After working on a few other minor projects, I realized that making a new volume in my bilingual reader series “Kantan! Read Japanese Stories Like a Native” was the perfect next project. I love this series since it gives me a chance to translate stories I enjoy, and also give explanations about grammar and vocab similar to what I have posted on this site for many years.
This time, I decided to go with the story “The World of Radio in Ten Years” (十年後のラジオ界) from Juza Unno (海野十三), considered to be the founding father of Japanese science fiction (whom I admit to having a bit of history with). This short story combines Unno’s quirky sense of humor with his penchant for imagining how technology might evolve in the future (for better or worse).
As with the other volumes in this series, readings and meanings are given for all words the first time they appear, so even Japanese students with very little experience can go through the text. This includes single vocabulary words, but also grammatical things such as particles and verb tenses.
As with volume 3, I included a quiz which tests understanding of some words/expressions. The story is included in JP/EN (w/ explanations), JP/EN, JP, and EN versions (plus there is a link to a recommended JP audio narration), so you can explore the story however you like. The level of this story is a bit more difficult than the others, but because of the detailed explanations I think a student of any level can get through it.
Thanks to Priya Singh and Jim Miles for helping proofread.
You can find it on Amazon here for only US $0.99 or equivalent, or also check it out below. Or you can see the entire 4-book series here.
I’m always open to ideas for stories to translate (whether as part of the Kantan series, or stand-alone), so if you have any ideas please feel free to leave a comment or email me.