Following my BA post-graduate dissertation went the idea of designing the form and identity of a collection of contemporary bilingual Japanese short stories aimed at intermediate learners. My aim was twofold: to offer both a more accessible reading medium and an alternative learning tool. A goal within the frame of providing learners the tools they need to empower their reading practices.
Indeed, in addition to offering learning in context (reading), I've integrated a means of revising vocabulary using a red filter. The latter also offers the possibility of reading with or without help (particles are colored and the furigana present on the side of the kanji)*. The aim is to learn how to do without it, and to enable the reader to become autonomous in his or her reading.
As reading Japanese requires almost constant note-taking and back-and-forth between the book and the dictionary, I've chosen to target the help provided as much as possible. Everything (vocabulary, French translation, note space) is divided according to the Japanese text, page by page. The choice of a coptic binding also allows the book to stand alone when opened on a table, so it is less cumbersome. Slightly larger than a paperback, it's easy to carry around.
In the course of my research, I was advised by a lecturer at INALCO and a student learning Japanese, who were able to take my ideas further.