Japanese literature recommendations! my 10 favourites 📖

Head to www.squarespace.com/christyan... to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CHRISTYANNEJONES ☁️
My book 📖
A Year in Tōkyō: An Illustrated Guide and Memoir: bit.ly/3CjjBTz
Welcome to this LONG OVERDUE video on Japanese literature! I had people asking me for AGES to recommend them my favourite Japanese novels. So here I am, finally getting around to it: here are my 10 favourite Japanese books. Hope you enjoy my Japanese book recommendations, featuring novelists from Haruki Murakami to Sayaka Murata to Mizuki Tsujimura. Take care everyone 💛
Support my channel, and get access to bonus content ✨
/ christyannejones
Find me elsewhere~
☁️ writings christyannejones.com
☁️ instagram / christyannejones
☁️ twitter / christy__jones
☁️ goodreads / christy-anne-jones
Timestamps:
0:00 - intro
0:50 - books 1 - 4
6:35 - thank you, Squarespace
7:21 - books 5 - 10
Equipment I use:
*Main camera: amzn.to/3gnhQKA
*Main lens: amzn.to/3vbRIaU
*Vlogging camera: amzn.to/3iwfWdk
*Microphone: amzn.to/35aTTkq
*Tripod: amzn.to/3vqWSA9
*Get the Japan Rail Pass: click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_...
Music //
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Links marked with * are affiliate links 🌼

[@reusablecup]

Oh the Travelling Cat Chronicles made me bawl too 😭 Other Japanese cat book recommendations - If Cats Disappeared From The World - The Guest Cat - The Cat Who Saved Books

[@reusablecup]

@@darcyperkins7041 yes! I have this on my shelf!

[@NaveenKumarErroju]

Not the books dude. Your are obsessed with cats 😂

[@julianastiles5306]

Also "I am a cat"

[@monsmontage0607]

Literally obsessed with Japanese literature!!!✨☁️

[@christy-anne-jones]

Hope you find some good recommendations here! 😊💛

[@monsmontage0607]

@@christy-anne-jones from one of your videos I came across the forest of wool and steel and Norwegian woods....I cannot feel more blessed ❤️❤️❤️

[@davidsheriff9274]

I am getting into it myself. After I saw "Drive My Car"I have been obsessed with everything Japanese, (I know that is very illogical, but whatever). I started with the Haruki Murakami book of short stories that contains the two stories the movie is based on called "Men Without Women", I absolutely hated it. From what I have read about his other books, I am sure that I will hate those too. I have read Ryu Murakami's books "In the miso soup"and "Piercing"and really liked those. I am now reading "Tokyo Uendo Station"and I really love it. I am thinking about what to read next.

[@Anotherroom]

Literaturely obsessed... I'll see myself out.

[@aniar_]

​ Read 5 in a rown

[@em4200]

Coincidentally, I just finished “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” today! I initially picked it up since the short story format made it less intimidating. I loved how the stories were woven together!

[@catherinelapointe8024]

A very interesting list! I need to read more of these so I’ll definitely add some to my tbr. Thanks for the video!! Hope you have a good week ♥️

[@almantinaa]

So great to see that I have read and enjoyed almost each of these, just a couple of new ones but seems like good rec, thank you.

[@bookishly.introverted]

I loved Sweet Bean Paste and I like how you reviewed it without giving away spoilers. The Travelling Cat Chronicles totally ripped my heart out! I have several of the other books you mentioned and I can't wait to read them. Thanks Christy!

[@_littlelaura]

Thank you for all of your recs Christy! I fell in love with Japanese novels from reading the books you mentioned. Most of them are incredibly poetic, philosophical and touching. I especially love The Forest of Wool and Steel, Sweet Bean Paste, and How Do You Live. Planning to read Lonely Castle in the Mirror next!

[@mykoreanlearningjourney5477]

Amazing video! I've been reading Japanese literature for a long time and I was searching for a fresh outlook to it, I was glad to see that I only knew 4 books of your list. I'm looking forward to reading them, thanks again! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Johanna_reads]

I was just gifted Lonely Castle in the Mirror, and I’m so excited to read it! I read Before the Coffee Gets Cold based on your recommendation last year, and it was one of the best palate cleansers I’ve ever read. I enjoyed Murakami’s writing style in The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, but I struggled connected to the overall story. I may try another one of his books and need to check out yours as well. Wonderful video and congrats on your book!

[@bujowithbooks6298]

Yay, I read most of them, and some are on my list of favourite stand-alone fantasy books. Looking forward to reading Sweet Bean Paste, The Forest of Wool and Steel, How Do You Live, and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles❣️

[@laurenmiller149]

The Nakano Thrift Shop is my favorite Hiromi Kawakami! It's definitely the "intro to Japanese lit" I wish I would've had when I started reading more translated works.

[@donnasoriano5110]

Books added to my unending TBR, again.🤗🥺🥺💞 Can't wait to read these♥️

[@jacquirees7800]

Thank you so much for the recommendations. I am currently reading Sweet Bean Paste and loving it ✨.

[@zaram1492]

OH MY GOD!!!! You are literally the first person i’ve seen who actually read The Forest of Wool and Steel i actually feel like i’m treating up!! I read it last year and absolutely loved it!

[@romywolfofficial]

Last year I bought The Forest of Wool and Steel as per your recommendation :D Alas I haven't gotten around to reading it yet but hopefully soon! (Love this video, so many new books added to my wishlist!)

[@analuizabollinisantos4308]

What a cozy video! Actually, I love all of your videos

[@poudousasa]

I love The Forest of Wool and Steel! You are the first booktuber I see talking about it ! It's so good tho 🥰

[@ClaudiaHi]

I've never read a Japanese novel before. But now I'm interested! I'm going to look up those books you recommend, especially Sweet Bean Paste. Because I loved the cover haha

[@eikopalma3072]

Hi, thanks for that calmy beautiful voice, the colours and all the magics in the chanel. Also thanks for today's recomendations. Those books are going directly to my list, a big one😅, and some are already in it. Have a nice day!

[@nuggetstump]

Sweet Bean Paste was my favourite book of 2021! Absolutely adored it. I am obsessed with Japanese fiction and how calming it is

[@yolyramirez5507]

They Made this book into a movie too

[@anneandthebooks]

I just finished Sweet Bean Paste and it was such an amazing read! I loved every second of it.

[@jonkanie3287]

Thank you for the list! I saw the film-adaptation of "Before the coffee gets cold" (with Kasumi Arimura, Hiroko Yakushimaru, et. al.), which was quite moving. Looking forward to "How Do You Live?" etc. ! , and thank you for releasing your "A Year in Tokyo" (I frequented Kichijoji when I lived in Japan) ! (:

[@marianaharrison6307]

I'm reading Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami now and I'm really interested in reading more Japanese novels in the future, so this video was exactly what I needed :)

[@teacupthestoryteller]

This is great, thank you 🥰 I haven't read a lot of Japanese books yet but I really want to explore them more. I read Norwegian Wood few days ago but must say I was hoping to like it more...

[@nehaakter7810]

So excited to see what you've on your top ten! And add few or all of them on my tbr lol!

[@christy-anne-jones]

Hope you find something fun to read 💛💛

[@prerza]

omg i loved these recs

[@lenaweber7561]

Recently I finished Norwegian Wood and it was absolutely amazing and so engaging! Will read it for sure again and again.

[@Notethos]

I'm new here and I want to say how beautiful your voice is! As a former English major in undergrad I've wanted to find a youtuber or Podcaster who reviews books but in a casual, non-academic way. I'm instantly subscribing, I'm interested by this video and a preview of other videos

[@shrutisurachita5418]

I so needed this, thanks!

[@christy-anne-jones]

😊💛

[@timaxavier]

I was looking for Japanese literature, and your video came at the right time.The two books I've read so far are No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai and Kokoro by Natsume Sōseki. Both are very harrowing and introspective works that I found fascinating to read and dive deep into. No Longer Human is especially bleak and depressing and one of the most devastating books I've ever read. I've gotten to know each book you mentioned from your other videos, but it is rather convenient to have a whole video about them. I really love watching your videos! I hope you're doing well. 🤍

[@rickylucis9528]

ive read it in the past but still have not finished it, the no longer human but i think i know how it will end, hope i could pick it up again soon have you read his other work like the setting sun ?

[@timaxavier]

@@rickylucis9528 Hello! I have not read Setting Sun yet, but I have it on my shelf. I have Schoolgirl as well. Ah, and understandably, No Longer Human can be quite difficult to finish since it is so depressing.

[@NiHiKata]

Cool! I was looking for this type of content. Great video :D

[@dreyspringle516]

Hi Christy! I would recommend Yoko Ogawa! My personal favs by her are Revenge, The Memory Police and The House Keeper and the Professor. She is amazing! ❤️.

[@livslibrary]

I love Japanese literature! Thank you so much for these recommendations! 🥰

[@satopin7770]

When you mentioned the Shinjuku Kinokuniya above Nitori I was so happy! one of my fav bookstores ever! ❤

[@sarahmcdonnell1755]

I'm currently reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold and I love it so much, its so different to what I usually read more contemplative and less extreme plot and I'm so interested to dive more into Japanese Literature.

[@oguejioforpeterchinonso6962]

I always love watching your video

[@rwhite778]

Such a good list! My favourite Japanese authors are Sayaka Murata and Yoko Ogawa. With Yoko Ogawa it always make me sad when I look at her wikipedia page and see how many works she has in Japanese compared to how few have been translated into English. I love works in translation and hope publishers continue to take chances on Japanese works for the English market.

[@JS-ms5uv]

Oddly enough, I was just about to finish reading Strange Weather in Tokyo when this video came up! Yes, I am liking it a lot!

[@sariagni8315]

I already read the convenience store woman too! And I really enjoy the story. The story have an unique point of view toward life, career, and relationship. Thankyou for making this review❤

[@imonlylaurie]

Most of the books you mentioned here I have read are some of my absolute favorites as well. Because you love these books I have a few recommendations for you! (not necessarily Japanese authors but books with the same 'vibes') - Did you know there is a sequel to Before the Coffee Gets Cold? It's Called 'Tales from the Cafe' and it is just as good as the first one. It tells 4 new stories about the café's visitors. - The Phone Box at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina is a stunning novel inspired by a true story. It really pulls at your heartstrings. I believe the author is Italian but she has lived in Japan with her Japanese husband for the last 2 decades. - The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida by Clarissa Goenawan (an Indonesian-born Singaporean writer). It's described as a Murakami novel without the male gaze. - Of course, I also want to recommend other books by Banana Yoshimoto especially Kitchen and Asleep but you've probably read those already. (Before watching your video I hadn't heard about Moshi Moshi so that's going on my to-buy list, thank you) Have you read No Longer Human By Osamu Dazai? I've been eyeing this particular book for a while but I wonder if it's worth it? I'm currently reading Territory of Light by Yuko Tsushima who apparently is his daughter.

[@mrlately]

This is right up my alley

[@hilalahmed2335]

I am currently in the middle of the forest of wool and steel and was also wondering why no one was talking about it, it’s such a lovely book. Part of me wants to keep it to myself but simultaneously want everyone to love it

[@keys2stone1984]

I'm obsessed with your recommendation for asian literature...I'm exploring more rec from translated books. Thanks I'll definitely add these to my TBR. 😘🇵🇭 LOVE . After this ...I immediately subscribe!

[@tamashiinohako1615]

Omg The Kinokuniya Book store you mentioned near Shinjuku Station is one of my most favourite places in Tokyo. One of the only book stores that sells English books.

[@tagonminmyat7302]

After reading "What I talk about when I talk about running" by Haruki Murakami, I've been interested in Japanese literature! I have read 5 books from Japanese authors. I highly recommend Kazuo Ishiguro's books too, especially "An Artist of the floating world". Glad to see another person talking passionately about Japanese literature!!

[@MsDidi38]

An artist of the floating world is next on my to read list. I love Ishiguro. Can't get into Murakami, he doesn't write great women in my opinion.

[@valeriavega6610]

Love this. 💙

[@meryemabbaoui1870]

I'm really glad that i bumped into your video, and i was genuinely happy that i guessed right the author who traumatized you most, moreover the way you were talking about Haruki Murakami shows really how much you are fond of him, a thing in common between the two of us, you were really wholesome i loved the video and thank you alot 🖤

[@freefall54]

Please please you have to do more book recommendations (on all genres)

[@adithonger7838]

I hv bn looking forward for more of Japanese novels. So far I hv read Norwegian woods, kafka on the shore, before the coffee gets cold n the professor and the housekeeper..thank you for the recommendations.

[@drlopez6755]

This is so incredible

[@tonydeluna8095]

Hi Christy, I'm sorry if I'm late , I had a very long trip with the family to get to my parents. But I'm here now, have a wonderful week

[@yoshitaarora4240]

Aaaaah, love this video so so much, have added all of these in my TBR. New Subscriber here. PS - your book interests resonate with mine. Super glad to have found this channel

[@AkaHeiwa]

Very interesting video! I love to hear more about Japanese literature. I have to say I really don't understand why so many people seem to like Strange Weather in Tokyo however haha. I'm not sure of how the translation went (maybe some things felt different) but I found the original quite disturbingly problematic rather than wholesome. Spoilers ahead: the first part was lovely I'll admit - the nature, the little outings, the friendship - but when they started their romantic relationship, it all went wrong for me. There was also no character development especially for Tsukiko. "Sensei" kept treating Tsukiko like a child, which was very disturbing (especially considering that he used to be her teacher, and that he is 40 years older than her - she's in her 30s). Also he told her that she was a "good girl" (literal translation) after she let him touch her breasts? Like patting her on the head all the time? Their relationship seemed to be 100% cemented in drinking, furthermore, so I didn't see the "wholesome" aspect of the story - which felt more like two very depressed people, probably having a problem with alcohol and not resolving anything by being together. But sorry I'm ranting, I just really disliked the book lol. I love Convenience Store Woman however! The narrator's perspective was so interesting, broadening my perception of the world, that was a very unique read! Thank you for your recommendations, I'm interested in several of them. If I may share my favorites, I definitely recommend the famous Breats and Eggs by Kawakami Mieko and The Goddess Chronicle by Kirino Natsuo, they are brilliant! Where The Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda is also really wonderful. Thank you very much for all the content you create, it's super inspiring!! :)

[@J.S.3259]

Kobo Abe is truly among the greats, both as a novelist and screenwriter. Apparently the first major Japanese author to use a word processor as well. I highly recommend Diary of a Void, a new novel from Emi Wada

[@MissBerlinerin]

About Sweet Bean Paste: they made a movie and I think it is equally enjoyable and profound as the novel.

[@dianewalker9154]

Sweet Bean Paste was a wonderfully beautiful story.

[@Anne-ru3ho]

You should definitely check Natsume Soseki’s books I think you might enjoy his works ☀️🧡

[@arsalansaqib9438]

Thanks for editing out the spoiler. Great video.

[@momom1217]

素敵な動画ありがとう！　 From Japan 🇯🇵

[@jassdad5202]

Have you read any Mieko Kawakami. I've read Breast and Eggs and All the Lovers in the Night. Both excellent books

[@clarejean3309]

I’m reading my first ever Japanese literature book! It’s called, Tsunami girl by Kutsuwada Chie. I’ve read the first two pages and it’s really good! I do plan to read how do you live next!

[@juanfa98]

great recommendations! you should also read The House Keeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa

[@Belladonna_Q]

I've actually just been in theatre with my daughter on a spectacle very similar in feeling to the "Lonely castle...", but about young deaf girl that has to stay home alone one day on summer break, but in very polish setting. It's a shame that this book haven't been translated to my language - I'd love to read it.

[@ReadingNymph]

I want to try Lonely Castle in the Mirror

[@dianegrech473]

I've read Murakami and Kawakami and want to read all of these books. Japanese literature is so special and unique. Can you recommend books set in New Zealand please? I would love to read books set in New Zealand.

[@KristinKravesBooks]

I'm still broken from The Travelling Cat Chronicles. Such an amazing book though!

[@GM-vr4eb]

I don't think I'll ever forget Nana and Satoru.

[@zeema757]

I'd recommend Earthlings by sayaka murata- psych fiction And I started loving Japanese author after reading sayaka's book I'm trying to look for similar writings but so far failed hence the hunts on tube recommendation 😊

[@yococska]

私がちょうど読んでいた本や東京で好きな場所の話が聞けてとても嬉しいです。あなたの後ろでかわいい折り紙が踊っていましたね^ ^

[@lucasvieira3660]

"Sweet bean paste" was adapted as a movie, called "Sweet bean".

[@YourTrueShelf]

Lonely castle in the mirror was my favourite book of last year 💛 agree, the end was so amazing! Really enjoyed strange weather in Tokyo, but not so much convenience store woman. Before the coffee gets cold was so cool - I really want to read the sequel. I have sweet bean paste and the travelling cat chronicles on my tbr... Must get to those ones!

[@OddNiffer]

Cool video, but it would have been even better if you included the translators in your reviews! They're the ones that wrote the English you read. It was the authors' story and the translators' writing you enjoyed. Thanks!

[@Myrna.Minkoff]

I'll suggest Kawabata, Mishima, Dazai, Sōseki, Miyazawa if you are looking for classics or the idea of traditional Japanese writers 💜

[@viviandarkbloom8847]

first-rate list, to which i would add Mori Ogai and Akutagawa Ryunosuke.

[@sailorfan86]

Watched the Sakura Bean Paste movie. Didn’t know there was a book.

[@Dliz_empire]

Beautiful

[@akkaittou4106]

Great video and great recommendations for japanese literature but i would prefer the dark side of japanese literature Like im mostly into Osamu Dazai, Edogawa Ranpo, Masuji Ibuse, Yukio Mishima, Tanichiro Tanizaki, Shusako Endo, Kobe Abe or if im in a bright mood Yasunari Kawabata books... Thanks a lot for the video☘️♥️

[@Myrna.Minkoff]

Yesss! I was waiting for a comment like this. Dark side plus more traditional, less influenced by Occidental cultures. I would add Natsume Soseki and even Kenji Miyazawa ❤️

[@akkaittou4106]

@@Myrna.Minkoff yeah definitely i read japanese literature mostly because of its culture and sorry for not mentioning Natsume Soseki i totally forgot this legendary author...

[@philchazwill]

Have you read "Fifty Sounds" by Polly Barton and published by Fitzcarraldo Editions? If not, I highly recommend it. I think you would love it. There's a very good book tube review of it by 'Books and Bao' if you want to learn more about it.

[@littlebookish5287]

Where can I find the audiobook for the traveling cat chronicles?

[@paulinegorial6509]

Have you read The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa? It’s one of my favorites! I was absolutely crushed by The Traveling Cat Chronicles

[@spoilingnerd]

Love your content 💙 Please do comment some INDIAN LITERATURE as well.

[@tjf42193]

If you haven’t read or listen to the audio book called the cat the saves books. I forget the author name but it was my introduction to Japanese literature besides light novels and manga

[@bookwormsandco]

Hi! Any Japanese translated historical romance suggestions? Thank you!!!

[@nwokorochima3059]

Love it

[@harshi0.0]

Can you please tell me where can i get the Original novel "Grave of fireflies" in English?

[@desmondobi7766]

Nice one

[@philippayne2443]

Great list. I think I have read half on the list. No Japanese crime / detective novels on your list? I have read probably a dozen Japanese crime novels and they always get me in.

[@pudgethefish8633]

You guys should read confessions by kanae minato

[@jstyler2583]

I loved Convenience Store Woman too! I like how the protagonist wholeheartedly believes in the corporate propaganda about being a model employee when no one else (even her boss) does.

[@circleofleaves2676]

For someone (me) who had to euthanise their beautiful 22 yr old cat 7 weeks ago and is still distraught, would you recommend maybe holding off on attempting to read The Travelling Cat Chronicles for at least another year? You might also like The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide. It's set in Tokyo.

[@christy-anne-jones]

I am so so sorry for your loss 💛 The Travelling Cat Chronicles isn't sad in 'Marley and Me' sort of way. But if you are still heartbroken, I would recommend steering clear for a little while. It made me miss my childhood cat. Look after yourself 💛

[@oluwabukolaashaye4982]

Love japanese books

[@Nessie18896]

BRUH "TERRIFIED OF THE DESERT IN MONGOLIA" YES ME TOO BESTIE I AM NOT THE SAME

[@MsDidi38]

I am reading the last book right now. You have not included Kazuo Ishiguro. Is that because he writes in English? I love his books.

[@kathleenbrady9916]

Where can I buy your book in the UK? Thanks.

[@joehebert789]

Based on your description, it seems to me that perhaps the length of Convenience Store Woman is intentional and serves as an extension of the main character who may (assumption) have a short attention span. Just a guess as I haven't read it. That would be very clever if true.

[@circleofleaves2676]

Hi Joe. That's an interesting guess but nah, the main character doesn't have a short attention span.

[@joehebert789]

@@circleofleaves2676 Thanks for the clarification.

[@samisayagh764]

Where do listen to audiobooks? ❤

[@onajiteekure8363]

Well done

[@vojajin6686]

Where is ,,On the other side of the swing" by Shinichi Hoshi

[@HCRAYERT.]

9:52 How do you know you like the way Murakami writes if you read a translation?

[@bwee1207]

We have the same taste in Japanese books! 😍 I love Norwegian Wood, Before The Coffee Gets Cold, and I'm planning to read How Do You Live? and Convenience Store Woman 😊

[@samuelajigboye7094]

Love novel

[@yuyutown]

Just finished reading forest of wool and steel

[@christy-anne-jones]

Hope you enjoyed it! 💛

[@yuyutown]

@@christy-anne-jones loved it its my absolute favorite!