Japanese Reader Collection

 9 titles in the series
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Hikoichi Summary

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.

(P)2026 Clay Boutwell
Hikoichi

Hikoichi

Japanese Reader Collection, Volume 1

€9.99 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese with Stories: Volume 2

Learn Japanese with Stories: Volume 2

Momotaro, the Peach Boy + Audio Download (Japanese Reader Collection)

€8.99 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

The Inch-High Samurai

The Inch-High Samurai

Japanese Reader Collection, Volume 3

€8.99 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 4

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 4

The Mouse Bride + Audio Download: The Easy Way to Read, Listen, and Learn from Japanese Folklore, Tales, and Stories (Japanese Reader Collection)

€9.99 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 5

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 5

The Cut-Tongue Sparrow: Japanese Short Stories for Upper Beginners (Japanese Reader Collection)

€11.66 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 6

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 6

Yuki Onna, Anchin & Kiyohime: Japanese Short Stories for Upper Beginners (Japanese Reader Collection)

€9.66 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 7

Learn Japanese with Stories, Volume 7

The Little Match Girl + Audio Download: The Easy Way to Read, Listen, and Learn with a Japanese Retelling of Andersen's Classic (Japanese Reader Collection)

€9.66 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 8

Learn Japanese with Stories Volume 8

Hikoichi Revisited + Audio Download: The Easy Way to Read, Listen, and Learn from Japanese Folklore, Tales, and Stories (Japanese Reader Collection)

€9.99 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.

Learn Japanese Through Haiku: Chiyo-ni

Learn Japanese Through Haiku: Chiyo-ni

Japanese Haiku with Vocabulary, Explanation, and Free Audio

€9.99 or free with trial. Auto-renews at €5.99/month after trial. See eligibility.