How to Add Kakuyomu Stories to calibre
To add a Kakuyomu story to calibre, download the complete story as an EPUB with WP Downloader, then import the file with calibre’s Add books button. You can then edit its metadata and cover, read it on your computer, convert it, or transfer it to a connected e-reader.
Download the Kakuyomu story as an EPUB
WP Downloader is a free web tool that requires no installation. Open the Kakuyomu downloader and copy the link to the story you want.
A Kakuyomu story link looks like this:
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/12341234123412341234Paste the link into WP Downloader. It detects Kakuyomu and prepares the story for download. You do not need to sign in to Kakuyomu.
Choose EPUB for your calibre library. EPUB downloads are free for everyone, and calibre can open and manage the files directly. You can also include the story’s images.
WP Downloader saves the whole Kakuyomu story. It cannot download a single chapter or a list from the site. For more detail, see How to download Kakuyomu stories.
PDF is also available with a free Discord sign-in. EPUB is a useful choice for calibre because you can read it as downloaded or convert it later.
Add the EPUB to your calibre library
calibre is a free e-book manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After the EPUB finishes downloading:
- Open calibre.
- Select Add books.
- Find the Kakuyomu EPUB you downloaded.
- Select the file to add it to your library.
The story will appear with your other books. Select it when you want to read it, edit its information, convert it, or transfer it to a connected device.
Repeat these steps for each Kakuyomu story you download. Storing the EPUBs in calibre keeps them together instead of leaving them scattered throughout your downloads folder.
Edit the story details and cover
calibre’s metadata editor lets you change a book’s information and cover. This can help you keep downloaded stories organized consistently in your library.
Select the book and open the metadata editor. Make your changes, replace the cover if needed, and save.
These edits affect how the book appears in calibre. They do not change the original story page on Kakuyomu.
Read the story in calibre
Open the EPUB in calibre’s e-book viewer to read the Japanese story on your computer. You do not need a separate e-reader.
The viewer also has a Read aloud feature, which can read the book without requiring you to convert the EPUB first.
Since the downloaded file is stored in your calibre library, you can read that copy without returning to Kakuyomu.
Convert the EPUB when needed
WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files. It does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.
calibre can convert the downloaded EPUB if you need another format. Its conversion options include formats such as AZW3, MOBI, and PDF.
To convert a story:
- Select the Kakuyomu book in calibre.
- Open the conversion option.
- Choose an output format.
- Start the conversion.
You may want to keep the original EPUB in your library so you can use it for later conversions.
Move the story to an e-reader
calibre can send books to an e-reader connected to your computer by USB. Connect the device and wait for calibre to recognize it. Then select the Kakuyomu story and use the device transfer option.
You may need to convert the EPUB before transferring it, depending on your device and reading setup.
For device-specific instructions, see how to send Kakuyomu stories to Kindle or read Kakuyomu stories on Kobo.
Get new chapters
WP Downloader cannot add new chapters to an EPUB you already have. Paste the Kakuyomu story link into WP Downloader again and download the complete story to get the newer chapters.
Add the new file to calibre and decide whether you want to keep the older copy. Checking the files before changing your library can help you avoid confusing the two versions.
FAQ
Do I need a Kakuyomu account?
No. You can download a Kakuyomu story with WP Downloader without signing in to Kakuyomu.
Can I add a Kakuyomu EPUB directly to calibre?
Yes. Download the story as an EPUB, open calibre, select Add books, and choose the downloaded file.
Can WP Downloader create an AZW3 or MOBI file?
No. WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files. calibre can convert the EPUB to AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.
Can I download only one Kakuyomu chapter?
No. WP Downloader downloads complete Kakuyomu stories. It does not download individual chapters or lists from the site.
Will my calibre copy receive new chapters automatically?
No. Download the complete story again with WP Downloader when you want a newer copy with the latest available chapters.