Books enable us to truly understand the world’s flavors by allowing us to travel beyond the narrow constraints of nations and borders. Oriental literature, like Japanese, has always existed outside the mainstream.
With its very different philosophies, Japanese literature deserves our attention. Moreover, in stark contrast to the most optimistic message characteristic of Western literature, Japanese literature focuses on the sublime ideas that constitute life.
This post will discuss Japan’s beautiful culture through the best Japanese books.
Here is a list of 10 books that are great for a novice entering the world of Japanese literature:
#1 Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
About the Book:
Title: Breasts and Eggs
Author: Mieko Kawakami
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Feminism
Publisher: Bungeishunju
Goodreads Rating: 3.84/5
Women’s bodies are stories that men tell each other. However, in this unconventional novel, Kawakami takes control of the narrative and narrates the story of three women as they go through contemporary womanhood, body autonomy, and self-identity in Japan. Finally, the lives of thirty-year-old author Natsuko, her older sister, Makiko, and Makiko’s daughter, Midoriko, negotiate with each other to traverse the nuances of the feminine identity.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Firstly, Kawakami shuns traditional and canonical notions of prose-writing in her most famous novel. Moreover, unapologetically feminine, the book celebrates, analyses, and tries to understand the nuances of having breasts and eggs. Lastly, it deals with straightforward issues with utmost grace and subtlety and is one of the best Japanese books.
If you want to buy/gift Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, click on the link below:
#2 Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
About the Book:
Title: Convenience Store Woman
Author: Sayaka Murata
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publisher: Bungeishunju
Goodreads Rating: 3.73/5
The book narrates the story of Keiko Furukura, a 36-year-old woman who has been working in a convenience store in Japan for 18 years. However, by following society’s rules on personhood, Keiko attempts to acquire the role of a ‘normal’ person. She realizes her life milestones but wonders whether she should necessarily follow them. Finally, when she meets the dissatisfied society Shiraha, she ponders over her place and role in today’s society.
Why do we recommend this Book:
A brilliant insight into the nuances of personhood, ‘Convenience Store Woman,’ is a gripping narrative of the capitalist work culture. Very relatable, Keiko feels at home. Lastly, it is one of the best Japanese books.
If you want to buy/gift Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, click on the link below:
#3 I Am a Cat by Soseki Natsume
About the book:
Title: I Am a Cat
Author: Soseki Natsume
Genre: Satirical Novel
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Goodreads Rating: 3.7/5
Firstly, one of the most significant pieces of modern Japanese writing, the book, was written from 1904 through 1906. Secondly, a humorous masterpiece, the book ridicules and satirizes the human condition, especially the folly of the upper-middle-class Japanese society during the Meiji era. The narrator of the book is a humanlike domestic cat.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Moreover, the book not only becomes a glaring indictment of society but also is an excellent read for its negotiations with satire. An unlikely narrator makes the book even more exciting, and is also one of the best Japanese books.
If you want to buy/gift I Am a Cat by Soseki Natsume, click on the link below:
#4 In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami
About the Book:
Title: In the Miso Soup
Author: Ryu Murakami
Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller, Mystery fiction
Publisher: Yomiuri Shimbun
Goodreads Rating: 3.62/5
Firstly, twenty-year-old Kenji is a Japanese guide for foreigners who want to experience the nocturnal life of Tokyo. Secondly, the book follows Kenji when he receives a phone call from an American giant whale, Frank, and is booked for three nights. Finally, what ensues is irrevocably the most thrilling and surreal nights of Kenji’s life.
Why do we recommend this Book?
However, the book has many plot twists with a pulsating foreboding atmosphere. Moreover, one is definitely tempted to finish the book in one sitting. Lastly, the sense of impending horror is also very riveting.
If you want to buy/gift In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami, click on the link below:
#5 Kafka on the shore by Haruki Murakami
About the book:
Title: Kafka on the Shore
Author: Haruki Murakami
Genre: Magical realism, Fantasy
Publisher: Shinchosha
Goodreads Rating: 4.14/5
A metaphysical mind-bender, ‘Kafka on the Shore’ is a tale of two exceptional characters. Kafka Tamura is a fifteen-year-old boy on a quest to find his long-lost mother and sister. The other character is an aging man, Nakata, who is sick and drawn to Kafka for no reason whatsoever. Moreover, with intertwined fates and surrealist characters scattered across the narrative, Murakami creates a tale that will haunt the readers long after they put the book down.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Firstly, readers who need to be better versed in Japanese culture should always start with Murakami. Moreover, with abundant American references, Murakami creates a world that helps the reader in an effortless transition. Lastly, ‘Kafka on the Shore is one of the best Japanese books to do this with because of its complicated plotlines and sublime writing.
If you want to buy/gift Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, click on the link below:
#6 Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
About the Book:
Title: Lonely Castle in the Mirror
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Magical Realism, Fantasy
Publisher: Penguin Books
Goodreads Rating: 4.31/5
A gripping insight into the effects of bullying, the book curates an alternative escape for seven students tormented in their daily lives. However, they discover a portal into another world, where they must find a hidden key as an adventure. Whoever finds the key will be granted one wish. Moreover, there is also a twist in the tale where they must leave this mysterious refuge every day by 5 pm in the evening to save themselves from getting eaten by the Wolf Queen.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Exploring the vulnerable lives of bullied children, ‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ allows readers to relate and come to terms with their sorrow. Moreover, the book also reinforces a sense of optimism in the readers. Finally, a tale of hope is a must-read.
If you want to buy/, gift Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura, click on the link below:
#7 Out by Natsuo Kirino
About the Book:
Title: Out
Author: Natsuo Kirino
Genre: Crime, Contemporary Fiction, Feminist literature
Publisher: Vintage Books
Goodreads Rating: 3.95/5
The book follows a worked-to-death woman when she snaps one day and murders her good-for-nothing husband. However, not knowing where else to turn, she turns to the other working women in her factory. Finally, together, the women formulate plans to evade not only the police but also the local yakuza crime family.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Out is an angry, different, feminist mystery novel that is a masterpiece. Moreover, the female characters are written with immense intensity and depth. However, the consequences after the murder also provide a fast-paced narrative. Lastly, the book also presents the readers with an uncanny celebration of solidarity among women.
If you want to buy/gift Out by Nat, click on the link below:
#8 The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji
About the Book:
Title: The Decagon House Murders
Author: Yukito Ayatsuji
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Dark Academia
Publisher: Lightning Source Inc
Goodreads Rating: 3.80/5
Grossly underrated, ”the Decagon House Murders”revolutionized Japanese crime fiction. The story follows a university murder mystery society when they decide to visit a site of multiple horrific homicides. However, as typical of crime fiction, they are pursued by a loose murderer. Finally, the story unravels as the mystery is solved in shocking twists.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Firstly, written in very direct and nerve-wracking twists, every Agatha Christie fan should give the book a chance. Moreover, it does not fail to surprise the readers of mystery novels and is one of the best Japanese books.
If you want to buy/gift The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji, click on the link below:
#9 The Factory by Hiroko Oymanda
About the Book:
Title: The Factory
Author: Hiroko Oyamanda
Genre: Anti-capitalist, Surrealist, Magical Realism
Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation
Goodreads Rating: 3.41/5
Set in an industrial factory, the story follows three characters working in the factory. Caught in the humdrum of daily work life, the factory soon seeps into their life and essentially subsumes their individuality. However, with no sense of time, the workers lose track of life outside the factory.
Why do we recommend this Book:
Firstly, a glaring indictment of the absurdity of modern, capitalist life, ”he Factory”is told in alternating first-person narratives. Secondly, complex humor and plotline make it all the more worthwhile.
If you want to buy/gift The Factory by Hiroko Oyamanda, click on the link below:
#10 The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
About the book:
Title: The Memory Police
Author: Yoko Ogawa
Genre: Dystopian Fiction, Magical Realism, Speculative Fiction, Science fiction
Publisher: Pantheon
Goodreads Rating: 3.76/5
A surreal tale of memory and the trauma of loss, ”The Memory Police’talks about an island where objects start disappearing. The stringent police are committed to making sure that they remain that way. However, a struggling author helps her editor from being taken in by the Memory police by hiding him. Finally, in a desperate attempt to save the memory of the past, they find solace in the author’s writing.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Yoko Ogawa is a genius. However, her dalliances with surrealism bring forth an Orwellian world where the mood of the writing, the atmosphere, and the essence breathe life into the story narrative. Moreover, with an engaging and profoundly intriguing plot, the book will make you rightfully question society. Finally, this book is a fantastic start for readers new to speculative fiction.
If you want to buy/gift The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa, click on the link below:
While we have concentrated chiefly on FictionFin in this recommendation list, Japanese literature is surprisingly vast. Therefore, apart from these 10 books, we would encourage you all to check out other books by the same authors. Trust us, you are in for a treat!
| 1. | Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami | Buy Now |
| 2. | Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata | Buy Now |
| 3. | I Am a Cat by Soseki Natsume | Buy Now |
| 4. | In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami | Buy Now |
| 5. | Kafka on the shore by Haruki Murakami | Buy Now |
| 6. | Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura | Buy Now |
| 7. | Out by Natsuo Kirino | Buy Now |
| 8. | The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji | Buy Now |
| 9. | The factory by Hiroko Oymanda | Buy Now |
| 10. | The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa | Buy Now |
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