Books to Read Before Visiting Japan

Japanese literature is a rich tradition in the land of the rising sun, stretching as far back as the 8^th century with the introduction of kanji. Whether you like classical literature or contemporary Japanese, here are six novels to read before visiting the country.

The Makioka Sisters by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (1948)

Tanizaki’s novel was first serialized in 1943 at the height of World War II, following the lives of the Makioka family and the decline of their wealthy, suburban lifestyle during the Kobe flood of 1938 and the Second Sino-Japanese War.

I Am a Cat by Natsume Sōseki (1906)

This cultural satire was written during the Meiji Period, describing the lives of middle-class Japan. The series is told from the point of view of an anthropomorphized house cat, who observes a student’s courtship of a wealthy businessman’s daughter.

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami (1999)

This dystopian tale has caused quite the controversy due to its similarities to The Hunger Games series. Set in the authoritarian Republic of Greater East Asia, 50 randomly selected secondary school students are taken to an island for a televised fight to the death.

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto (1988)

As one of the best examples of contemporary Japanese literature, Banana Yoshimoto masterfully blends Western literary influences with the changing culture of a globalized Japan.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987)

Set in Tokyo, the student protests of the 1960s serve as the backdrop for Murakami’s tale about Toru Watanabe, a young man dealing with loss and a fragile relationship. The book is hugely popular with Japanese youth, and is named after The Beatles song, “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” Toru’s favorite song.

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (1008)

Written more than 1,000 years ago, The Tale of Genji has been called humanity’s first novel, depicting the life of the Japanese aristocracy during the Heian period. Shikibu’s classic story follows Hikaru Genji, an emperor’s son who is removed from the royal line of succession.