Prince Ushiwaka: As this story is based on historical events, this story will appeal especially to those with an interest in history. The illustrations are amazing. You'll never get tired of reading this.
The Grateful Crane: This is a very familiar story to all Japanese people.
The Snow Queen: from Andersen's original story - thrilling Stories 1, 2 and 3. Story 4 is impatiently awaited.
The Mystery of an Old Temple: Three young Japanese friends experience a chain of mysterious events. The context, expressions and story line are perfect for Level 2 (CEFR A2.1) learners. We come across jizo (a small stone statue) everywhere in Japan.
The Thunder Gate and a Cat: Something like an unresolved event in a Japanese folk tale develops in a mysterious fashion; enjoyable.
I'm going to use these stories for self-study for my students as well as in Flipped Classroom.
Kazuko Sorensen, DWCLA (Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts)
formely Royal Holloway, University of London