The best 19 Japanese books

Strange Weather in Tokyo is a heartwarming novel by Hiromi Kawakami that tells the story of a lonely woman in her thirties who unexpectedly reconnects with her old high school teacher. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the book explores themes of companionship, love, and the beauty of everyday life. With its gentle pace and vivid descriptions, it offers a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and the complexities of human relationships.

A Pale View of Hills is a thought-provoking novel by Kazuo Ishiguro that delves into themes of memory, guilt, and the impact of the past on the present. Set in post-World War II Japan, the story follows a woman named Etsuko as she reflects on her life and the choices she has made. With beautiful prose and a haunting atmosphere, this book will captivate readers and leave them pondering its deeper meanings long after they turn the final page.

South of the Border, West of the Sun is a novel by Haruki Murakami that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the choices we make. It follows the life of Hajime, a successful businessman who is reunited with a childhood friend, Shimamoto. As they rekindle their friendship, Hajime is forced to confront the consequences of his past actions and the unfulfilled desires of his heart.

Confessions of a Mask is a powerful and introspective novel by Yukio Mishima. It delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of a young man as he grapples with his homosexuality and societal expectations in pre-World War II Japan. Through beautiful prose and raw honesty, Mishima explores themes of identity, desire, and the masks we wear to navigate the complexities of life.

An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of memory, regret, and personal responsibility. Set in post-World War II Japan, it follows the life of Masuji Ono, a renowned artist who reflects on his past and grapples with the choices he made during a time of political and social upheaval. Through Ono's introspective narrative, Ishiguro skillfully explores themes of guilt, loyalty, and the elusive nature of truth.

Killing Commendatore is a mesmerizing novel by Haruki Murakami that delves into the world of art, creativity, and the complexities of human connection. Set in Japan, the story follows a talented painter who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after discovering a mysterious painting and uncovering dark secrets. With Murakami's trademark blend of magical realism and profound storytelling, this book is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the power of art.

Out by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping and darkly compelling thriller that delves into the lives of four women who become entangled in a murder and its cover-up. Set in Tokyo, the novel explores themes of female empowerment, societal expectations, and the consequences of desperate choices. With its intense plot and complex characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a captivating novel that delves into the hidden world of 1930s Kyoto, Japan. Written by Arthur Golden, it tells the story of a young girl named Chiyo who is sold into the life of a geisha. From her training to her eventual rise as one of the most renowned geishas of her time, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and sacrifices of the geisha culture.

Lost Japan is a captivating exploration of traditional Japanese culture and the rapid modernization that has caused it to disappear. Drawing on his own experiences living in Japan, Alex Kerr delves into various aspects of the country's heritage, from ancient art forms to rural landscapes, shedding light on the challenges they face in the modern world. With a mix of personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, Kerr offers a thought-provoking reflection on the importance of preserving Japan's cultural identity.

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is a mind-bending novel by Haruki Murakami that delves into the realms of consciousness and identity. Set in parallel worlds, it follows a data processor who finds himself caught in a sinister plot, and a man who enters a strange, isolated town where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. With its unique blend of mystery, science fiction, and philosophical exploration, this book will leave you questioning the nature of existence.

The Decay of the Angel is a thought-provoking novel by Yukio Mishima that delves into themes of mortality, spirituality, and the passage of time. It follows the story of a young boy named Tōru and his unlikely relationship with an elderly man named Honda. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Underground by Haruki Murakami is a gripping non-fiction book that delves into the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. Through interviews with survivors, cult members, and others involved, Murakami uncovers the events leading up to the attack, the motivations behind it, and its aftermath. This thought-provoking book explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of this tragic event on Japanese society.

The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama is a beautiful novel set in 1930s Japan. It tells the story of a young Chinese man named Stephen who travels to a small Japanese village to recover from tuberculosis. There, he meets a group of unforgettable characters and learns important life lessons about love, friendship, and the beauty of the natural world.

The Setting Sun is a novel by Japanese author Osamu Dazai. Set in post-World War II Japan, it tells the story of a family in decline as they struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing society. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Kazuko, the book explores themes of alienation, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to be falling apart.

Thousand Cranes by Yasunari Kawabata is a haunting tale of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships. Set in post-war Japan, the novel delves into the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of tradition, modernity, and their own desires. Through beautiful prose and rich symbolism, Kawabata weaves a captivating story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.

The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima is a captivating novel that tells the story of a young fisherman named Shinji and the beautiful Hatsue, daughter of the wealthiest man in their village. Set on a remote island in Japan, the book explores themes of love, class differences, and the power of nature. With its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, it transports readers to a world of simplicity and beauty.

The Street of a Thousand Blossoms is a beautifully written novel by Gail Tsukiyama that delves into the lives of two brothers, Hiroshi and Kenji, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in Tokyo during and after World War II. Set against the backdrop of a changing Japan, the book explores themes of family, love, and resilience, while offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is a thought-provoking novel by Yukio Mishima that delves into themes of honor, betrayal, and the clash between individual desires and societal expectations. Set in post-war Japan, it tells the story of a young boy named Noboru and his mother, who becomes involved with a sailor named Ryuji. As the plot unfolds, the book explores the dark and complex motivations of its characters, ultimately leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax.

Tokyo Vice is a gripping memoir by Jake Adelstein that delves into the dark underbelly of Tokyo's criminal underworld. As the first non-Japanese reporter for one of Japan's largest newspapers, Adelstein uncovers the truth behind the yakuza, human trafficking, and corruption, while also navigating the complexities of Japanese society. It offers a fascinating and eye-opening glimpse into a world rarely seen by outsiders.