6 contemporary short stories by the best writers present ed in vertical format with translation on facing page and a series of notes that elucidate nuance, grammar, culture. At the back is a Japanese-English dictionary tailor-made to cover all the words included in the stories, and a free audio download containing a complete narration, to un derstand the sound, rhythm and speed of REAL Japanese. Includes the haunting prose of Banana Yoshimoto and the stunning horror of Otsuichi. An unrivalled resource. As with novels published in Japan, the text on each page runs from top to bottom and from right to left.