How has your week been? I loved reading all of your feedback this week. It was especially fulfilling to read that the newsletter is also reaching an audience of people who are otherwise cut off from learning resources. Initially, I started this newsletter as a tool for a handful of my own students who wanted to keep reading literature in Japanese on their own. I’m overwhelmed by the amount of people who are enjoying this format and have made the newsletter a part of their studies. I really enjoy creating these daily posts and interacting with all of you. Please keep reaching out and getting in touch!
Today, I thought I’d share some of my favorite authors (in no particular order). I’ve added links to free sources where available. In other cases, I’ve added an Amazon link for reference.
Let me know who your favorite authors are! Which books do you love to read? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
My first encounter with Japanese literature was Soseki’s most famous novel Kokoro(1914). He is still one of my favorite authors, whose work I keep going back to. Though he is best known for his long novels, I highly recommend reading his speeches/essays Gendai nihon no kaika(1911) and Watakushi no kojinshugi(1914), as well as his short stories, such as Buncho(1908).
2. 田村俊子 Tamura Toshiko (1884-1945)
One of the most fascinating and nuanced members of the early modern Japanese feminist movement. She was a contributing member of the Seito group, but her work extends far beyond it. Strangely, her novels and short stories haven’t been republished in recent years, so you might find it challenging to get your hands on one of her works. One of her more famous novels Miira no kuchibeni(1913) is available online.
3. 三島由紀夫 Mishima Yukio (1925-1970)
Mishima is famous for his beautiful and ornate writing style, and for his exploration of homosocial and homo-erotic relations. Much less known are his light entertainment novels, which I really enjoy reading. One of my favorite is Ojosan (1960). I also recommend another novel written in a very different style is Shiosai(1954), an incredible story about young love.
4. 多和田葉子 Tawada Yoko (1960-)
Though Tawada grew up in Japan, she has lived in Germany for a long time. Because of her fluency in German, she is able to play with language, and her works often call into question established notions of national identity, borders, and the limits of language itself. She writes in both Japanese and German, but her work is also translated into English and many other languages. I highly recommend reading her novels Kentoshi(2014) and Inumukoiri(1993), and her essay on language Ekusofonii (2003).
5. 古井由吉 Furui Yoshikichi (1937-2020)
Furui is probably the most prolific writer you’ve never heard of. In part, this is due to the limited amount of translations of his work, but also (not unrelated) to his impenetrable and austere writing style. Having said that, it’s worth the effort to delve into his literary universe. Try his collection of short(-ish) stories Yoko/Tsumagomi(1971).
6. 宮本輝 Miyamoto Teru (1947-)
Miyamoto’s work is a great place to start if you’re just venturing into reading literature in Japanese. That doesn’t mean it’s an easy read (he often writes dialogue in Kansai dialect, adding to the difficulty if you’re not used to it). But he is a great storyteller and his style is quite accessible. Try reading his short stories or his gripping novel Kinshu(1982).
7. 山田詠美 Yamada Eimi (1959-)
Yamada Eimi is the most explicit author in this list, yet has a style that is very different from writers such as Murakami Ryu. Her writing is edgy and very entertaining. Her debut was in 1985 with Beddo taimu aizu. She recently published a new novel called Chi mo namida mo aru(2021).
8. 吉行淳之介 Yoshiyuki Junnosuke (1924-1994)
Yoshiyuki’s works are all quite similar but are very well written. I learned a lot from the way he structures sentences and his usage of phrases and words. His writing is beautiful yet simple. I often read his novels while commuting to work. Very accessible, great for reading short bits at a time, and highly enjoyable (though quite dark at times). Read his short story Shuu (1954) and his longer novel Anshitsu (1969).
9. 谷崎潤一郎 Tanizaki Jun’ichiro (1886-1965)
Tanizaki is one of those authors whose work is completely mesmerizing and engaging at the same time. Somehow, his style appeals to all of your senses. My all-time favorite works are his long novel Chijin no ai(1924) and his essay In’ei raisan (1933) These are dense but satisfying reads (and are both available in English translation).
Your suggestions are very interesting, and I definitely enjoy the newsletter. But I still feel like my Japanese is far from being able to read their full works. I've been trying to get into Japanese literature (I've only been reading manga so far) and I bought キノの旅１ and 失われる物語. I stopped reading "real" books since middle school and I'm trying to get into it too, but it's hard. Do you have any tips or stories? thank you <3
Hi RPD, I'm really glad to hear you're trying to get back into literature. Perhaps you can start with some short stories, or some easier to read longer novels. I always love Miyazawa Kenji, who writes very accessibly, but whose work is very layered. You could also try short stories by Murakami Haruki, whose language usage is often not too difficult, but content-wise is sometimes a bit out there, which may slow you down in the beginning. Still, worth checking out I think. Let me know what you end up picking ;)
One of my favourite modern writers is Enchi Fumiko for her ability to adapt from classical Japanese literature and Noh drama and then recast it in a modern setting. She was also rather influenced by Tanizaki as well. Other novelists I'd mention, that may not already be here are Kawakami Mieko, Oe Kenzaburo, Kirino Natsuo, Kawabata Yasunari, and Murata Sayaka. I love Murakami Haruki, too. But above all, I consistently return to Zeami, Ono No Komachi, Izumi Shikibu, Dogen, Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu.
Hi Joseph, thanks so much for your contribution! I actually love Enchi Fumiko as well, and regret forgetting to put her on the list. I see you have a love for the classics. Many authors in the modern period shared this fascination with the past. Enchi, Tanizaki, and Kawabata are among them, as you already mentioned. Perhaps you would also enjoy the work of Yosano Akiko. Do you read mostly in translation or do you read the classical originals (or maybe Tanizaki's modern rendering of The Tale of Genji)?
Thank you so much for the amazing recommendations. They embed years of experiences and careful thoughts. Really grateful for your sharing of this list.
Thank you for this great recommendation list! I've kept Miyamoto Teru in my "reading plan" list for so long that I've almost forgotten about him ^^"
I couldn't agree more about Natsume Souseki, he is great! I can't say I love all of his novels but I reread "Bocchan" once in some years, it's just too funny. And Watashi no kojinshugi is dope, love all that keigo and the ideas.
When I say to my Japanese friends that I like Tanizaki they all start grinning automatically. His style is quite... sensual, so to say. But I regret nothing xD
I also like poetry, like haiku's even wrote some, but it isn't easy. Might read the poems of Shigeji Tsuboi, don't really know them. So thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your favorite authors. It’s lovely to read what you Bunsuke and others enjoy reading.
I like reading in general and of course reading Japanese literature a lot. The following books I haven’t read, with exception of “Kinkaku-ji “and “The sound of the mountain”. I would like to be able to read all the books beneath in Japanese someday. Number 6 you have mentioned and others you also summed up.
Thank you, yes indeed, these current times I can read even more, seeing we still can't really go anywhere. I was happy to hear about your new book order on Amazon. I think you must have an amazing book collection. I look forward to read your new posts. I hope I be able to read that well in Japanese one day. Still have a long way to go.
Thank you for the excellent newsletter! I’ve been reading the excerpts every morning. I’m so glad when I see female authors come up, and I even ended up buying Yoko Tawada’s book (English translation) today! I’m currently enjoying reading a book intended for Japanese elementary school students called 不思議駄菓子屋銭天堂, but my goal is to read adult fiction. I’m looking forward to the next newsletter ☺️
Hi Renee, thanks so much for your generous comment! So cool that you ended up getting Tawada Yoko's book. I just put in a big order with Amazon.co.jp myself. Which book did you get?
I had never seen 不思議駄菓子屋銭天堂, but this looks great! I also know of another series that was designed to get Japanese high school kids into reading literature. It's called『文豪の怪談 ジュニア・セレクション』and consists of one set of 5 books, and one set of 3 books. It has loads of explanations of difficult words in the sidelines (also in Japanese). Maybe this is something you would also enjoy...
Hi, Bunsuke先生！
Your suggestions are very interesting, and I definitely enjoy the newsletter. But I still feel like my Japanese is far from being able to read their full works. I've been trying to get into Japanese literature (I've only been reading manga so far) and I bought キノの旅１ and 失われる物語. I stopped reading "real" books since middle school and I'm trying to get into it too, but it's hard. Do you have any tips or stories? thank you <3
Hi RPD, I'm really glad to hear you're trying to get back into literature. Perhaps you can start with some short stories, or some easier to read longer novels. I always love Miyazawa Kenji, who writes very accessibly, but whose work is very layered. You could also try short stories by Murakami Haruki, whose language usage is often not too difficult, but content-wise is sometimes a bit out there, which may slow you down in the beginning. Still, worth checking out I think. Let me know what you end up picking ;)
wow a few of my favorites too! i also love dazai osamu and endo shusaku
Dazai is another one of those authors that should have been on this list! Which book by him did you enjoy the most?
I love The Setting Sun and No Longer Human. Both really tragic stories!
Very tragic but so interesting! Perhaps I'll do The Setting Sun for today's post. Thanks for this!
One of my favourite modern writers is Enchi Fumiko for her ability to adapt from classical Japanese literature and Noh drama and then recast it in a modern setting. She was also rather influenced by Tanizaki as well. Other novelists I'd mention, that may not already be here are Kawakami Mieko, Oe Kenzaburo, Kirino Natsuo, Kawabata Yasunari, and Murata Sayaka. I love Murakami Haruki, too. But above all, I consistently return to Zeami, Ono No Komachi, Izumi Shikibu, Dogen, Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu.
Hi Joseph, thanks so much for your contribution! I actually love Enchi Fumiko as well, and regret forgetting to put her on the list. I see you have a love for the classics. Many authors in the modern period shared this fascination with the past. Enchi, Tanizaki, and Kawabata are among them, as you already mentioned. Perhaps you would also enjoy the work of Yosano Akiko. Do you read mostly in translation or do you read the classical originals (or maybe Tanizaki's modern rendering of The Tale of Genji)?
Thank you so much for the amazing recommendations. They embed years of experiences and careful thoughts. Really grateful for your sharing of this list.
Hi Emma, you're very welcome! Which writer appeals to you the most?
Thank you for this great recommendation list! I've kept Miyamoto Teru in my "reading plan" list for so long that I've almost forgotten about him ^^"
I couldn't agree more about Natsume Souseki, he is great! I can't say I love all of his novels but I reread "Bocchan" once in some years, it's just too funny. And Watashi no kojinshugi is dope, love all that keigo and the ideas.
When I say to my Japanese friends that I like Tanizaki they all start grinning automatically. His style is quite... sensual, so to say. But I regret nothing xD
Haha yeah Tanizaki always makes people go red in the face…but you're right to regret nothing ☺️
I've enjoyed the fairly surreal poems of Shigeji Tsuboi and the satirical ones of Kaneko Mitsuharu, but have only read a few.
I also like poetry, like haiku's even wrote some, but it isn't easy. Might read the poems of Shigeji Tsuboi, don't really know them. So thank you for sharing.
Wow, those are very niche! How did you get into Japanese poetry?
I came across them in anthologies.
Cool! Those are great for getting a grasp for what's out there.
Thank you so much for sharing your favorite authors. It’s lovely to read what you Bunsuke and others enjoy reading.
I like reading in general and of course reading Japanese literature a lot. The following books I haven’t read, with exception of “Kinkaku-ji “and “The sound of the mountain”. I would like to be able to read all the books beneath in Japanese someday. Number 6 you have mentioned and others you also summed up.
1. sanshiro-japanese-novel-by-natsume-soseki 三四郎
2. kinkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-golden-pavilion-japanese-novel-by-yukio-mishima 金閣寺
3. inochi-urimasu-life-on-sale-japanese-novel-by-yukio-mishima 命売ります
4. kokuhaku-confessions-japanese-novel-written-by-kanae-minato 告白
5. kami-sama-japanese-novel-written-by-hiromi-kawakami 神様
6. inei-raisan-in-praise-of-shadows-essay-written-by-junichiro-tanizaki陰翳礼讃
7. nihon-chinbotsu-jou-japan-sinks-japanese-novel-written-by-sakyo-komatsu
日本沈没
8. fushigina-toshokan-the-strange-library-japanese-novel-written-by-haruki-murakami ふしぎな図書館
9. koohii-ga-samenai-uchi-ni-before-the-coffee-gets-cold-japanese-novel-written-by-toshikazu-kawaguchi コーヒーが冷めないうちに
10. hakase-no-aishita-sushiki-the-professor-s-beloved-equation-japanese-novel-written-by-yoko-ogawa 博士の愛した数式
11. tugumi-japanese-novel-written-by-banana-yoshimoto
12. The Sound of the Mountain (Yama no Oto) is a novel by Japanese writer Yasunari Kawabata 山の音
Such a great list! Sounds like you have a solid reading plan for the next year Koppa…
Thank you, yes indeed, these current times I can read even more, seeing we still can't really go anywhere. I was happy to hear about your new book order on Amazon. I think you must have an amazing book collection. I look forward to read your new posts. I hope I be able to read that well in Japanese one day. Still have a long way to go.
My collection is getting too big…There's not enough space in my tiny apartment so I have part of my books in storage and some at work.
Don't worry, you'll get there. Just keep doing what you're doing and read a little bit every day.
Thank you for the excellent newsletter! I’ve been reading the excerpts every morning. I’m so glad when I see female authors come up, and I even ended up buying Yoko Tawada’s book (English translation) today! I’m currently enjoying reading a book intended for Japanese elementary school students called 不思議駄菓子屋銭天堂, but my goal is to read adult fiction. I’m looking forward to the next newsletter ☺️
Hi Renee, thanks so much for your generous comment! So cool that you ended up getting Tawada Yoko's book. I just put in a big order with Amazon.co.jp myself. Which book did you get?
I had never seen 不思議駄菓子屋銭天堂, but this looks great! I also know of another series that was designed to get Japanese high school kids into reading literature. It's called『文豪の怪談 ジュニア・セレクション』and consists of one set of 5 books, and one set of 3 books. It has loads of explanations of difficult words in the sidelines (also in Japanese). Maybe this is something you would also enjoy...