Makoto Japanese Language & Culture Magazine Issue 91 (September 2025)
Fun, culturally rich reading and listening practice for learners of Japanese
Makoto is a monthly digital magazine for beginner to lower-intermediate learners of Japanese. Each issue features short articles, cultural notes, language lessons, jokes, and native-audio recordings—designed to make learning fun, immersive, and memorable.
In this issue (September 2025, Issue 91):
This month's theme is the gentle turning of the seasons—from late-summer cicadas to the first crisp autumn breezes. Settle in with cultural deep-dives, language lessons, and the timeless folktale Tsuru no Ongaeshi ("The Crane's Return of Gratitude"), one of Japan's most beloved traditional stories.
Highlights include:
Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns – lighthearted fun to keep learning fresh
Vocabulary Spotlight: ?????? ("to eagerly look forward to something")
Prefecture Spotlight: Shiga – Lake Biwa, ninja history, Omi beef, and more
Etymology Deep Dive: ???? – from Heian court poetry to modern pampering
Anime Phrase of the Day: A fearless line from Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken)
Onomatopoeia: The sounds of late summer—cicadas, fireworks, and fading breezes
Haiku Spotlight: Akutagawa Ryunosuke – a glimpse into the literary master's seasonal verse
Kanji Focus: ? (electricity; power)
Grammar Time!: ~?? (if; in the case of) explained with clear examples
Japanese Readers:
- Beginner: A short September-themed story
- Intermediate: Tsuru no Ongaeshi – fully annotated with vocabulary, grammar, and cultural notes
Includes:
Perfect for learners who love Japanese culture and want engaging, real-world content. Use it to build vocabulary, sharpen listening skills, and enjoy the language in all its seasonal beauty.