01What is “Tadoku”?

The main learning method of the Tadoku no Mori: Unlimited Japanese Reading course, which starts now, is extensive reading. In this context, extensive reading is different from Japanese sentence analysis. Rather than reading carefully while checking sentence structure in detail, the focus is on reading many books written in simple Japanese that can be understood without using a dictionary. In doing so, learners who are not native speakers of Japanese can develop the ability to read Japanese with the same natural feeling as when understanding general texts written in their own native language. In other words, the goal is to build the habit of reading Japanese from the beginning of each sentence without going back or translating into your mother tongue.
To achieve this, you should avoid books where you need to look up words in the dictionary many times per page. Instead, choose books with only one or two unknown words per page. Should be able to skip those words and still be able to understand the general meaning of the text.Tadoku focuses on reading a large number of books that match your level. This way, you gradually build your Japanese reading ability by reading a lot of easy material that you can enjoy.

02About the Reading Levels

Cosmopia’s extensive reading texts are divided into seven levels, from Level 0 to Level 6.

＊Relationship between e-Station Levels 0 to 5, the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, and CEFR

CosmoPier Level	JLPT Benchmark	CEFR Benchmark
0	-	Below A1
1	N5	A1
2	N4	A2
3	N3	A2-B1
4	N2	B1-B2
5	Above N1	B2-C2

Notes on How to Read the Table

The CosmoPier Level, JLPT, and CEFR correlation chart is provided as a general guide to help learners choose suitable books and enjoy extensive reading.
It can be difficult to know where to start. Therefore, especially for those trying extensive reading for the first time, we recommend starting at Level 0.
It’s better to find your appropriate level using familiar indicators such as character count, CEFR, or the JLPT, and take your time reading many books at that level. This approach will help you reach your goals more quickly.

03About the Genres

There are 25 genres in total. Please choose books based on the themes that interest you.

04How to Find Books You Want to Read
or Books That Suit You

In addition to searching by “Level,” “Genre,” and “Series” as explained above, once you get used to the system, try using filters like “New Arrivals,” “Popular,” or “Random.”

Some Chapter 1-only content includes a Timed Reading feature. Try measuring your reading speed and use 160 characters per minute as a general benchmark to help find a suitable level.

05Training Features and Usage Tips

This site offers a wide range of reading materials categorized by level and genre, specifically designed for extensive reading. A key feature of this platform is that every reading except Level 5 material comes with audio, allowing users to practice extensive listening along with extensive reading.

Icons such as Listening While Reading, Reading, Quiz, Shadowing, and Summarize are displayed. You can follow the steps in the suggested order or choose any sequence that best suits your learning goals.

Below is a general guide on how to use the training features on this site.
Please combine methods based on your level and goals.

(1) Choose a title from a genre that interests you, one that seems readable without using a dictionary.

(2) Listening While Reading

This is a way of reading where you follow the text silently with your eyes while listening to the audio. If you're not yet used to Japanese audio, or if the sounds and characters don't match for you, start by listening and reading together to get familiar with them. Using the audio as a guide also helps you practice reading from the beginning of the sentence without going back or translating into your native language.
If the audio speed matches your reading speed, that’s ideal. But if it’s too fast or too slow, you can adjust it using the audio bar to make it easier to follow.

(3) Read.

Let’s read while understanding the content without using a dictionary. If a word appears many times and seems important, and you feel uncomfortable not knowing it, you can look it up.

(4) Try the Quiz (Level 2–5)

After reading, try the three-question quiz to check your understanding of the content. It helps you avoid slippery reading—where you only read the surface or misunderstand key points—and lets you confirm whether you understood the content correctly.
*Not available for Level 0 and Level 1.*

(5) Parallel Reading

Listen to the audio and read the text aloud at the same time. It's a high-effort activity, but it helps improve your listening skills. Following the audio can also help develop your speaking ability.

(6) Shadowing

A key feature of this extensive reading site is that, except for Level 5, all reading materials include audio, allowing you to do extensive listening along with extensive reading.
Listen only to the audio and speak after it. If it's hard to speak clearly at first, try "mumbling" by quietly moving your mouth along with the audio.

Click the shadowing icon, and only the audio bar will appear on screen.

There are two main types of focus in shadowing.

(1) Prosody Shadowing

Focus on prosodic elements such as rhythm, intonation, stress, and speed. Without looking at the text, speak along with the audio.

(2) Content Shadowing

Once you’re comfortable with prosody shadowing, you can begin to focus on meaning. Pay attention to the meaning of the words, and try to speak as if you are the speaker.

(3) Recording

After some practice, try recording yourself using the record button while shadowing. Listening to your own voice helps you objectively identify differences from the original, unclear parts, or areas where you fall behind. Many people feel hesitant about hearing their own voice, but gaining an objective view of your abilities is the first step toward real improvement. There is a noticeable difference in progress between those who record and review their shadowing and those who don’t. Please give recording a try.

*Regarding simultaneous playback and recording:

Depending on your browser or device, it may not be possible to play and record audio at the same time. Please check the compatibility below.