How to Read Kakuyomu Stories on a Kobo
To read a Kakuyomu story on a Kobo, download it as an EPUB with WP Downloader and copy the file to your e-reader. Kobo opens EPUB files directly, so no conversion or extra reading app is needed.
Download the Kakuyomu story as an EPUB
WP Downloader is a free web tool that does not require installation. It can download a whole story from kakuyomu.jp as an EPUB for your Kobo.
Open the Kakuyomu Downloader, then find the story on Kakuyomu and copy its URL. A story link looks like this:
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/12341234123412341234Paste the link into WP Downloader. It will recognize the Kakuyomu URL, and you do not need to sign in to Kakuyomu.
Choose EPUB as the output format. EPUB downloads are free for everyone, and you can choose whether to include the story’s images.
WP Downloader downloads the whole story. It cannot download a single Kakuyomu chapter or a story list. Kakuyomu stories are in Japanese.
For more help with the download, see how to download Kakuyomu stories.
Put the EPUB on your Kobo with USB
You can transfer the EPUB to any Kobo e-reader over USB.
- Connect your Kobo to your computer with a USB cable.
- Wait for the Kobo to appear as a drive.
- Find the EPUB you downloaded from WP Downloader.
- Copy the file onto the Kobo drive.
- Eject the Kobo safely.
- Disconnect the cable.
The story will appear in your Kobo library, ready to read offline.
Add the story with Dropbox
The following Kobo models can receive non-protected EPUB and PDF files through Dropbox when running software version 4.18 or later:
- Kobo Forma
- Kobo Sage
- Kobo Elipsa
- Kobo Elipsa 2E
- Kobo Libra Colour
Link your Dropbox account from the e-reader, place the EPUB in the connected cloud folder, and sync your Kobo. The story will appear on that device.
Books transferred through Dropbox appear only on the Kobo where you added them. Use USB if your model is not listed.
Add the story with Google Drive
Google Drive transfers require Kobo software version 4.37 or later and work on these models:
- Kobo Forma
- Kobo Sage
- Kobo Elipsa
- Kobo Elipsa 2E
- Kobo Libra Colour
From the Kobo Home screen, open More, select My Google Drive, and choose Get Started. Your Kobo will display a code. Enter it on the Kobo website to link your Google Drive account.
Place the EPUB in the connected Google Drive folder and sync the e-reader. The story will then appear in your Kobo library for offline reading.
A book transferred through Google Drive appears only on that device.
Get new chapters onto your Kobo
WP Downloader cannot add new chapters to an EPUB you already have. When the author publishes more chapters, use the same Kakuyomu link to download the whole story again.
Transfer the new EPUB to your Kobo through USB, Dropbox, or Google Drive. The new file will contain the chapters available to WP Downloader when you download it.
You can also read the guide to reading Kakuyomu stories offline or learn about sending Kakuyomu stories to Kindle.
FAQ
Which format should I use for a Kakuyomu story on Kobo?
Use EPUB. Kobo e-readers open EPUB files directly, and WP Downloader provides EPUB downloads free to everyone.
Do I need a Kakuyomu account?
No. You can download a Kakuyomu story with WP Downloader without signing in to Kakuyomu.
Can I download a single Kakuyomu chapter?
No. WP Downloader downloads whole Kakuyomu stories. It does not download individual chapters or lists from the site.
Can every Kobo use Dropbox or Google Drive?
No. These cloud transfer options are available only on Kobo Forma, Kobo Sage, Kobo Elipsa, Kobo Elipsa 2E, and Kobo Libra Colour. Dropbox requires software version 4.18 or later, and Google Drive requires version 4.37 or later. Other Kobo e-readers can use USB.
Will the EPUB on my Kobo update when Kakuyomu adds chapters?
No. WP Downloader does not update an existing EPUB. Download the whole story again and transfer the new file to your Kobo.