How to Track Kakuyomu Stories on Goodreads and The StoryGraph
Most fanfiction and web serials are missing from the Goodreads database, and The StoryGraph may not have the Kakuyomu story you want to track. Search for the story first. If it has no entry, you may be able to add it to Goodreads or keep your own reading list in calibre.
Download the Kakuyomu story
WP Downloader is a free web tool with nothing to install. Open the Kakuyomu downloader and paste the story URL into the box.
A Kakuyomu story link looks like this:
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/12341234123412341234The tool detects that the link comes from Kakuyomu and downloads the whole story. You do not need to sign in. Single chapters and lists are not supported for this site.
You can choose from these options:
- EPUB is free for everyone.
- PDF requires a free Discord sign-in.
- The image option includes the story’s images.
WP Downloader does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files. Calibre can convert the EPUB to another format later. When the author publishes new chapters, download the whole story again. WP Downloader cannot update an existing EPUB.
The Kakuyomu download guide explains the process in more detail.
Check for an existing entry
Kakuyomu stories are in Japanese. Search Goodreads or The StoryGraph using the original title and author before adding anything. Another reader may already have created an entry you can use.
Track a Kakuyomu story on Goodreads
If you cannot find the story, Goodreads lets eligible users add a book at goodreads.com/book/new. Your account must have a verified email and cannot be brand new. The minimum required information is the title and author.
To create a reading record:
- Download the story as an EPUB with WP Downloader.
- Search Goodreads for its title and author.
- If there is no matching entry, visit goodreads.com/book/new.
- Enter at least the title and author.
- Use the new entry to track your reading.
Goodreads librarians manage edits and merge duplicate entries. If you later find another entry for the same story, Goodreads handles the merge.
Check The StoryGraph
Search The StoryGraph for the story’s original title and author. Its database may not contain the work.
The StoryGraph does not publish clear official instructions for adding works that are not books. If the story is missing, check its current help pages for guidance. You can keep the EPUB on your phone, computer, or e-reader and use The StoryGraph for stories that already have entries.
Keep a reading list in calibre
Calibre is a free e-book manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use it to organize Kakuyomu EPUB files when Goodreads or The StoryGraph does not have a suitable entry.
After installing calibre:
- Select Add books and choose the EPUB from WP Downloader.
- Edit the metadata or cover if needed.
- Read the story in calibre’s e-book viewer, which includes a Read aloud feature.
- Send it to a connected e-reader over USB.
Calibre can also convert an EPUB to AZW3, MOBI, or PDF. WP Downloader itself does not provide MOBI or AZW3 files.
For help using a dedicated device, see the guides to sending Kakuyomu stories to Kindle and reading Kakuyomu stories on Kobo.
FAQ
Can WP Downloader add a Kakuyomu story to Goodreads?
No. WP Downloader creates the EPUB or PDF. You need to find or add the Goodreads entry yourself.
Can I add any Kakuyomu story to Goodreads?
A Goodreads account with a verified email can add a book manually, provided the account is not brand new. You must supply at least a title and author.
What should I do if the story is missing from The StoryGraph?
Check The StoryGraph’s current help pages. It does not publish clear official instructions for adding works that are not books.
Will my EPUB receive new Kakuyomu chapters automatically?
No. Download the whole story again when you want a copy with newer chapters.
Can I track Kakuyomu stories without Goodreads or The StoryGraph?
Yes. Add the EPUB to calibre to organize its metadata, read it, convert it, or send it to an e-reader connected over USB.