7 Must-Read Japanese Books  

Jun 14, 2023, 12:04 IST

Riya Teotia

It’s a semi-autobiographical tale from one of Japan’s greatest, yet most troubled, Meiji-era authors.

No Longer Human: Osamu Dazai

It is a best-selling novel about motherhood, sacrifice and the freedom of working-class women in Japan.

Breasts and Eggs: Meiko Kawakami

This book is for readers who like simple conclusions with all loose ends. It is a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of identity and the importance of resistance.

The Memory Police: Yoko Ogawa

This is Murakami's most compelling work. It revolves around Hajime and his conflicts as he grows in life.

South of the Border, West of the Sun: Haruki Murakami 

It’s a tale of Meiji-era Japan from the perspective of Japan’s favourite domestic animal in a satirical manner.

I Am a Cat: Natsume Soseki

It is one of the most aesthetically beautiful and sublime Japanese novels. It tells the love story of a Tokyo man and a geisha (Japanese performing artist) who lives and works in the mountains.

Snow Country: Yasunari Kawabata

A dark and atmospheric journey through the underbelly of Tokyo, The Thief offers a fresh perspective not found in other crime novels.

The Thief: Fuminori Nakamura

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