This is a small list of the best Japanese books and their Authors. I recommend this guide to anyone who wants to start reading Japanese literature.

Source Wikimedia Commons

Banana Yoshimoto

In Japanese, her writings can be a bit tricky to read. In english, it is different tho. She has a very interesting form of writing and I enjoy reading her books. Her international fame came through a Japanese bestseller she wrote back in 1987, it was called “Kitchen”. That book made her internationally famous first in Italy and then in the USA thanks to the New York Times.

Recommendation: Kitchen

Yoko Tawada

Yoko Tawada is a somewhat systematic writer. She is one of the few writers than can express a lot with little words.

Recommendation: Facing the Bridge

Kawakami Hiromi

She is a great author. What makes her stand out is her well written fiction and the fact that she won the Akutagawa price in 1996 with “Hebo wo fumu (to tread on a snake). While all her books are fantastic, my advice would be to start with a lighter novel.

Recommendation: The Briefcase

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

He is considered as one of the greatest Japanese Authors. His works received a lot of attention and he is known as the Father of Japanese Short Stories. The well known Japanese literary prize the “Akutagawa Literary Prize” is named after him.

Recommendation: Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories

Natsume Soseki

Yes, he is the one that appears on the 1,000 yen note. He is well known Japanese writer from the Meiji Period. His works are considered among the best of modern Japanese Literature.

Recommendation: Kokoro

Kenji Miyazawa

Kenji Miyazawa is one of the most emblematic Japanese authors. He wrote mainly children stories but in these stories he mixes deep thoughts and teachings that derive from Shintoism. Everyone of this books can be interpreted deeply.

Recommendation: Night on the Galactic Railroad

Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami needs no intro. All I can say about him is that he is a genius. His books are so realistic and easy to read. The stories absorb you completely. He has a lot of bestsellers for you.

Recommendation: 1Q84 (Trilogy)

Kakuta Mitsuyo

Ever since she became a writer she won a vast amount of literary prizes including the Naoki prize. Her writing style is slightly feminist and focusing on women lifestyles.

Recommendation: The Eighth Day

Hirano Keiichiro

This young author is still in the University but has already won the Akutagawa prize back in 1999 with Nisshouku (Eclipse). His Japanese writing style is filled with Kanji and prose. Definitely worth reading but with time. His books are meant to be read slowly.

Recommendation: Nisshouku

I hope you enjoyed this list and that you have a nice start in Japanese Literature.