Japanese Reader Collection

Japanese Reader Collection Volume 1: Hikoichi — The Complete Audiobook

Four complete Japanese folktales for upper-beginner learners, starring Hikoichi — the quick-witted folk hero of Kyushu whose "wit stories" (tonchi-banashi) have delighted Japanese listeners for generations.

Completely re-recorded and re-mastered in 2026, this audiobook is designed to stand fully on its own — no book required. Build real listening comprehension while walking the dog, commuting, or cooking dinner.

Each of the four stories is taught in seven stages:

1. Story Introduction — a short English setup so you always know the scene
2. Vocabulary Preview — hear each key word in Japanese, then in English; repeat aloud after the native speaker
3. Slow-Speed Reading — the full story in clear, deliberate Japanese
4. Line-by-Line Breakdown — each sentence in Japanese, then broken into short phrases with English meanings, then the full English, then the complete Japanese sentence once more so it clicks
5. Natural-Speed Reading — hear how much more you catch the second time
6. Comprehension Questions — answer aloud in the pause, then hear the answer in Japanese and English
7. English Version — the whole story retold in English

The Japanese is read by native speaker Yumi Boutwell; English explanations are by Clay Boutwell, who has taught Japanese online for over twenty years. Together they are the authors of the Japanese Reader Collection series.

Stories included: Hikoichi and the Young Lord · Hikoichi and the Hanami · Hikoichi and the Living Umbrella · Hikoichi and Tengu's Straw Raincoat

Pairs perfectly with the Japanese Reader Collection Vol. 1 paperback or eBook — but everything you need to understand and enjoy the stories is right here in the audio.

Total runtime: 2 hours 37 minutes

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.