Welcome to the 79th edition of the Makoto E-Zine Series, a unique magazine designed for learners of Japanese. This issue is titled ‘The Fun Japanese Not Found in Textbooks,’ making it perfect for beginners to lower-intermediate learners who want to enrich their language journey. As we transition from summer to autumn in September, known as 長月 (ながつき), the ‘long month,’ this edition captures the essence of the season and the joys it brings.

September is not just about the change in weather; it also marks a wonderful time for 月見 (つきみ), or moon viewing. This traditional event invites people to gather and admire the stunning autumn moon, a source of inspiration for poets and artists throughout history. In this edition, we delve into the beauty of both 長月 (ながつき) and 月見 (つきみ), exploring their significance and the cultural richness they offer.

But that’s just the beginning! The Makoto Magazine #79 is packed with fun and educational content that promises to entertain and inform. The jokes, riddles, and puns section will bring a smile to your face, while new phrases like 頭 (あたま) が上 (あ) がらない will expand your vocabulary. We also take you on a journey to Kagawa in our Prefecture Spotlight, revealing the intriguing aspects of the kanji 中.

Our diverse content caters to everyone, whether you’re just starting your Japanese learning journey or have been at it for a while. We feature Japanese readers like ‘Stinky Ocha,’ which is perfect for beginners, and a piece focused on the Nara Period for intermediate learners. Our goal is to foster a sense of community among our readers, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our ever-growing Makoto family.

To enhance your learning experience, we offer additional resources. Each issue allows you to download the magazine in PDF and ePub formats at no extra charge, enabling you to read it on any device. What’s more, we’ve included 17 high-quality audio sound files that you can access by scanning QR codes sprinkled throughout the magazine. This feature allows for an immersive experience, making it easy to hear the correct pronunciation of phrases and vocabulary.

Each issue also comes with a free Anki flashcard deck tailored to the main story, allowing you to solidify your vocabulary. All these bonuses can be accessed through a download link provided on the last page of the magazine.

This issue covers a wide array of topics that are often overlooked in traditional language courses. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

• Laughs, Jokes, Riddles, and Puns
• Vocabulary: 頭が上がらない
• Prefecture Spotlight: Kagawa
• Etymology: 長月
• Anime Phrase of the Day
• Haiku by Masaoka Shiki
• Kanji Spotlight: 中
• Grammar Time! できるだけ
• Japanese Readers: Stinky Ocha (beginner) + Nara Period (intermediate)

Join us as we embark on another month of linguistic adventures together! Grab an ice-cold 麦茶 (むぎちゃ) barley tea, stay curious, and let Makoto enhance your Japanese learning experience. Purchase now and start your enriching journey in just seconds!