Free Textbook Samples
Textbooks based on Minna no Nihongo
Read lessons 1–10 for free with furigana, audio, and English.
Japanese reading practice
Japanese Reading Practice with Furigana
Practice with free Japanese stories and textbook readings, then follow a clear path from complete beginner to JLPT N1 with furigana, English support, and audio.
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Japanese reading practice for every starting point
The best Japanese reading practice is material you can understand without stopping at every word. Gaku connects short, supported readings so you can begin with Romaji or furigana, build confidence with beginner Japanese stories, and gradually move into JLPT-level practice.
Japanese reading practice with furigana
Furigana shows kana readings above or beside kanji, helping you read real Japanese sentences while learning how kanji sound in context. Start with the free Japanese stories with reading support, then reread the same story with less help.
Romaji reading practice for complete beginners
If you are not comfortable with hiragana yet, a short Romaji story can make your first reading experience less intimidating. Read the Romaji Japanese stories guide and try Issunboushi, a beginner-friendly Japanese folktale.
JLPT reading practice by level
JLPT reading becomes easier when you practice vocabulary, sentence patterns, and comprehension together. Explore JLPT-level textbook readings, then use JLPT N5 practice questions when you want focused kanji, vocabulary, and grammar review.
Reading Practice Paths
Choose the path that matches how you search and study: furigana support, Romaji help, beginner stories, JLPT reading passages, or focused JLPT practice.
Japanese stories with furiganaStart with free graded stories and use furigana support while you build kanji confidence.Read free stories →Romaji reading for first-time learnersUse one short Romaji story as a bridge, then move into hiragana and furigana-based reading.Open Romaji guide →Beginner Japanese reading practiceChoose easy stories with simple grammar before moving into full JLPT N5 reading.Start beginner reading →JLPT ReadingRead JLPT-level textbook passages from N5 to N1 with learner support and audio.Explore JLPT Reading →JLPT PracticePractice kanji, vocabulary, and grammar by level with instant feedback.Open JLPT Practice →
A Preview of Gaku Reading
A Preview of Gaku Reading
Textbook · Lesson 1 · N5 — はじめまして
山田先生は日本人です。
さくら大学の先生です。45歳です。
アナさんはドイツ人です。
さくら大学の学生です。
Lesson 1-1Start
Free Stories
Short Stories
Enjoy short stories on a variety of topics and levels.
Stories · 桃太郎 · N5 — Free to Read
Page 1
むかしむかし、あるところに、おじいさんとおばあさんがいました。
おばあさんが川でせんたくをしていると、大きな桃が流れてきました。
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How to Practice
Read for meaning
Read once without stopping and notice the main idea.
Check support
Use furigana, vocabulary, and English to fill the gaps.
Listen and reread
Follow the audio and connect the written words with their sound.
Return later
Reread with less support and notice what has become easier.
FAQ
Where can I practice reading Japanese online for free?
Start with Gaku’s Free Stories shelf. It includes free Japanese reading practice from Romaji and Beginner through JLPT N5, N4, and N3, with learner-friendly reading support.
Should beginners read Japanese with furigana or romaji?
Romaji can help complete beginners start reading immediately, but furigana is a better bridge to reading Japanese script. Begin with a short Romaji story if needed, then move to hiragana and furigana as soon as you feel ready.
How do I choose the right JLPT reading level?
Start with material where you can understand the main idea without checking every word. If a passage feels too difficult, move down one level; if it feels comfortable, try the next level. Gaku provides reading and practice paths from JLPT N5 to N1.
How should I practice with a Japanese story?
First read for the main idea without stopping. Next, check furigana, vocabulary, and English support. Listen to the audio while reading again, then return to the story later and reread it with less support.
Can I use Gaku without subscribing?
Yes. No account is required for Textbook Lessons 1–10 with audio, selected stories, and JLPT reading passages. Premium unlocks Lessons 11 and above, JLPT vocabulary lists, and the full story library.