Read Real Japanese Essays: Contemporary Writings by Popular Authors (free audio download)

Now available with a free audio download, this outstanding collection of essays by Japan’s leading writers, in vertical text with translations, notes, allows readers to experience the work as a native speaker would.

There is a dramatic difference between reading Japanese that is tailored to students—and reading real Japanese that has been written for native speakers. The concocted variety tends to be insipid, flat, stiff, standardized, completely lacking in exciting and imaginative use of la...