Tadoku (多読) is a Japanese method of learning foreign languages by reading easy books. Ta (多) means “a lot” and doku (読) is “reading”, so Tadoku literally means “read-a-lot”. It’s sometimes called “extensive reading”. In Tadoku you read easy material, slightly below your current study level, and in doing so you learn new words, phrases and structures.
On this page you will find links to Tadoku resources, information and books. Happy reading!
There are three main ways to get hold of Japanese Tadoku reading material:
1) Japanese graded readers
2) Free Japanese Tadoku books online
3) Japanese picture books
This is not an exhaustive list and you can find many more great resources online. On this page I have listed resources I have used myself with students and which I recommend.
1) Japanese Graded Readers
Official graded readers are written in level-appropriate Japanese, with furigana readings above all kanji, and have pictures to help you understand. I recommend these two fantastic series, which I have used with students. Both include a variety of books including fairy tales from around the world,and non-fiction.
Nihongo Tadoku Books
At present you can only order these directly from NPO Tadoku.
You can order books individually (from 450 yen), or in sets. Fill out the order form and they’ll invoice you. They post internationally!Taishukan Japanese Readers
These are also available at OMG Japan.
Both these series also have FREE audio available online at tadoku.org/japanese/audio-downloads
2) Free Japanese Tadoku books online
You can also find some free Tadoku books online. This is great if you just want to try out Tadoku, without committing to buying a set of books. Free books are also really good for practising Rule Four of Tadoku - if you’re not enjoying the book, put it down and read something else.
Free books from ‘Tadoku Supporters’
The quality of online free Tadoku resources varies, but I really recommend these two series:
Cute, free printable books from beginner to intermediate level, produced by the Kansai International Centre. These books were really popular with my students!
Free books via Tadoku Supporters
A wide selection of books written by volunteers and Japanese teachers. Students and teachers can also leave book reviews online. I particularly like the ‘Web Tadoku Books’ series on this page.
3) Japanese picture books
For absolute beginners, easy Japanese picture books can be easier than Tadoku books. Here are a few of my favourites.
(These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you click through and buy the book. Thanks for your support!)
Dareka ga imasu
A simple and fun picture book. Who’s hiding in the tree?
Yasai no onaka
Kore nani? (What’s this?) Guess the vegetable from its cutaway silhouette!
Kudamono
A beautifully illustrated picture book all about fruit.
Gatan goton gatan goton
A cute and simple story. Who will ride the train next?
More links and information
NPO Tadoku Supporters - A Tokyo-based organisation that aims to promote Tadoku around the world. There is a lot of useful info on their website about getting started
How to do Tadoku - the Four Golden Rules (from NPO Tadoku)
Read my report about the first Tadoku course I ran at Step Up Japanese, in 2018
Sign up for my newsletter and I’ll email you when my next Tadoku course is running!