{"product_id":"my-first-hiragana-katakana-book-japanese-culture-through-characters-and-sounds","title":"My First HIRAGANA \u0026 KATAKANA Book – Japanese Culture Through Characters and Sounds","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMy First HIRAGANA \u0026amp; KATAKANA Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an illustrated introduction to Japan’s two unique phonetic writing systems: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehiragana and katakana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned to make first contact with Japanese fun and intuitive, the book combines characters, sounds, vocabulary and cultural references with colorful illustrations. Readers can explore not only the Japanese writing system, but also everyday objects, traditional culture and words commonly seen in modern Japan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is suitable as a beginner learning resource, a souvenir from Japan, or a gift for someone interested in Japanese language and culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearn both hiragana and katakana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrated introduction to Japanese characters and sounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes a wide range of practical vocabulary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCovers everyday Japanese words\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduces traditional Japanese cultural vocabulary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes words commonly encountered in modern Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplains voiced and semi-voiced sounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCovers contracted sounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes support for long vowels and small っ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduces Japanese onomatopoeia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes traditional Japanese word games\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBonus downloadable PDF materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for complete beginners\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUseful as a Japanese-learning gift or souvenir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearn Japanese Through Words \u0026amp; Culture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe book contains a wide variety of vocabulary selected to introduce both the Japanese language and Japanese culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExamples include words related to:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEveryday objects and situations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional Japanese culture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood and lifestyle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThings commonly seen around Japanese cities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModern Japanese life\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy turning the pages and exploring the illustrations, learners can become familiar with Japanese characters while naturally discovering the culture behind the words.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeyond Basic Hiragana \u0026amp; Katakana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe book also supports some of the areas that beginners often find more difficult.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelpful columns explain topics such as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong vowels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContracted sounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall っ and double consonants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifferences in Japanese sound patterns\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnomatopoeia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis makes the book useful not only for recognizing individual characters, but also for understanding how Japanese sounds work in real words.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese Word Games\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReaders are introduced to traditional Japanese language games including:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShiritori\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – a word-chain game using the final sound of the previous word\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKaruta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – a traditional Japanese card game involving listening and word recognition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese activities offer another way to experience Japanese language and culture beyond simple memorization.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBonus Digital Content\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurchasers can access downloadable PDF materials including:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrated Gojūon Chart\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – suitable for printing and displaying as a poster\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Karuta Set\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – printable cards for playing and learning\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese materials provide additional opportunities for visual study and interactive practice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePart 1 – Basic Sounds \/ Seion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduces the core hiragana and katakana sounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePart 2 – Voiced \u0026amp; Semi-Voiced Sounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCovers dakuten and handakuten sound changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePart 3 – Contracted Sounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduces combinations such as きゃ \/ キャ and related patterns.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePart 4 – Onomatopoeia \u0026amp; Word Games\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplores expressive Japanese vocabulary and traditional language games.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYuko Hashimoto (橋本 夕子)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a Japanese language teacher and translator.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShe is a teacher member of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssociation for Japanese-Language Teaching (AJALT)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and contributed to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese for Busy People, Revised 4th Edition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHer translation work also includes publications in the fields of travel, business and art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplete beginners in Japanese\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearners studying hiragana and katakana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTravelers interested in Japanese language\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeople looking for a Japan-themed educational gift\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVisual learners\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStudents interested in Japanese culture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearners who want vocabulary together with script study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParents and teachers introducing Japanese to beginners\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Name: My First HIRAGANA \u0026amp; KATAKANA Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Type: Japanese language and culture learning book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMain Focus: Hiragana, Katakana, Vocabulary \u0026amp; Japanese Culture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget Level: Beginner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBonus Content: Downloadable illustrated Gojūon chart and printable original karuta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor: Yuko Hashimoto (橋本 夕子)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublisher: Natsume Co., Ltd. (ナツメ社)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication Date: June 16, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLanguage: Japanese\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrint Length: 192 pages\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN-10: 4816378928\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN-13: 978-4816378928\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis book is an illustrated introductory resource combining \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehiragana, katakana, Japanese vocabulary and cultural content\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It is not a dedicated JLPT preparation textbook.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Natsume-sha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53508600135969,"sku":"4816378928","price":83.42,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0263\/7214\/5240\/files\/71A2a86wWrL._SY522.jpg?v=1789456872","url":"https:\/\/wabisabi-store.live\/products\/my-first-hiragana-katakana-book-japanese-culture-through-characters-and-sounds","provider":"WABI-SABI STORE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}