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Exploring the Rich World of Japanese Literature: 7 Books to Captivate You

Writer's picture: Allen & UnwinAllen & Unwin

We share 7 incredible Japanese Literature book recommendations you should check out!

Various covers of Japanese Literature Books on a yellow background. Including: The Night of Baba Yaga, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop & More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop,
Asa: The Girl Who Turned into a Pair of Chopsticks
The Third Love, The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain, Klara and the Sun, and The Library of Heartbeats

Japanese literature captivates readers with its haunting beauty, emotional depth, and delicate exploration of everyday life. Authors have a unique ability to transform simple, familiar themes into something ethereal and reflective, offering a calming, almost meditative reading experience. Yet, this literary tradition also fearlessly delves into the darker sides of life, addressing taboo topics and exploring intense emotions. Whether seeking an escape or a deeper understanding of humanity, Japanese literature provides a rich world to explore, filled with themes of love, resilience, and human connection. Here are seven books that exemplify this remarkable tradition, offering a blend of beauty, rawness, and profound insight.


 

 The Night of Baba Yaga by Akira Otani


 The Night of Baba Yaga by Akira Otani

Set in Tokyo’s gritty underworld in 1979, The Night of Baba Yaga follows Yoriko Shindo, a fierce mixed-race fighter forced to guard Shoko, the daughter of a powerful yakuza boss. Initially resentful, Shindo grows protective of Shoko as they navigate the brutal dangers around them. Blending intense action with a deep exploration of loyalty and love, Otani’s novel is a powerful debut that delves into the strength found in bonds forged through hardship.




 

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop & More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa


  Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Satoshi Yagisawa’s Morisaki Bookshop series is a warm, reflective exploration of healing and rediscovery. In Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Takako, heartbroken, finds solace and a sense of belonging in her family’s quaint Tokyo bookstore. By More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, she’s come to love the shop’s community, and she finds herself woven into its many mysteries and hidden histories. Together, these novels celebrate the quiet power of books to heal and bring people together.


 




Asa: The Girl Who Turned into a Pair of Chopsticks by Natsuko Imamura


  Asa: The Girl Who Turned into a Pair of Chopsticks by Natsuko Imamura

This surreal collection of stories, translated by Lucy North, delves into the lives of young women alienated from society. Each story features characters grappling with unique struggles: Asa, who turns into a pair of chopsticks; Nami, who yearns for physical connection; and Happy-chan, who gives up on a typical human life. Imamura’s collection is darkly humorous and offers a thought-provoking exploration of alienation and resilience.

 




The Third Love by Hiromi Kawakami


The Third Love by Hiromi Kawakami


From the celebrated author of Strange Weather in Tokyo, The Third Love weaves a story that spans Japan’s past and present, exploring love and self-discovery. Riko, trapped in an unfaithful marriage, learns to live within her dreams, experiencing past lives that challenge her understanding of herself as a woman, wife, and mother. Kawakami’s novel asks profound questions about destiny, love, and transformation.

 



The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain by Kazuo Ishiguro


The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain by Kazuo Ishiguro


A unique blend of literature and music, this collection gathers song lyrics written by Kazuo Ishiguro for jazz singer Stacey Kent. Illustrated by Bianca Bagnarelli, each song reflects on themes of love, travel, and longing. The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain captures the romance of distant places and moments, inviting readers to experience the world of music through Ishiguro’s poetic lens.




 

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro


Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro


Soon to be a major film, Klara and the Sun explores questions of love and loyalty through the eyes of Klara, an “Artificial Friend” in a dystopian future. Chosen as a companion for Josie, a lonely and sickly girl, Klara navigates the complexities of human emotions and vulnerability. Ishiguro’s tale raises profound questions about artificial intelligence, companionship, and what it truly means to care for someone.


 



Library of Heartbeats by Laura Imai Messina


Library of Heartbeats by Laura Imai Messina


Library of Heartbeats is a touching exploration of grief and connection. Shuichi, a grieving illustrator, meets young Kenta in Kamakura, and their friendship leads them to Teshima’s “library of heartbeats,” where recordings of people’s heartbeats are preserved. Messina’s novel beautifully captures the essence of memory and the healing journey of those left behind.

 


 

These books showcase the diversity of Japanese literature—from surreal explorations of alienation to moving stories of connection and resilience. Whether you’re seeking an emotional journey or an intriguing escape, these novels offer something unforgettable, inviting readers into the vivid, reflective, and sometimes dark worlds crafted by Japanese authors


You can find all these amazing titles at your favourite book stores right now!

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