Makoto E-Zine series #3
Recommended for beginners and lower intermediates of Japanese.
MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. Listen while reading.
The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks. If you like our readers and lessons, you will love Makoto, the new e-zine filled with articles on kanji, culture, idioms, proverbs, geography, history, etymology, JLPT tips, Japanese trivia, and much more. Not only that, but every issue will include a brand new reader with newly recorded high-quality MP3s for you to download for no extra charge. 
Sushi: How to Make Sushi Easy and Cheap
NEW READER: Miyamoto Musashi
ž Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns: おやじギャグ
ž Prefecture Spotlight: Toyama
ž Etymology: 二枚目
ž Phrase of the Day: Useful English proverbs in Japanese
ž Ukiyo-e: Hokusai
ž Kanji Spotlight: 金
ž Grammar Time!　予定 and つもり
ž Reader: Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's Greatest Swordsman
While beginners to Japanese can get a lot from this, hiragana knowledge is required. 
* All kanji have furigana 
* All vocabulary is listed with English under each paragraph
* The full story just in Japanese is also provided so you can practice reading without interruption
* After each story, we also provide an English summary. We recommend avoiding this until after tackling the Japanese, but if you need a little help, this summary should give you a hint.
* Two MP3 recordings of the story. One slowed down for comprehension and one normal speed.