📘 Let's Read a Japanese Novel — Together
Do you want to read Japanese novels, but feel unsure if you're "ready" yet? You're not alone. This private program is designed for learners who want to try reading Japanese novels — without pressure, without rushing, and without reading alone. You read at your pace, with calm guidance and continuous support.
Application Form🌱 A Gentle and Supportive Reading Experience
This is not a competition. You do not need to finish the book quickly. You do not need to read perfectly. During the program period, you are not required to finish the novel — you read at your own pace.
My role is to:
- Guide you through the text
- Explain expressions and vocabulary clearly
- Help you understand what really matters
- Support you when you feel stuck or unsure
You are welcome to move slowly. I will walk with you.
🍵 What We Do in Each 50-Minute Session
- We read selected parts together
- We learn natural expressions and useful vocabulary
- We talk about the content, characters, and themes
- We connect the language to your own thoughts and experiences
- I provide gentle feedback and clear explanations
This journey isn't about rote memorization of words and expressions; it focuses on comprehending, observing, and using Japanese in a natural way.
🐢 Your Pace Comes First
- You do not have to read ahead
- You do not need to finish the book during the package period
- You do not need to do homework unless you want to
📚 Choose One Novel (Level Guide)
You'll choose one novel from the curated list below. Alternatively, you may choose your own book (an extra fee applies, since I'll need to acquire a copy too). Books are not included — you're responsible for purchasing your own copy, paper or e-book.
また、同じ夢を見ていた
A gentle, thoughtful novel about a young girl who slowly explores the meaning of happiness, life, and human connection. The language is accessible, but the ideas run deep — wonderful if you want to read slowly and thoughtfully.
カラフル
A soul is given a second chance to live in the body of a teenage boy — exploring family, mistakes, and the meaning of life. Lots of dialogue and humour make it easy to follow while touching on deeper themes.
星の子
A quiet but powerful story about a girl growing up in a family involved in a mysterious religious group — exploring belief, childhood, and the complexity of family love.
むらさきのスカートの女
A strange, fascinating story about a woman who becomes obsessed with another woman known as "the woman in the purple skirt," closely observing her life in an unsettling way.
お探し物は図書室まで
Several people visit a local library and receive unexpected book recommendations that gently help them reflect on their lives. Gentle and comforting, but fairly long — usually not recommended as your very first novel.
阪急電車
Connected stories about passengers travelling the Hankyu train line in Osaka. Many characters and some Kansai dialect can be tricky at first, but readers find it warm and rewarding.
Schoolgirl
A thoughtful, slightly melancholic story about a teenage girl reflecting on her daily life, emotions, and relationship with her mother.
その復讐、お預かりします
A woman seeks revenge on her ex through an unusual company offering "revenge on your behalf" services. Surprisingly light and often humorous — though the vocabulary can be quite challenging.
西の魔女が死んだ
A quiet, gentle story about a girl who spends time with her grandmother and learns how to live in her own way. Some difficult plant/nature vocabulary, but calm and emotionally soothing overall.
コンビニ人間
A powerful story following a woman who has worked in a convenience store for years and feels most comfortable living by its simple rules — quietly exploring normality, social expectations, and identity. Personally, I love Sayaka Murata's books, and this is one of my favourites.
成瀬は天下を取りにいく
Centres on Naruse, a unique and unforgettable main character. First book in a series — a fun, motivating choice for readers who enjoy strong characters.
夏へのトンネル、さよならの出口
Two teenagers discover a mysterious tunnel where time behaves differently. Though labelled a light novel, the text is dense — among these books, this may be the biggest challenge, for readers who want to push themselves.
📖 Program Packages & Fees
This is a package-only program. All plans include daily chat support (via the LanguageClass app), Japanese Together Monthly Book Club participation, and support with vocabulary, expressions, and cultural context while you read.
Light Reading Check-in
- Learners who can read mostly on their own
- Those who don't need frequent Zoom sessions
- People who want occasional check-ins
Guided Reading Practice
- Learners who want to build a steady reading habit
- Those who tend to stop when reading alone
- People who feel more confident with regular Zoom support
In-depth Reading & Reflection
- Learners who want to engage deeply with Japanese literature
- Those interested in nuance, style, and implied meaning
- People looking for long-term, reflective reading support
🎁 What's Included in All Packages
- 📱 Daily text & chat support via the LanguageClass app
- ❓ Unlimited questions during your package period
- 📝 Session feedback and guidance
- 📚 Access to the Monthly Japanese Book Club inside Japanese Together — full access during your package period
This program combines private support and a gentle reading community.
🎯 Who This Program Is For
- Learners who want to read Japanese novels but feel unsure
- JLPT N3–N1 learners who want natural expressions
- Adults who prefer calm, meaningful learning
- Readers who want guidance, not pressure
You do not need confidence to start. Confidence grows when we read — together.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this program package-only?
Because reading a novel takes time. This program is designed to support you over weeks or months, not as a one-off experience. Packages allow me to guide you properly, track your progress, and support you between sessions — creating a safer, more effective learning environment.
Why is the price higher than conversation lessons?
This program includes much more than conversation time. Your package includes guided reading, explanation of expressions and nuance, personalised support, daily chat access, session feedback, and Book Club access. You're paying for guidance, preparation, and continuity — not just minutes on Zoom.
I'm worried I'm "not good enough" yet. Is this for me?
Yes. This program is designed for learners who feel curious but unsure, interested but nervous, motivated but lacking confidence. You do not need to be fluent. You only need to be willing to read — together.
Do I have to finish the book during the package period?
No. There is no requirement to finish the novel — you read at your own pace. The goal isn't finishing quickly; it's understanding more deeply and feeling more confident.
Is there homework?
Homework is optional. If you want it, I can suggest short reading tasks, reflection questions, or small speaking/writing prompts. If you don't, that's perfectly fine.
Why do students need to buy the book themselves?
Owning your own copy lets you read freely at your own pace, highlight and revisit expressions, and keep reading even after the program ends. Any edition — paper or e-book — is fine.
What makes this program different from self-study or book clubs?
You are not reading alone. You receive one-to-one guidance, explanations tailored to your level, a safe space to ask questions, and daily support between sessions. This program removes the feeling of "I should be able to do this by myself."
Is this program worth the investment?
This program is not for everyone. It's for learners who value depth over speed, understanding over memorisation, and guidance over guessing. If you want quick results, this may not be the right fit. If you want lasting confidence, this program is designed for you.
Ready to read your first page — together?
No pressure, no rushing, no reading alone. Just you, one novel, and calm, steady support.
Application Form