The 10 best Japanese Books to Read: A Guide to Top Picks

Exploring Japanese literature can be a captivating way to deepen your understanding of Japan’s culture and society. Below is a selection of some of the most popular Japanese books on Amazon, each offering unique insights into Japanese life, culture, and storytelling. Each book is briefly summarized to give you an idea of what to expect.

Recommended Japanese Books

1. “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami

• Summary: This novel by renowned author Haruki Murakami delves into themes of love, loss, and mental health through the eyes of a young man navigating life in 1960s Tokyo. It’s a poignant and evocative story that explores complex emotions and relationships.
• Amazon Link: Norwegian Wood

2. “Kafka on the Shore” by Haruki Murakami

• Summary: Another masterpiece by Haruki Murakami, this novel intertwines the stories of a teenage boy who runs away from home and an elderly man who can talk to cats. It’s a blend of magical realism and philosophical musings, known for its intricate narrative and rich symbolism.
• Amazon Link: Kafka on the Shore

3. “1Q84” by Haruki Murakami

• Summary: A complex and surreal novel set in a parallel Tokyo, “1Q84” explores themes of love, identity, and reality. The story follows two characters, Aomame and Tengo, who find themselves in a distorted version of 1984 Japan.
• Amazon Link: 1Q84

4. “The Devotion of Suspect X” by Keigo Higashino

• Summary: This bestselling mystery novel revolves around a brilliant mathematician who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The story is notable for its clever plot twists and psychological depth, offering a gripping read for fans of detective fiction.
• Amazon Link: The Devotion of Suspect X

5. “Battle Royale” by Koushun Takami

• Summary: Set in a dystopian future, “Battle Royale” is a dark and intense novel where a class of high school students is forced to fight to the death in a government-sponsored game. It explores themes of survival, violence, and societal breakdown.
• Amazon Link: Battle Royale

6. “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu

• Summary: Often considered the world’s first novel, “The Tale of Genji” is a classic work of Japanese literature from the Heian period. It tells the story of the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman, and provides a vivid depiction of courtly life in ancient Japan.
• Amazon Link: The Tale of Genji

7. “Snow Country” by Yasunari Kawabata

• Summary: This Nobel Prize-winning novel explores the relationship between a wealthy Tokyoite and a rural geisha in the snowy mountains of Japan. The novel is known for its lyrical prose and its evocative portrayal of Japanese landscape and culture.
• Amazon Link: Snow Country

8. “A Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami

• Summary: In this novel, a Tokyo advertising executive embarks on a surreal journey to find a mysterious sheep with a star-shaped birthmark. It’s a blend of detective fiction, fantasy, and social commentary, showcasing Murakami’s distinctive style.
• Amazon Link: A Wild Sheep Chase

9. “The Little House” by Kyoko Nakajima

• Summary: This novel portrays the life of a housemaid working for a wealthy family in post-war Japan. The story reveals the stark contrast between the seemingly perfect life of the family and the harsh realities faced by the maid.
• Amazon Link: The Little House

10. “Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories” by Ryunosuke Akutagawa

• Summary: This collection features some of the most famous short stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, known for his innovative and psychological storytelling. The stories often delve into the complexities of human nature and morality.
• Amazon Link: Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories

Other interesting facts about Japanese popular books:

• What is the most famous book in Japan?
• “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu is often considered the most famous book in Japan due to its historical significance and influence on Japanese literature.
• What books should I read before going to Japan?
• Consider reading “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami for contemporary insights, “The Tale of Genji” for classical literature, and “The Devotion of Suspect X” by Keigo Higashino for modern mystery fiction.
• Who is Japan’s most famous author?
• Haruki Murakami is one of Japan’s most famous contemporary authors, known for his novels such as “Norwegian Wood” and “1Q84”. Additionally, Murasaki Shikibu, author of “The Tale of Genji,” is celebrated for her contributions to classic Japanese literature.