This texbook was developed with the following objectives: 1. To improve learners' Japanese reading ability as well as their critical thinking skill through reading the selected texts from a "well-established" collection of Japanese literature. Each section provides insightful reading comprehension questions, discussion topics for group/class discussions, and topics for writing activities. 2. To promote the learners' Japanese socio-historical and cultural awareness and provide knowledge which is manifested in the texts. The learners also will turn their eyes to their own culture and society, and will be able to compare and contrast differences between two countries. 3. To promote learners' understanding of other cultures and the existence of various practices and perspectives through discussions.