Makoto E-Zine series #83
Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese.
Happy New Year from the Makoto Team!
This month's cover features a stunning photo of 金閣寺(きんかくじ) (the Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, captured just last month by our talented editor Neddy and her equally talented husband. Doesn’t it make you feel like taking a trip to Kyoto? Whether you've visited Kyoto many times or it’s still on your bucket list, this iconic sight is always awe-inspiring.
Speaking of iconic, let’s talk about ラーメン. Did you know that while it’s considered one of Japan’s quintessential comfort foods, it actually has roots in Chinese cuisine? Our etymology feature dives into how those humble wheat noodles twisted and turned their way into Japanese hearts—and stomachs—over centuries. Here’s a teaser: Japan’s first ramen shop, 来々軒 （らいらいけん）, opened in 1910, and the rest is delicious history.
But ramen isn’t just about slurping noodles—it’s about the culture that surrounds it. From regional variations to late-night ramen adventures (who hasn’t craved a steaming bowl after a long day?), it’s no wonder ramen is beloved worldwide. Have a favorite ramen topping? Egg, chashu, or maybe corn and butter? Whatever your preference, there's no wrong way to enjoy it.
This issue is packed with goodies to start your year with a smile: jokes and puns, a deep dive into the prefecture of Okayama, the rhythmic charm of the onomatopoeia どきどき, and a fresh set of Japanese Readers for learners of all levels. Let’s ring in 2024 with laughter, learning, and maybe a steaming bowl of noodles by your side.
➡️ How to read the eBooks: You may need to follow the steps outlined in our eBook guide.
- Page Count: 62 Pages
- Formats: Download the PDF and ePub for No Extra Charge
- Audio: 26 High-Quality Sound Files
- Interactive Learning: Scan QR Codes for Quick Access to Sound Files
- Exclusive Bonus: Free Anki Flashcard Deck (Tailored for this issue's main story)
❝Makoto is a great magazine for not only learning the Japanese language, but it also features articles about Japanese culture and food as well. Furthermore, it holds lots of info about places of interest that one should visit when traveling in Japan.❞
🔊 Now Featuring QR Codes for Instant Audio Playback! Scan the QR codes peppered throughout the magazine and hear the accompanying sound files instantly! A complete immersion experience at your fingertips.
🎁 FREE Sound Files & Anki Flashcards Each issue comes with free sound files of all the Japanese examples read by a native Japanese speaker. Plus, download a free Anki flashcard deck to help solidify your vocabulary of the main story. All freebies can be accessed through the download link on the last page.
Discover the Fun Side of Japanese Not Covered in Textbooks. If you enjoy our readers and lessons, you'll love Makoto, the e-zine packed with insightful articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, and Japanese trivia. Additionally, each issue features two brand-new stories or essays, complete with newly recorded high-quality sound files available for download at no extra cost.
In This Issue
- Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns
- Vocabulary: 脚光を浴びる
- Prefecture Spotlight: Okayama
- Etymology: ラーメン
- Anime Phrase of the Day
- Onomatopoeia: どきどき
- Haiku: 正岡子規
- Kanji Spotlight: 学
- Grammar Time! ～に気がつく
- Katakana Match
- Japanese Readers: Bad head? (beginner) + Muromachi Period (Intermediate)
NOTE:
- Digital and Print Versions are Available!
- The print version is printed on demand and can take up to two weeks to arrive (usually sooner!). You'll also receive the digital version immediately after purchase.
- If you choose a digital version, you'll instantly get the download links in a minute after purchasing.
- You do not need to have a Dropbox account to access or download the files. You will be able to instantly download all files on a PC or Mac (computer or laptop) and/or access any individual file on any of your mobile devices.
- If you don't see the email after the order, please check your spam folder or email us for support.
- This series is available on Amazon
