Onomatopoeia Friends – Illustrated Book of Japanese Onomatopoeic Characters

Onomatopoeia Friends is a fun illustrated Japanese-learning series that teaches commonly used Japanese onomatopoeic expressions through original characters and four-panel manga.

Japanese onomatopoeia appears frequently not only in manga and anime, but also in everyday conversation. With thousands of expressive sound-symbolic words used in Japanese, these expressions can be difficult for learners to understand and remember.

Each volume introduces 50 frequently used onomatopoeia, transforming every expression into a unique character whose personality and appearance reflect the meaning of the word. Japanese 4-koma manga with English translations then show how each expression is actually used in everyday situations.

Available variants:

• Volume 1 – Onomatopoeia Friends
• Volume 2 – Onomatopoeia Friends 2

Variant 1: Onomatopoeia Friends

The first Onomatopoeia Friends volume introduces 50 Japanese onomatopoeic expressions commonly used in daily life.

Expressions such as pekopeko (ぺこぺこ) for being very hungry and fuwafuwa (ふわふわ) for something soft and fluffy are presented through memorable original characters.

The combination of illustrations, character personalities and short manga stories helps learners understand both what each expression means and the situations in which Japanese speakers naturally use it.

Volume 1 Features

• Introduces 50 frequently used Japanese onomatopoeia
• Each expression is represented by an original character
• Includes Japanese four-panel manga
• English translations included
• Shows expressions in practical everyday situations
• Helps learners understand manga and anime vocabulary
• Expands natural and expressive Japanese vocabulary
• Suitable for beginner through advanced learners
• Accessible even to readers who have never formally studied Japanese

Variant 2: Onomatopoeia Friends 2

Onomatopoeia Friends 2 is the second volume in the popular series and introduces 50 additional Japanese onomatopoeic expressions that were not covered in the first book.

The expressions were selected with a particular focus on words commonly encountered in everyday life. As in the first volume, every expression becomes a new character with its own distinctive personality, helping learners associate meaning with memorable visual cues.

Four-panel manga demonstrate how the expressions are used naturally in Japanese, making this volume suitable both for readers continuing from Volume 1 and for learners discovering the series for the first time.

Volume 2 Features

• Introduces 50 new Japanese onomatopoeia
• Features an entirely new set of original characters
• Focuses on expressions frequently used in everyday life
• Includes four-panel manga
• Helps learners understand meaning through visual context
• Suitable as a continuation of Volume 1
• Can also be used independently
• Appropriate for learners at a wide range of Japanese levels

Why Learn Japanese Onomatopoeia?

Japanese uses a particularly rich range of onomatopoeic and mimetic expressions to describe:

• Sounds
• Movement
• Feelings
• Textures
• Physical conditions
• Appearance
• Atmosphere and situations

Learning these expressions can make it easier to understand everyday conversations, manga and anime while also helping learners communicate in a more natural and expressive way.

Recommended For

• Japanese language learners
• Manga and anime fans
• Beginner, intermediate and advanced learners
• Visual learners
• Students interested in natural Japanese expressions
• Learners who find traditional vocabulary memorization difficult
• Readers looking for a fun supplementary Japanese study resource

Product Information

Product Name: Onomatopoeia Friends
Product Type: Illustrated Japanese language learning book
Main Focus: Japanese onomatopoeia and mimetic expressions
Format: Illustrated book with 4-koma manga
Onomatopoeia per Volume: 50
Available Variants: Volume 1 / Volume 2

Variant Information

Volume 1 – Onomatopoeia Friends
Full Title: Onomatopoeia Friends: Illustrated Book of Japanese Onomatopoeic Characters
Main Focus: 50 commonly used Japanese onomatopoeia
Manga: Japanese with English translations
Publication Date: March 4, 2023
Language: English / Japanese content included
Print Length: 120 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8379154721

Volume 2 – Onomatopoeia Friends 2
Full Title: Onomatopoeia Friends 2: Illustrated Book of Japanese Onomatopoeic Characters
Main Focus: 50 additional everyday Japanese onomatopoeia
Manga: Japanese with English support
Publication Date: March 12, 2025
Language: English / Japanese content included
Print Length: 120 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8310946965

Important Note

Volume 1 and Volume 2 are separate books. Please select the desired variant before ordering.

Each volume introduces a different set of 50 Japanese onomatopoeic expressions. Volume 2 can be enjoyed after Volume 1 or used independently.

This series focuses specifically on Japanese onomatopoeia and expressive vocabulary rather than providing a complete grammar or JLPT curriculum.