(Mainichi/Yuka Asahina)


The shoebill, known as “the bird that hardly moves,” is a popular attraction at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo’s Taito Ward. Ueno Police Station has urged people to help create a safer community together with “Hashibo,” a mascot modeled after the shoebill. The name “Hashibo” combines “hashibiroko” (shoebill) and “bohan,” the Japanese word for crime prevention. It will keep a watchful eye on the streets of Ueno.


Japanese original









(Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun)


Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.


A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.


Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.