#Japan #Tokyo #reading skills #Gakken #Mystery Drill

Exciting New Learning Tool for Young Readers!

Gakken Inc., a prominent educational publishing company based in Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the release of two new additions to its popular "おはなし推理ドリル" series: the "Scientific Mysteries File" and the "Historical Mysteries File," both featuring special narrations. Set to hit bookstores nationwide on August 7, 2025, these editions promise to enhance the reading skills of elementary school students (grades 4 to 6) through engaging storylines and captivating voiceovers by renowned voice actors.

A Unique Approach to Reading Comprehension

The "Mystery Drill" series has gained significant popularity over the past decade, selling over 300,000 copies. In this innovative learning method, students read stories about various mysterious events, analyze clues embedded within the texts, and attempt to deduce the truth behind the narratives. By integrating the thrill of solving mysteries with reading exercises, the series effectively fosters young students' comprehension abilities.

This summer, Gakken has elevated the experience by introducing audio narrations performed by celebrated voice actors for the "Scientific Mysteries File," narrated by Natsuki Hanae and Mariya Ise, and the "Historical Mysteries File," narrated by Akari Kito and Nobuhiko Okamoto. Students can enjoy listening to these narrations by scanning QR codes found in the books using their smartphones or tablets, bringing the stories to life with rich audio experiences.

Educational Benefits of Audio Learning

Research has shown that incorporating audio into reading can significantly enhance the learning process. Studies indicated that listening to narratives helps stimulate the imagination, and the combination of reading along with audio increases retention and understanding of the material. Thus, the new editions of the "Mystery Drill" series not only aim to entertain but also strive to effectively boost comprehension skills through an interactive reading format.

Kids will have the opportunity to engage in fun readings where they can solve the mysteries and identify culprits, developing crucial analytical skills and boosting their enthusiasm for reading.

Trending on Social Media Prior to Launch

Since the start of pre-orders in June 2025, the excitement surrounding the new "Mystery Drill" books has surged on social media. Parents and educators have expressed their eagerness, noting comments like, "I can't wait to enjoy this with my child!" and "This is an incredible way to make learning enjoyable!" Many are thrilled about the chance to hear talented voice actors narrate stories as a unique educational resource.

Features of the Series

• - Engrossing Mystery Solving: Each book contains 16 captivating stories, with the scientific file exploring exciting topics in science and the historical file diving into intriguing historical events. Children can read, analyze, and solve the mysteries presented.
• - Step-by-step Learning: Each mystery file is structured in a two-part format: the event section followed by the deduction section. This approach encourages readers to find clues within the text and utilize them to answer questions, ultimately enhancing their reading comprehension. After completing the exercises, students can refer to the answers and advice in the back, which also offers additional insights into the scientific or historical context explored in the stories.
• - Encouraging Imagination via Audio: The narrations by esteemed voice actors, including characters from popular anime, help students visualize the story's scenes vividly and develop their imaginative skills.

For additional engaging mysteries, check out titles like "Who is the Alien?" narrated by Natsuki Hanae, or "The Curse of the Pyramid" narrated by Akari Kito, where children will explore themes of space travel and ancient civilization, respectively.

Availability

The books will retail for 1,210 yen each (including tax) and are available in B5 format with 80 pages per title, also in digital format. For a sneak peek at the narrations, interested readers can access promotional videos on Gakken's official website.

To pre-order or for more information:

• - Scientific Mysteries File
• - Historical Mysteries File

By uniting the power of storytelling with audible learning tools, Gakken is set to redefine how young learners can enjoy reading and develop vital skills through the lens of mystery and adventure.