Introduction
Finding suitable reading materials can be challenging for beginner to lower-intermediate learners of Japanese. This article shares several videos that may help bridge that gap. I outline the level they suit, how they can be used, and why I selected them. My hope is that these resources will support your continued Japanese study.
Background
I run weekly Japanese sessions with Twin-san (note account link), a collaborator I frequently stream and play games with. At first, I intended to develop a tabletop-RPG-style learning framework, but everyday conversation proved too difficult due to limited vocabulary.
To build a foundation, we instead began working through Edogawa Ranpo’s children’s novel Ore wa Kaijin Nijū Mensō da, reading and discussing it together. After several sessions, Twin-san asked whether he could use other materials independently to reinforce what he was learning.
Why Reading Matters
My own language learning experience strongly shaped this approach. When studying English, I was advised that reading extensively accelerates progress. Following that advice led me to rapid improvement and eventually graduate-level study.
Although conversational practice has value, exposure to varied expressions is essential and often underestimated. Books provide unmatched informational density compared to topic-based speaking exercises. This is why narrative texts remain my primary teaching material. Still, the desire to apply learned knowledge across different sources is entirely reasonable — and worth supporting.
The Resource Gap
While searching for supplementary material, I noticed a major obstacle facing learners. Even as a native speaker, locating content that satisfies all of the following conditions was surprisingly difficult:
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Very simple written Japanese
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Visual context that aids comprehension
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Text displayed alongside audio
Because of this scarcity, I decided to share the YouTube videos I discovered while looking for options suitable for self-study.
Important Notes
These videos were originally produced for Japanese children as read-aloud storytelling content. They were not designed specifically for language learners. Using them effectively requires some prior understanding of basic grammar.
In particular, learners unfamiliar with Japanese particles may struggle to follow the narration. Therefore, these resources are most suitable for those with introductory grammatical knowledge.
If you are unsure about your foundation, structured language classes may be beneficial. Alternatively, watching the archived lessons from my sessions with Twin-san could provide helpful preparation.
Selection Criteria
The videos below were chosen based on the following considerations:
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Kanji usage roughly equivalent to first-grade elementary level
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Animation or visuals that clarify story context
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Full written text shown together with audio narration
These conditions aim to support reading comprehension while maintaining accessibility.
Video Links
The following videos are shared for reference. They were not created by me nor intended specifically for international audiences. If you choose to comment on them, please remain respectful toward the original creators.
Suggested Study Methods
You might experiment with the following approaches:
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Track the text while listening
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Read each sentence aloud
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Practice shadowing narration
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Prioritize rhythm and flow over perfect understanding
Consistent exposure is often more valuable than complete comprehension.
