Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 3: Inch-High Samurai

This audiobook brings you two of Japan's most beloved tales. The first is the story of a samurai no taller than your pinky finger: a tiny hero with a sewing needle for a sword, who sets out to make something of himself, saves a princess, and sees his dearest wish come true. The second is Kaguya-hime, the Moon Princess: a glowing child found inside a stalk of bamboo, who grows into the most beautiful woman in Japan. Princes court her with impossible gifts, the emperor himself takes notice, and yet every evening she gazes up at the moon and weeps. It is one of the oldest stories in Japanese literature, and perhaps the world's first science-fiction story. Each story is taught in seven passes, so your understanding builds one layer at a time: Story introduction: a short English preview so you know where you're headed Vocabulary: key words in Japanese, then English, with room to repeat after a native speaker Slow speed: the full story read slowly and clearly Line-by-line: each sentence broken into short phrases with English meanings, then rebuilt Normal speed: the story at natural pace, to hear how much more you catch now Comprehension questions: answer out loud, then hear a model answer English version: the whole story in English to confirm you understood it Japanese narration by native speaker Yumi Boutwell, with English explanations by Clay Boutwell. Learn Japanese with Stories has been helping people learn Japanese since 2002. No textbook needed: press play in the car or on a walk and let the repetition do the work. For upper beginners (JLPT N5 to N4) ready to move past word lists into real Japanese. Includes a companion PDF with the Japanese text and vocabulary. Duration - 1h 47m. Author - Clay Boutwell. Narrator - Yumi Boutwell. Published Date - Saturday, 24 January 2026.