Stories from the Japanese you know.

early access·feedback

JLPT Reading Practice

Reading practice for every JLPT level.

Mukashi generates short Japanese stories matched to your JLPT level — N5 through N3 and beyond. Each story uses vocabulary appropriate for your level, so you can build reading fluency without constantly hitting walls.

Why JLPT learners need more reading practice

JLPT preparation often focuses heavily on vocabulary lists and grammar drills. But reading fluency comes from exposure — seeing words in context, repeatedly, in varied situations.

Most JLPT study materials give you isolated sentences. Mukashi gives you short connected stories that feel closer to the reading sections of the actual exam, but built around the vocabulary you are personally studying.

JLPT N5Beginner

N5 is the entry point of JLPT. At this level, you know around 800 words and 100 kanji. Reading practice at N5 should use very common nouns and verbs, short sentences, and familiar everyday settings.

What to expect
  • Short sentences with one idea each
  • Common locations: home, shop, park, school
  • Basic verbs: 食べる, 飲む, 行く, 見る, 帰る
  • Simple time expressions: 今日, 毎朝, 少し
Sample story

山田さんは朝ごはんを食べました。パンとお茶です。食べてから、学校に行きました。学校は家から近いです。

Yamada-san ate breakfast. It was bread and tea. After eating, she went to school. School is close to her house.

朝ごはんパンお茶学校近い
JLPT N4Elementary

N4 learners know around 1,500 words and 300 kanji. At this level, stories can include a bit more context, natural connectors, and slightly more variety in sentence endings — while still staying grounded in everyday situations.

What to expect
  • Multi-sentence paragraphs with natural connectors
  • て-form chains and ながら constructions
  • Light narrative: simple events unfolding over time
  • Vocabulary from daily life: shopping, transport, weather
Sample story

今日は雨だったので、傘を持って出かけました。駅までバスに乗って、友だちと待ち合わせをしました。カフェに入って、コーヒーを飲みながら話しました。

Because it was raining today, I went out with an umbrella. I took the bus to the station and met up with a friend. We went into a café and talked over coffee.

傘出かける駅待ち合わせコーヒー
JLPT N3Intermediate

N3 is where Japanese starts to feel more natural and expressive. With around 3,750 words and 650 kanji, stories at this level can include more complex situations, light dialogue, and a wider range of sentence patterns.

What to expect
  • Longer sentences with embedded clauses
  • Natural dialogue with authentic speech patterns
  • A wider range of settings and situations
  • Nuanced verbs: 気づく, 確認する, 迷う, 決める
Sample story

図書館に本を返しに行くと、入り口のそばに張り紙があった。今週末から改装工事が始まるため、しばらく閉館するらしい。仕方なく、近くのカフェで読み続けることにした。

When I went to return a book to the library, there was a notice near the entrance. It said the library would be closed for a while because renovation work was starting this weekend. With no other choice, I decided to keep reading at a nearby café.

図書館返す入り口張り紙改装閉館仕方なく

Generate your own JLPT reading practice

Select your JLPT level in Mukashi, choose a topic, and get a fresh story in seconds. You can also connect a WaniKani account to get stories built around your personal vocabulary rather than a generic word list.

The reader includes furigana, tap-to-look-up for any word, and an optional English translation — so you can push slightly above your comfort zone without getting stuck.

Free to use — no account required.

Start reading →