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General Recommendations

Japanese Fiction in Translation

By:

Chapel_Hill_MichaelM

Chapel Hill Public Library

Staff-created list

Several prize-winning Japanese writers like Yasunari Kawabata, Kenzaburō Ōe, Yukio Mishima, and Haruki Murakami have enjoyed success worldwide. This list will help you get to know some of the newest, best, and most underrated Japanese authors of various genres - now available in English!

By:

Chapel_Hill_MichaelM

Chapel Hill Public Library

21 items

21 items

The Decagon House Murders

The Decagon House Murders

by Ayatsuji, Yukito

Book - 2020

This murder mystery is a love letter to classic detective fiction. A whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," Ayat...Show more This murder mystery is a love letter to classic detective fiction. A whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," Ayatsuji's novel simultaneously captures the particular narrative style and pacing that Japanese mysteries are known for. Show less

This murder mystery is a love letter to classic detective fiction. A whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," Ayat...Show more This murder mystery is a love letter to classic detective fiction. A whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," Ayatsuji's novel simultaneously captures the particular narrative style and pacing that Japanese mysteries are known for. Show less

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The Devotion of Suspect X

The Devotion of Suspect X

A Detective Galileo Mystery

by Higashino, Keigo

Book - 2011

Keigo Higashino is a master of mystery fiction. Any of his works would appeal to fans of mystery and thriller genres, but "The Devotion of Suspect X&...Show more Keigo Higashino is a master of mystery fiction. Any of his works would appeal to fans of mystery and thriller genres, but "The Devotion of Suspect X" is perhaps his best-known book, and an excellent starting place for readers looking to explore more Japanese detective novels. Show less

Keigo Higashino is a master of mystery fiction. Any of his works would appeal to fans of mystery and thriller genres, but "The Devotion of Suspect X&...Show more Keigo Higashino is a master of mystery fiction. Any of his works would appeal to fans of mystery and thriller genres, but "The Devotion of Suspect X" is perhaps his best-known book, and an excellent starting place for readers looking to explore more Japanese detective novels. Show less

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Breasts and Eggs

Breasts and Eggs

by Kawakami, Mieko

Book - 2020

"Breasts and Eggs" has garnered critical attention worldwide as a phenomenal contribution to feminist writing. Exploring issues of agency and th...Show more "Breasts and Eggs" has garnered critical attention worldwide as a phenomenal contribution to feminist writing. Exploring issues of agency and the female body, Kawakami's first novel in English translation offers a fascinating, conversational viewpoint into characters and experiences that aren't often showcased in literary fiction. Show less

"Breasts and Eggs" has garnered critical attention worldwide as a phenomenal contribution to feminist writing. Exploring issues of agency and th...Show more "Breasts and Eggs" has garnered critical attention worldwide as a phenomenal contribution to feminist writing. Exploring issues of agency and the female body, Kawakami's first novel in English translation offers a fascinating, conversational viewpoint into characters and experiences that aren't often showcased in literary fiction. Show less

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Real World

Real World

by Kirino, Natsuo

Book - 2008

Kirino writes some of the best dark thrillers ("Out" and "Grotesque" are her most famous works), and her tense and occasionally terrif...Show more Kirino writes some of the best dark thrillers ("Out" and "Grotesque" are her most famous works), and her tense and occasionally terrifying prose is captured well even in translation. "Real World" appears to be something of a murder mystery told from the alternating perspectives of a group of teenagers, but of course, all is not as it seems. Kirino's masterful framing and characterization will keep you on the edge of your seat. Show less

Kirino writes some of the best dark thrillers ("Out" and "Grotesque" are her most famous works), and her tense and occasionally terrif...Show more Kirino writes some of the best dark thrillers ("Out" and "Grotesque" are her most famous works), and her tense and occasionally terrifying prose is captured well even in translation. "Real World" appears to be something of a murder mystery told from the alternating perspectives of a group of teenagers, but of course, all is not as it seems. Kirino's masterful framing and characterization will keep you on the edge of your seat. Show less

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Confessions

Confessions

by Minato, Kanae

Book - 2014

Minato's novels are perfect for fans of twisted, character-driven psychological thrillers (think Chuck Palahniuk). "Confessions" is the dark and...Show more Minato's novels are perfect for fans of twisted, character-driven psychological thrillers (think Chuck Palahniuk). "Confessions" is the dark and disturbing story of a murderous schoolteacher, but despite the subject matter, Minato's chatty, sardonic narrative style immediately hooks the reader. The film adaptation of "Confessions" was shortlisted for an Oscar, but, as is often the case, the book is better! Show less

Minato's novels are perfect for fans of twisted, character-driven psychological thrillers (think Chuck Palahniuk). "Confessions" is the dark and...Show more Minato's novels are perfect for fans of twisted, character-driven psychological thrillers (think Chuck Palahniuk). "Confessions" is the dark and disturbing story of a murderous schoolteacher, but despite the subject matter, Minato's chatty, sardonic narrative style immediately hooks the reader. The film adaptation of "Confessions" was shortlisted for an Oscar, but, as is often the case, the book is better! Show less

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All She Was Worth

All She Was Worth

by Miyabe, Miyuki

Book - 1997

Miyabe writes across a great range of genres (her YA/fantasy novels are particularly charming), but this crime novel makes for an engaging read, as it dif...Show more Miyabe writes across a great range of genres (her YA/fantasy novels are particularly charming), but this crime novel makes for an engaging read, as it differs in tone from many of the other mystery-thrillers on this list. "All She Was Worth" is an investigation of sorts, plot-wise, but the novel is more of a slow burn, detailing the repercussions of obligation, gender, and cultural issues in contemporary society. Show less

Miyabe writes across a great range of genres (her YA/fantasy novels are particularly charming), but this crime novel makes for an engaging read, as it dif...Show more Miyabe writes across a great range of genres (her YA/fantasy novels are particularly charming), but this crime novel makes for an engaging read, as it differs in tone from many of the other mystery-thrillers on this list. "All She Was Worth" is an investigation of sorts, plot-wise, but the novel is more of a slow burn, detailing the repercussions of obligation, gender, and cultural issues in contemporary society. Show less

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A True Novel

A True Novel

by Mizumura, Minae

Book - 2013

Mizumura's work is a prize-winning representation of Japanese literary fiction. In this book, Minae Mizumura (the character, a fictionalized version of th...Show more Mizumura's work is a prize-winning representation of Japanese literary fiction. In this book, Minae Mizumura (the character, a fictionalized version of the author) sets out to write "a true novel." The result is a beautiful reimagining of Wuthering Heights that pays homage to the source material as it creates a sweeping and uniquely Japanese atmospheric narrative. Show less

Mizumura's work is a prize-winning representation of Japanese literary fiction. In this book, Minae Mizumura (the character, a fictionalized version of th...Show more Mizumura's work is a prize-winning representation of Japanese literary fiction. In this book, Minae Mizumura (the character, a fictionalized version of the author) sets out to write "a true novel." The result is a beautiful reimagining of Wuthering Heights that pays homage to the source material as it creates a sweeping and uniquely Japanese atmospheric narrative. Show less

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The Lonesome Bodybuilder

The Lonesome Bodybuilder

Stories

by Motoya, Yukiko

Book - 2018

The title sets the tone for this short story collection of bizarre and inventive tales. The stories are rooted in seemingly everyday occurrences that ofte...Show more The title sets the tone for this short story collection of bizarre and inventive tales. The stories are rooted in seemingly everyday occurrences that often take a turn for the fantastic, with Motoya's clever plotting and commentaries boasting a surreal and often humorous take on gender roles and cultural constructs. Show less

The title sets the tone for this short story collection of bizarre and inventive tales. The stories are rooted in seemingly everyday occurrences that ofte...Show more The title sets the tone for this short story collection of bizarre and inventive tales. The stories are rooted in seemingly everyday occurrences that often take a turn for the fantastic, with Motoya's clever plotting and commentaries boasting a surreal and often humorous take on gender roles and cultural constructs. Show less

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Solo Dance

Solo Dance

by Li, Kotomi

Book - 2022

"Solo Dance" is a beautiful coming-of-age novel for adulthood, dealing with issues of queerness, immigration, office culture, and more, told fro...Show more "Solo Dance" is a beautiful coming-of-age novel for adulthood, dealing with issues of queerness, immigration, office culture, and more, told from the perspective of a young Taiwanese woman in Japan. Li's works have already received great praise for her compassionate portrayals of marginalized and underrepresented characters, and "Solo Dance," her first novel in English translation, is a shining example of just such a story. Show less

"Solo Dance" is a beautiful coming-of-age novel for adulthood, dealing with issues of queerness, immigration, office culture, and more, told fro...Show more "Solo Dance" is a beautiful coming-of-age novel for adulthood, dealing with issues of queerness, immigration, office culture, and more, told from the perspective of a young Taiwanese woman in Japan. Li's works have already received great praise for her compassionate portrayals of marginalized and underrepresented characters, and "Solo Dance," her first novel in English translation, is a shining example of just such a story. Show less

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Convenience Store Woman

Convenience Store Woman

by Murata, Sayaka

Book - 2018

Murata's prize-winning work revolves around Keiko, the titular convenience store woman. A surprisingly cozy commentary on the realities of work life and s...Show more Murata's prize-winning work revolves around Keiko, the titular convenience store woman. A surprisingly cozy commentary on the realities of work life and social struggles, Keiko's character and her way of thinking feel immediately authentic and fascinating throughout, despite the supposed ordinariness of the novel's setting. Show less

Murata's prize-winning work revolves around Keiko, the titular convenience store woman. A surprisingly cozy commentary on the realities of work life and s...Show more Murata's prize-winning work revolves around Keiko, the titular convenience store woman. A surprisingly cozy commentary on the realities of work life and social struggles, Keiko's character and her way of thinking feel immediately authentic and fascinating throughout, despite the supposed ordinariness of the novel's setting. Show less

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The Memory Police

The Memory Police

by Ogawa, Yōko

Book - 2019

Ogawa has become popular with critics and readers worldwide for several of her works, like "The Housekeeper and the Professor." "The Memory...Show more Ogawa has become popular with critics and readers worldwide for several of her works, like "The Housekeeper and the Professor." "The Memory Police" similarly touches on themes of memory and confinement, but is instead a dystopian novel with elements of magical realism - somewhere between Orwell and Kafka. Readers will be treated to Ogawa's brilliant and distinct style, as well as the surprising and emotional ways in which she explores the multi-layered subject matter. Show less

Ogawa has become popular with critics and readers worldwide for several of her works, like "The Housekeeper and the Professor." "The Memory...Show more Ogawa has become popular with critics and readers worldwide for several of her works, like "The Housekeeper and the Professor." "The Memory Police" similarly touches on themes of memory and confinement, but is instead a dystopian novel with elements of magical realism - somewhere between Orwell and Kafka. Readers will be treated to Ogawa's brilliant and distinct style, as well as the surprising and emotional ways in which she explores the multi-layered subject matter. Show less

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The Hole

The Hole

by Oyamada, Hiroko

Book - 2020

This is the simple story of a young woman who moves to a new town and falls into a hole. Though brief, Oyamada's novel is a great example of contemporary ...Show more This is the simple story of a young woman who moves to a new town and falls into a hole. Though brief, Oyamada's novel is a great example of contemporary Japanese fiction: a bitingly fun examination of daily life in rural Japan, full of ordinary things that suddenly seem strange and unusual. Show less

This is the simple story of a young woman who moves to a new town and falls into a hole. Though brief, Oyamada's novel is a great example of contemporary ...Show more This is the simple story of a young woman who moves to a new town and falls into a hole. Though brief, Oyamada's novel is a great example of contemporary Japanese fiction: a bitingly fun examination of daily life in rural Japan, full of ordinary things that suddenly seem strange and unusual. Show less

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Parasite Eve

Parasite Eve

by Sena, Hideaki

Book - 2005

"Parasite Eve" is Japanese SF horror at its best, and Sena's novel has since spawned a franchise including video games, movies, animated adaptat...Show more "Parasite Eve" is Japanese SF horror at its best, and Sena's novel has since spawned a franchise including video games, movies, animated adaptations, and more. Sena's professional background in pharmacology serves to make the chilling descriptions of biological horror seem all too real - readers who enjoy scary sci-fi and authors like Michael Crichton should definitely check out this novel. Show less

"Parasite Eve" is Japanese SF horror at its best, and Sena's novel has since spawned a franchise including video games, movies, animated adaptat...Show more "Parasite Eve" is Japanese SF horror at its best, and Sena's novel has since spawned a franchise including video games, movies, animated adaptations, and more. Sena's professional background in pharmacology serves to make the chilling descriptions of biological horror seem all too real - readers who enjoy scary sci-fi and authors like Michael Crichton should definitely check out this novel. Show less

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The Tokyo Zodiac Murders

The Tokyo Zodiac Murders

Detective Mitarai's Casebook

by Shimada, Sōji

Book - 2004

Shimada is the master of the unsolveable mystery! This brilliant detective novel is both a locked-room mystery and shocking serial killer case. Fans of tr...Show more Shimada is the master of the unsolveable mystery! This brilliant detective novel is both a locked-room mystery and shocking serial killer case. Fans of true crime/ Law & Order: SVU/ Criminal Minds-esque drama are sure to be kept guessing until the final pages. Show less

Shimada is the master of the unsolveable mystery! This brilliant detective novel is both a locked-room mystery and shocking serial killer case. Fans of tr...Show more Shimada is the master of the unsolveable mystery! This brilliant detective novel is both a locked-room mystery and shocking serial killer case. Fans of true crime/ Law & Order: SVU/ Criminal Minds-esque drama are sure to be kept guessing until the final pages. Show less

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Terminal Boredom

Terminal Boredom

Stories

by Suzuki, Izumi

Book - 2021

Izumi Suzuki's feminist and avant-garde sci-fi works garnered her quite an underground following during her brief life, inspiring many writers and artists...Show more Izumi Suzuki's feminist and avant-garde sci-fi works garnered her quite an underground following during her brief life, inspiring many writers and artists in the Beat generation. "Terminal Boredom" is a phenomenal collection of short stories that feel just as topical and poignant today as when they were originally published, now available to read in English! Show less

Izumi Suzuki's feminist and avant-garde sci-fi works garnered her quite an underground following during her brief life, inspiring many writers and artists...Show more Izumi Suzuki's feminist and avant-garde sci-fi works garnered her quite an underground following during her brief life, inspiring many writers and artists in the Beat generation. "Terminal Boredom" is a phenomenal collection of short stories that feel just as topical and poignant today as when they were originally published, now available to read in English! Show less

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Dark Water

Dark Water

by Suzuki, Kōji

Book - 2004

One of the most popular horror novelists, Kōji Suzuki is best known for his "Ring" series, but "Dark Water" is just as chilling. This ...Show more One of the most popular horror novelists, Kōji Suzuki is best known for his "Ring" series, but "Dark Water" is just as chilling. This underrated Suzuki work exemplifies many of the spooky tropes J-horror is famous for, though the story is more mysterious and psychological than purely scary. Show less

One of the most popular horror novelists, Kōji Suzuki is best known for his "Ring" series, but "Dark Water" is just as chilling. This ...Show more One of the most popular horror novelists, Kōji Suzuki is best known for his "Ring" series, but "Dark Water" is just as chilling. This underrated Suzuki work exemplifies many of the spooky tropes J-horror is famous for, though the story is more mysterious and psychological than purely scary. Show less

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Lady Joker

Lady Joker

Volume 1

by Takamura, Kaoru

Book - 2021

Since its publication over 25 years ago, "Lady Joker" has become a wildly successful franchise in Japan. The murder mystery at the center of the...Show more Since its publication over 25 years ago, "Lady Joker" has become a wildly successful franchise in Japan. The murder mystery at the center of the novel is inspired by true events, but the real appeal is Takamura's unpredictable, genre-defying narrative style. Find out why this novel has become a cultural phenomenon, and get ready for the English translation of Volume 2, set to be released in October 2022! Show less

Since its publication over 25 years ago, "Lady Joker" has become a wildly successful franchise in Japan. The murder mystery at the center of the...Show more Since its publication over 25 years ago, "Lady Joker" has become a wildly successful franchise in Japan. The murder mystery at the center of the novel is inspired by true events, but the real appeal is Takamura's unpredictable, genre-defying narrative style. Find out why this novel has become a cultural phenomenon, and get ready for the English translation of Volume 2, set to be released in October 2022! Show less

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Scattered All Over the Earth

Scattered All Over the Earth

by Tawada, Yōko

Book - 2022

This phenomenal novel (the first in a planned trilogy) was long-listed as one of the year's best books in translation. Taking place in a dystopian future ...Show more This phenomenal novel (the first in a planned trilogy) was long-listed as one of the year's best books in translation. Taking place in a dystopian future and exploring issues related to the climate, migration, and language, Tawada's timely sci-fi adventure follows refugee Hiruko, a Japanese woman living in Denmark, as she takes off on a journey in search of further knowledge and friends from her former country, which no longer exists. Show less

This phenomenal novel (the first in a planned trilogy) was long-listed as one of the year's best books in translation. Taking place in a dystopian future ...Show more This phenomenal novel (the first in a planned trilogy) was long-listed as one of the year's best books in translation. Taking place in a dystopian future and exploring issues related to the climate, migration, and language, Tawada's timely sci-fi adventure follows refugee Hiruko, a Japanese woman living in Denmark, as she takes off on a journey in search of further knowledge and friends from her former country, which no longer exists. Show less

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Territory of Light

Territory of Light

by Tsushima, Yūko

Book - 2019

This novella is structured into twelve episodes following the course of a year, centered around a fresh start for a single mother and her daughter. Though...Show more This novella is structured into twelve episodes following the course of a year, centered around a fresh start for a single mother and her daughter. Though brief, Tsushima's work is thoughtful, quiet, and introspective, a meditation on modern life that offers hope in the face of personal and societal challenges. Show less

This novella is structured into twelve episodes following the course of a year, centered around a fresh start for a single mother and her daughter. Though...Show more This novella is structured into twelve episodes following the course of a year, centered around a fresh start for a single mother and her daughter. Though brief, Tsushima's work is thoughtful, quiet, and introspective, a meditation on modern life that offers hope in the face of personal and societal challenges. Show less

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Kitchen

Kitchen

by Yoshimoto, Banana

Book - 1993

Yoshimoto's career exploded with the release of "Kitchen": the term "Bananamania" was coined for the popularity of her unique and inno...Show more Yoshimoto's career exploded with the release of "Kitchen": the term "Bananamania" was coined for the popularity of her unique and innovative novels. While any of Yoshimoto's books make for a great read, "Kitchen" showcases her signature style, tenderly dealing with issues of life, love, family, and food. Show less

Yoshimoto's career exploded with the release of "Kitchen": the term "Bananamania" was coined for the popularity of her unique and inno...Show more Yoshimoto's career exploded with the release of "Kitchen": the term "Bananamania" was coined for the popularity of her unique and innovative novels. While any of Yoshimoto's books make for a great read, "Kitchen" showcases her signature style, tenderly dealing with issues of life, love, family, and food. Show less

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Tokyo Ueno Station

Tokyo Ueno Station

by Yū, Miri

Book - 2020

"Tokyo Ueno Station" is a hauntingly gorgeous glimpse into not-quite-nostalgic Japanese history. Chronicling the life of an unhoused worker who ...Show more "Tokyo Ueno Station" is a hauntingly gorgeous glimpse into not-quite-nostalgic Japanese history. Chronicling the life of an unhoused worker who relocates to Tokyo just before the 1964 Olympics through the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Yū's novel explores class, identity, social structure, and more through a flowing, heartbreaking character study. Show less

"Tokyo Ueno Station" is a hauntingly gorgeous glimpse into not-quite-nostalgic Japanese history. Chronicling the life of an unhoused worker who ...Show more "Tokyo Ueno Station" is a hauntingly gorgeous glimpse into not-quite-nostalgic Japanese history. Chronicling the life of an unhoused worker who relocates to Tokyo just before the 1964 Olympics through the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Yū's novel explores class, identity, social structure, and more through a flowing, heartbreaking character study. Show less

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