I previously wrote about exploring Korean literature. Now, I’d also like to keep exploring Japanese literature. I’ve noticed so far in my reading adventures that the themes are quite different although I’m just basing it on the availability of translated books. Perhaps it just so happens that these were the popular books that were translated and there is still a whole fiction category that has not been translated. It sounds like it is probably the case.

I have found that my choices of Korean books were largely based on real life events that have happened to people and the psychological aftermath and cultural impacts. In contrast, my choices of Japanese books have lead me to discover more magic, alternate worlds and more reflections of society.

During my travels, I did notice that bookstores were not as big in Japan as they were in South Korea? Have they all moved online? Did I just not see them? Please let me know.

Read

1. Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
I got so emotional reading this book. This book is set in a coffee store which allows customers to go back in time. As you can imagine, many customers were trying to correct past events now that they had the hindsight. Would you change anything from your past if given the chance? Are there particular moments or people in the past that you are strongly attached to? It’s easy to read but if you’re easily moved, prepare the box of tissues.

2. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
This book was so enjoyable to read. Centred around our working culture and the pressures in society on having a “career growing ladder climbing job” and also what it means to be a woman. The main character is a 36 year old woman is perplexed at all of this and it follows her story. There is also a man in the book who also is outside the ‘norm’ and gives his reflections and perspectives as well. I liked the book and the commentary around the societal expectations. It’s easy to read with a joyful ending.

Reading List

3. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
Drawn to the setting of a bookstore and the front cover, the inner book lover can’t help but feel intrigued by this book. A librarian knows exactly what to recommend each visitor. Will one book change your life? I like to believe so!

4. The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino
I came across this book through a recommendation from one of my students in South Korea. I thought the plot was funny so it immediately made me want to read it. Three robbers take shelter in an abandoned general store when a letter flies in asking for advice. It appears that the previous owners were offering counsel to letter writers and the three robbers now share their wisdom to continue the work of the previous owners.

5. Lonely Castle In the Mirror by Mizuki Tsuhjimura
A select few of teenagers wake up one morning to find their mirrors glistening and a world within. These lonely teens are able to enter a world where they pass puzzle rooms in order to be granted a wish. The catch, they must leave the world in the mirror before 5pm or they will be punished.

Have you read any of these? What did you think? Are there any other books from Japanese authors that you would recommend?