese'! Points that foreign learners often find difficult—such as long vowels, contracted sounds, and doubled consonants—are carefully supported through explanatory columns. It also introduces traditional Japanese word games like 'Shiritori' and 'Karuta.' Furthermore, purchasers receive the following PDF data as bonuses: - An illustrated 'Gojūon' chart that can be used as a poster. - Original 'Karuta' cards that can be printed and played.

[Table of Contents] PART 1 Basic Sounds PART 2 Voiced & Semi-voiced Sounds PART 3 Contracted Sounds PART 4 Fun with Hiragana & Katakana

[About the Supervisor] Yuko Hashimoto Japanese language teacher and translator. Member of the Association for Japanese Language Teaching (AJALT). One of the authors of the 'Japanese for Busy People, Revised 4th Edition' series.

[Book Information] 'My First HIRAGANA & KATAKANA Book: Japanese culture through characters and sounds' Supervisor: Yuko Hashimoto Publisher: Natsume Publishing Price: 1,320 yen (tax included) Specifications: A6 size / 192 pages Release Date: June 16, 2026

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product
  • Products / services: My First HIRAGANA & KATAKANA Book / My Special KANJI Book