The Journey I Live

Years have passed since Kona's adventure to the mountains, and life has settled into a comfortable rhythm. But everything changes when a series of unexpected events turns Kona's life upside down and forces him to reevaluate what he really knows about love, courage, and the true meaning of strength.

Told through the eyes of an older and wiser Kona, this series contains more challenging grammar and vocabulary, and tackles more mature themes, than the first Kona story. It therefore deserves a difficulty rating of Advanced. It is aimed at readers who have completed the first Kona story and our other intermediate content and are ready to stretch toward native-level material. (88 episodes)

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Episode 1
Years have gone by since Kona's adventure to the mountains. Kona catches us up.
Notes: This episode contains several interesting notes, such as one that shows the hidden relationship between two common words.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 17445
Voice Only Unread 3291
Episode 2
Kona considers how his thoughts about his place in life have changed.
Notes: This episode contains an explanation of the word tatoe, which signals that an "even though" expression is coming, as well as a special use of the word sonzai, "existence."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 4700
Voice Only Unread 780
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Episode 3
Kona begins to recount a pivotal moment with Mocha.
Notes: This episode contains notes on the meaning of a short question at the beginning of a sentence, a verb that means "it is not possible to do," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 2363
Voice Only Unread 444
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Episode 4
The family rushes to intervene. But are they too late?
Notes: This episode contains a cultural note on a traditional article of clothing, a note on the difference between two readings of 中, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 1419
Voice Only Unread 289
Pro
Episode 5
The family takes stock of the damage.
Notes: This episode contains extensive notes, including one on a suffix that you can attach to any verb to mean you view the action as contemptible.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 1083
Voice Only Unread 249
Pro
Episode 6
Kona and Mocha enjoy the addition of new residents.
Notes: This episode contains a discussion of several similar expressions that mean some variation of "to follow," along with several other extended notes.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 986
Voice Only Unread 232
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Episode 7
The cats are drawn into a confrontation.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the original meaning of the common word sugoi.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 915
Voice Only Unread 234
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Episode 8
Mocha and the fox get into a scuffle as Kona tries to help.
Notes: This episode contains exciting vocabulary and expressions, such as one that means "as if to say..." and another that means "in a trance."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 835
Voice Only Unread 230
Pro
Episode 9
The brawl continues as the cats do their best to help one another.
Notes: This episode contains a breakdown of the pattern for "heated questions," plus a review of a pattern that means "I should have done such-and-such."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 847
Voice Only Unread 223
Pro
Episode 10
An alarmed Natsumi comes to Mocha's aid.
Notes: This episode contains a note explaining why a word like miru might be written using different kanji depending on the sense, plus another example of "heated questions."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 783
Voice Only Unread 208
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Episode 11
Kona consoles Mocha after her examination.
Notes: This episode contains several extensive notes, including one on the difference between two ways to write noseru and one on the expression (person) no koto.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 762
Voice Only Unread 197
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Episode 12
Kona reflects on what the episode taught him.
Notes: This episode contains several words and expressions that can feel tricky, such as masaka, amaeru, and -te made mo, but our notes will help break them down for you.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 783
Voice Only Unread 197
Pro
Episode 13
Ken and Natsumi discuss a recent change in local wildlife behavior.
Notes: This episode contains a discussion of the differences between two common words, plus a discussion of an expression that essentially means "stomach prep."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 735
Voice Only Unread 187
Pro
Episode 14
Kona fills us in on an old friend.
Notes: This episode contains a fun expression that literally means "to get a hand from the cat."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 746
Voice Only Unread 178
Pro
Episode 15
Natsumi discovers something on Mocha.
Notes: This episode contains the fun expressions to kitara... and hanpa janai.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 719
Voice Only Unread 175
Pro
Episode 16
Natsumi concern over Mocha's bump increases.
Notes: This episode contains reviews of the word mama and the suffix -sugiru.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 672
Voice Only Unread 172
Pro
Episode 17
Ken joins Natsumi in the kitchen.
Notes: This episode contains a note looking at two ways to say "hurriedly," as well as one that explains a technique for representing a sudden stop in speech.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 685
Voice Only Unread 173
Pro
Episode 18
An angry Mocha makes another visit to the vet.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a pattern that means "having only (verbed)," plus one on a suffix that attaches to a person's name to indicate exasperation.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 657
Voice Only Unread 167
Pro
Episode 19
Mocha reveals a theory about Natsumi.
Notes: This note contains long discussions of the words yatsu-atari and kentaiki, plus one on understanding the "suffering passive."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 656
Voice Only Unread 160
Pro
Episode 20
The cats enjoy a moment together.
Notes: This episode contains a review of the word hazu, plus a note on two very similar-looking words related to pointing.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 653
Voice Only Unread 161
Pro
Episode 21
The family evening continues.
Notes: This episode contains a note explaining how to remember very rare kanji.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 656
Voice Only Unread 158
Pro
Episode 22
Ken receives an important phone call.
Notes: This episode contains a discussion of two words that both mean "rare," a note on creating short ranges like "two or three," and a note on the suffix -komu.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 661
Voice Only Unread 155
Pro
Episode 23
Ken explains what he learned to Natsumi and Kona.
Notes: This episode contains important vocabulary, as well as a note on ateji.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 636
Voice Only Unread 148
Pro
Episode 24
Kona digests what he is hearing.
Notes: This episode contains two notes that compare nante and da nante.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 621
Voice Only Unread 148
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Episode 25
As Ken, Natsumi, and Kona finish their discussion, Mocha appears.
Notes: This episode contains a note on two different words that mean "cheek," a note on a common speech contraction, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 624
Voice Only Unread 149
Pro
Episode 26
Natsumi makes a discovery that necessitates changes.
Notes: This episode contains a detailed breakdown of the unexpectedly tricky expression sukoshi de mo.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 756
Voice Only Unread 150
Pro
Episode 27
The family comes together to help Mocha.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a suffix that means "a lover of (something)."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 608
Voice Only Unread 143
Pro
Episode 28
Kona encourages Mocha, as Mocha conveys something important to Kona.
Notes: This episode contains another example of a pattern we saw earlier for giving a speculative reason for what follows, as well as a breakdown of the meaning of the expression o-sewa ni naru.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 811
Voice Only Unread 148
Pro
Episode 29
Spring brings new life to the family yard.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the words itsushika and tamaranai.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 593
Voice Only Unread 142
Pro
Episode 30
Mocha confides something in Kona.
Notes: This episode contains a breakdown of a long sentence that might feel tricky.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 670
Voice Only Unread 135
Pro
Episode 31
Kona asks Natsumi and Ken for help.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a special usage of the -you to suru pattern.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 592
Voice Only Unread 139
Pro
Episode 32
Natsumi discovers what has happened.
Notes: This episode contains several important notes on euphemisms.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 794
Voice Only Unread 139
Pro
Episode 33
The family gathers in the back yard as Kona feels emotions well up inside him.
Notes: This episode contains an expression that literally means "one can neither sit nor stand," plus an explanation of a figurative use of a word that means "crash/smash/bang."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 591
Voice Only Unread 132
Pro
Episode 34
Kona reflects on his relationship with Mocha.
Notes: This episode contains several lengthy notes, including a special use of the simple -te miru pattern, a breakdown of a phrase that means "irreplaceable," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 735
Voice Only Unread 141
Pro
Episode 35
Natsumi comforts Kona.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the flexible word darake as well as a pattern for saying "this past (period of time."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 551
Voice Only Unread 132
Pro
Episode 36
Natsumi and Ken are suddenly energized as a confused Kona looks on.
Notes: This episode includes notes on the word rusu in two different forms.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 660
Voice Only Unread 138
Pro
Episode 37
Kona takes a moment to think alone outside.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that means "to surge; to flood; to come rushing."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 546
Voice Only Unread 128
Pro
Episode 38
Kona has an unexpected encounter with visitors to his yard.
Notes: This episode contains fun words like migoto and bosa-bosa.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 700
Voice Only Unread 134
Pro
Episode 39
The gray cat remembers when times were better.
Notes: This episode contains informal language, featuring lots of contractions and expressions, but our notes will help you through.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 538
Voice Only Unread 129
Pro
Episode 40
As the stray cats are taking Kona up on his offer, another cat appears.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the -zu and -nu negatives, as well as one on the word sekkaku.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 652
Voice Only Unread 134
Pro
Episode 41
The mystery black cats lock eyes with Kona.
Notes: This episode contains an interesting note on a word that literally means "to come back to life," plus one on a special use of oboeru.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 531
Voice Only Unread 129
Pro
Episode 42
Kona learns more about the visitors' past.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a pattern that means "no sooner had (one thing happened) than (another happened)," plus a note on the prefix ka-.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 674
Voice Only Unread 125
Pro
Episode 43
Kona shares a little about his situation.
Notes: This episode contains a note about a use of a familiar word to mean "you know what I mean."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 530
Voice Only Unread 121
Pro
Episode 44
The visiting cats avail themselves of Kona's hospitality.
Notes: This episode contains notes on the particle shi, the pattern (past tense verb) dake de, the pattern (conditional) ii noni, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 664
Voice Only Unread 126
Pro
Episode 45
The cats share more information about where they live.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the origin of the word sumimasen, a grammar point on the suffix -ge, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 522
Voice Only Unread 121
Pro
Episode 46
Kona tries to think of a way to help his brother and sister.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that can mean 10%, plus a review of sasuga.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 653
Voice Only Unread 123
Pro
Episode 47
Kona continues his attempts to convince his visitors of his experience.
Notes: This episode contains examples of a pattern that means "in preparation for X," and a variation of the "must not do" pattern.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 504
Voice Only Unread 117
Pro
Episode 48
Kona hatches a plan that he thinks might help in the battle.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that refers to various expressions of gratitude as well as an expression that literally means "to send a helping boat."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 665
Voice Only Unread 124
Pro
Episode 49
As Kona prepares for the next day, he remembers something a friend once told him.
Notes: This episode contains notes on important patterns that mean "the more one (verbs), the more..." and "even if just a little."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 479
Voice Only Unread 117
Pro
Episode 50
Kona turns up at the shrine, ready to help.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the unusual reading for a common word, plus a note on a word that means "to drift (along on a current, etc.).
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 617
Voice Only Unread 117
Pro
Episode 51
As Kona continues to press his case, the neighboring cats arrive on the scene.
Notes: This episode contains notes on a contraction of desu, an expression that means "in exchange," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 468
Voice Only Unread 110
Pro
Episode 52
The rival gangs face off.
Notes: This episode contains a note on an old way of using adjectives, an expression that can mean "now or never," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 580
Voice Only Unread 121
Pro
Episode 53
As the battle intensifies, Kona finds himself on the back foot.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the difference between two words that mean "an instant/moment," as well as lots of great vocabulary, such as one that means "to deliver the coup de grace."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 471
Voice Only Unread 128
Pro
Episode 54
The battle enters a critical stage.
Notes: This episode contains a review of an expression that means "just when Action A happened...," a note on an expression that means the sound of something whipping through the air, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 588
Voice Only Unread 131
Pro
Episode 55
The cats react to the turn of battlefield events.
Notes: This episode contains an excellent expression that means something similar to "Look at you go!"
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 456
Voice Only Unread 120
Pro
Episode 56
Kona brings a new idea to the table.
Notes: This episode contains a discussion of two senses of the word datte.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 563
Voice Only Unread 119
Pro
Episode 57
The bosses consider Kona's idea.
Notes: This episode contains a note that breaks down a word that means "causing a feeling of intense dislike in others," and a review of caveat-introducing tadashi.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 449
Voice Only Unread 109
Pro
Episode 58
The cats thank Lily and the eagles for their help.
Notes: This episode contains a great sentence utilizing two verbs of giving and receiving attached directly to each other! Our breakdown will help you make sense of it.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 552
Voice Only Unread 106
Pro
Episode 59
With the battle resolved, Kona congratulates his brother and sister.
Notes: This episode contains a note about a sarcastic use of -te morau, one on the word mau, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 436
Voice Only Unread 107
Pro
Episode 60
The new events necessitate a last-minute change of plans.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that means "well-known," a note that breaks down the "I receive your allowing" pattern, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 560
Voice Only Unread 107
Pro
Episode 61
Kona and his older sister try to get help for their big brother.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a pattern that means "to go and do."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 440
Voice Only Unread 103
Pro
Episode 62
Kona goes for help.
Notes: This episode contains notes that look closely at several verbs.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 594
Voice Only Unread 107
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Episode 63
Kona returns to his weakened brother.
Notes: This episode contains mostly straightforward vocabulary and grammar.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 438
Voice Only Unread 102
Pro
Episode 64
A nervous Kona finds himself once again on the way to the vet.
Notes: This episode contains a usage notes on two verbs, plus a discussion about the "I wish it were so!" use of noni.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 520
Voice Only Unread 102
Pro
Episode 65
The vet shares his diagnosis.
Notes: This episode contains a breakdown of a word that can mean "twelve years (younger, older, etc.)" as well as "one size (bigger, smaller, etc.)."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 426
Voice Only Unread 102
Pro
Episode 66
As the doctor gives his recommendations, Kona learns more about what goes on at the veterinarian clinic.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the -naosu suffix for redoing things.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 541
Voice Only Unread 97
Pro
Episode 67
Ken makes a generous offer.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a use of kimochi that ties in to a discussion from earlier in the series.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 435
Voice Only Unread 98
Pro
Episode 68
Kona's brother looks to the future.
Notes: This episode breaks down several senses of the word ikura demo, showing how it eventually comes to mean "as much as you want."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 529
Voice Only Unread 99
Pro
Episode 69
Kona shares some of the rules governing life at the shrine.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a pattern for listing rules and regulations, as well as one on a prefix that means "instant," which can also function as an adverb.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 417
Voice Only Unread 96
Pro
Episode 70
Kona shares his observations from the newly reorganized temple.
Notes: This episode contains a note on how to use a word that means "appropriate," a discussion of the expression wake ga nai, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 462
Voice Only Unread 97
Pro
Episode 71
A close call provides a learning opportunity.
Notes: This episode contains notes on an expression that means "one false move," one that means "to leave a person to their fate," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 407
Voice Only Unread 96
Pro
Episode 72
Kona admires his older brother.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the use of totemo with negative endings, a note on the tada that means "just a...; only a...," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 560
Voice Only Unread 100
Pro
Episode 73
Kona reflects on his feelings about Mocha, as a new development occurs at home.
Notes: This episode contains a note on names, one on a pattern for saying "I wish I could have...," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 391
Voice Only Unread 95
Pro
Episode 74
Kona gets to know his new little sister.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the "how...it is!" pattern, as well as one on a pattern that means "no sooner...than..."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 474
Voice Only Unread 93
Pro
Episode 75
Despite earlier missteps, Kona takes his responsibilities as older brother seriously.
Notes: This episode contains a note on an expression that means "sometimes it is one way, and sometimes it is another."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 386
Voice Only Unread 92
Pro
Episode 76
A small mishap lands Kona in trouble.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a verb that can be used in the pattern to speak of "mistakenly" doing something.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 492
Voice Only Unread 91
Pro
Episode 77
Kona and Yuki share a moment.
Notes: This episode contains a note on an expression that means "to steel oneself," as well as a note explaining why an expression that seems to mean "she smiled smilingly" is not actually redundant.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 399
Voice Only Unread 89
Pro
Episode 78
As Kona looks on, Yuki reaches a milestone.
Notes: This episode contains a fun note on baby words, as well as one on a special usage called the spontaneous.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 530
Voice Only Unread 89
Pro
Episode 79
Kona makes two discoveries about Yuki.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that means the speaker completely believed something that they now understand to be incorrect, plus a note on an expression that means "not a single one."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 406
Voice Only Unread 87
Pro
Episode 80
An unexpected guest pays a visit.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the word for "shadow," one on the use of amari to mean "overcome with / overwhelmed with...," and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 533
Voice Only Unread 85
Pro
Episode 81
Kona springs into action.
Notes: This episode contains dramatic expressions, a fun double-meaning, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 384
Voice Only Unread 87
Pro
Episode 82
The cougar taunts Kona.
Notes: This episode contains a note on an expression that means "even a single (minute, day, inch, etc.)," one on a pattern for asking if a person thought any such thing, and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 505
Voice Only Unread 83
Pro
Episode 83
Kona realizes what has happened.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a pattern that a parent or teacher might use to give you an instruction, by telling you what you're going to do.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 474
Voice Only Unread 86
Pro
Episode 84
Kona finds himself in a familiar place.
Notes: This episode contains a note on the word sei ("fault/blame"), and more.
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 501
Voice Only Unread 88
Pro
Episode 85
Natsumi and Yuki help Kona fill in the missing pieces.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a word that means "(on) the way home."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 524
Voice Only Unread 84
Pro
Episode 86
Kona is showered with love and appreciation.
Notes: This episode contains a long note on counterfactual conditionals, which allow you to say "If X had happened, Y would have happened."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 504
Voice Only Unread 80
Pro
Episode 87
Kona reflects on how his views have matured.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a conjunction that means "far from (the preceding)..." and one on a word that means "a wrong understanding."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 484
Voice Only Unread 79
Pro
Episode 88
Kona reflects on his past, present, and future.
Notes: This episode contains a note on a special use of mono that means "a general tendency of the world."
Editions Status Total Readers
With Sound Effects Unread 450
Voice Only Unread 84