English Visual Guide
2025-06-24 02:15:13

Unveiling the Success of the Visual English Encyclopedia: A Phenomenon in Language Learning

The Phenomenon of the 'Visual English Encyclopedia'



In an impressive display of popularity, the 'Visual English Encyclopedia,' authored by Mark Muraki, has surpassed 100,000 copies sold just two and a half months after its release on March 17, 2025. This remarkable achievement is especially noteworthy given that it quickly rose to the top of Amazon's overall book rankings just four days post-launch. The book has also gained significant media attention, being featured on various television programs, including TBS’s 'THE TIME,' and 'Nスタ.'

A New Approach to Learning English



The book presents an innovative take on English language learning, employing pictograms to explain English words and phrases. Each pictogram encapsulates complex English concepts in a visual format, making it readily accessible for learners of all ages—including elementary school students. Mark's popular posts on social media attracted significant following, garnering nearly 98,000 likes in just one year. He gained particular acclaim for his pictograms explaining tense differences, which attracted endorsements from influential figures like entrepreneur Hiroyuki, who suggested that such illustrations deserve a place in conventional English textbooks.

What sets this book apart from other illustrated English learning resources is its complete commitment to using pictograms, a distinctive format that resonates with a broad audience. The visual elements help condense information, facilitating immediate comprehension and engagement.

Growing Support from Readers and Booksellers



The book has drawn a diverse readership, with a demographic breakdown of approximately one male buyer for every two female buyers, predominantly in the 40-50 age range. It has received a plethora of feedback across social media platforms and Amazon reviews:

  • - 'If I had discovered this book during my school years, I would have certainly developed a love for English.' (from X)
  • - 'It's exciting that I can learn alongside my child.' (from X)
  • - 'Understanding tenses, which I struggled with during my studies, became effortless thanks to this book.' (from an Amazon review)
  • - 'A surreal yet addictive sense of humor!' (from Junbundo, Minami Funabashi store)
  • - 'Highly recommended for anyone who struggled with middle school English!' (from Amazon)
  • - 'I can see my motivation lasting with this!' (from Kinokuniya, Kawagoe store)

The plethora of feedback reflects the book's universal appeal and effectiveness in breaking down language barriers.

Author’s Journey from Struggler to Expert



Mark Muraki, the mastermind behind the 'Visual English Encyclopedia,' once struggled with English himself, achieving only a score of 280 on the TOEIC exam. However, he turned his challenges around, embarking on a journey to relearn English from a middle school level. This revitalized passion for learning culminated in a remarkable score of 940 on the TOEIC, a testament to his effective study methods. His online presence has burgeoned, currently attracting around 66,000 followers on X, where he shares valuable insights using pictograms to explain English concepts.

Rising Fame in Media



Media attention around the book has soared, with widespread features across television and online platforms just three months post-release. Two notable highlights include:
  • - An article on President Online, linking significant sales success to its acclaim, particularly regarding Mark’s transformation from an 'English refugee' to an accomplished language coach.
  • - A 12-minute special on TBS's 'THE TIME,' showcasing the engaging aspects of the book.

The book also claimed the top position in Rakuten Books' language and learning reference category for the first half of 2025.

The English Learning Book Boom



The rising interest in English-language materials is part of a broader trend, with Amazon rankings consistently showing multiple English books within the top 100. Approximately 15 English-learning titles earn spots regularly, reflecting a 15% representation of this genre. Moreover, the number of examinees for English proficiency tests like Eiken has grown from 3.92 million in 2019 to 4.5 million in 2023—a remarkable increase of nearly 15%, signaling a rising demand among both students and working professionals.

The surge in interest for English learning can be attributed to the recent push for reskilling and the heightened necessity for English proficiency in retail and customer service sectors, driven by increased inbound tourism. Consequently, this momentum has led to an undeniable 'English learning book boom' in both online and physical bookstores.

Book Information



Title: Visual English Encyclopedia
Author: Mark Muraki
Publisher: President Inc.
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Price: 1,600 yen + Tax
Format: A5, Full Color, 224 Pages
ISBN: 978-4-8334-2559-9
Official Store
Amazon
Rakuten Books


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