Do you love reading translated fiction? Have you already read French and Russian translated works and looking for more recommendations? If this is the case, then for your next adventure into the world of translated fiction, try out Japanese writers. Since the literature of Japan is extensive owing to its early origins in the 8th century. Although oral narrations and traditions began even before that. Post introduction of the written script, the first piece of literature, “Kojiki”, came into existence in the early 8th century. Legends, myths, and historical accounts of emperors formed the major chunk of the book.
Apart from this great piece, Japanese literature gave world’s first novel “The Tale Of Genji”. This romantic novel recounts the life of Hikaru Genji, the son of an ancient Japanese Emperor. But the literature of Japan is rich and not just limited to novels. We also see poetry such as Haiku emerging in the 17th century. Even today, the modern fiction of Japan is rich with works of authors such as Hiromi Kawakami, Kobō Abe, etc. With Japanese literature offering so much on the plate, first-time readers are bound to get baffled by the options. So, to make your life easier, we bring you a list of 5 best Japanese writers whose work you can pick for your first read!
1. Haruki Murakami
You are living under a rock if you aren’t acquainted with this Japanese writer yet. For he today stands to represent the entire corpus of Japanese literature. In fact, his works have a widespread readership and massive popularity among the younger generations. Especially, his novel “Norwegian Wood” which deals with Toru as he navigates romantic relationships, loneliness, and college life. But this is not to say, that his other works are any less liked. “Kafka on Shore”, “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle”, “1Q84”, etc. are well appreciated for their literary brilliance. But more than his works, his writing style fascinates the readers. Filled with a dream-like quality, his works are at best known to be surrealistic. Especially as he incorporates talking cats, a girl who sleeps for years, etc.
Apart from this, his works are open-ended and ambiguous, leaving ample space for readers to interpret. While some readers enjoy this aspect of his works, others tend to get frustrated. Nonetheless, the intricate blending of music in his novels makes up for it. From classical to jazz, his novels incorporate popular songs which help set the atmosphere and enhance the reading experience. But what resonates the most with his readers are the themes of alienation, loss, and loneliness for these are common problems of the fast-paced world. Everyone feels the tug of a lonely heart at night, once in a while, and if you have lately experienced it, then Murakami’s works might just be your cure.
2. Yōko Ogawa
Winner of all major Japanese literary awards, this author’s acclaims speak for her works. Till date, she has published more than 50 works of fiction as well as non-fiction. Unfortunately, only a few of her works recieved translation into English. Yet those works show her genius as they range across dystopian, horror, and family drama genres. A common binding element of all her works is the exploration of the role of memory. Be it her latest release, “The Memory Police” where government surveillance ensures erasure of the memory, or “The Housekeeper and the Professor” where a math genius can’t retain information for more than 80 minutes, memory is at the center of these works.
Apart from it, humanity with all its form finds an expression in her works. Where “Revenge”, “Hotel Iris”, etc. reflect human cruelty and violence, “The Housekeeper and the Professor” dives deep into friendships, family, etc. Each of these works are psychological with either focus on desires which lead people to commit violent acts or inner emotions of characters as they connect with others. If you love reading about the human psyche, then she should be your go-to author amongst all other Japanese writers listed here!
3. Sayaka Murata
Next author joining our list of best Japanese writers, is a rising female author in Japan. Winner of several awards, her writing aims to challenge societal norms and conventions. Most of the characters in her works do not conform to the societal rules for marriage, parenthood, sexuality, or gender. Particularly, she doesn’t shy away from exploring sexuality in her works. Asexuality and celibacy, two nonconformist views of sexuality are heavily discussed in her novels. So much so, that even her parents refuse to read her books.
Nevertheless, readers cherish her works for her unique style and unconventional themes. Be it “Convenience Store Woman” or “Earthlings”, all her works have received praises worldwide along with several awards. In fact, “Convenience Store Woman” became so popular that it sold over 1.5 million copies in Japan. So, if you are looking to give her a go, pick this novel up and give it a try!
4. Mieko Kawakami
This author entered the literary world with a motto to “stir things up” and that’s exactly what she did. From her best-selling novel “The Breasts and Eggs” to Murasaki Shikibu award winner “Heaven”, all challenge society’s oppressive forces and the resulting human misery. In “The Breast and Eggs”, she explores women’s sexuality and critiques misogyny as well as body politics. What’s interesting is how gender intersects with class in the novel as the oppressed women belong to the working class.
Similarly, her work “Heaven” deals with bullying and the effects of parental indifferences on children. Along with this, comes deeper dive into questions of ethics and morality as well. Her style of writing is poetic and lyrical. In fact, she uses the Osaka dialect in her works which renders the English translation a distinctive quality. As she always states, she just wants to focus on showing individual experiences. And she stays true to her words, for she paints a realistic picture of individuals and society. Still not convinced you to pick her works? Then, Haruki Murakami’s recognition of her as a writer should give you a good reason to give her a try!
5. Banana Yoshimoto
Craze for her work spread like wildfire after her debut novel Kitchen’s publication in 1988. The novel follows Mikage Sakurai as she deals with the loss of her grandmother. It also records her journey of grieving and healing. In fact, her other works also follow this formula. While in “The Lake”, a daughter grieves for her dead mother, in “Moshi Moshi” father’s death by suicide gets too much to cope for his daughter and mother.
She claimed her works revolve around how “terrible experiences shape a person’s life”. This is why her novels touch upon existentialist themes and finding new meaning in life after a tragedy strikes. Moreover, the first-person narration allows characters to reflect on their emotions and inner feelings while going through everyday life. As a result, her writing is more character-driven than plot. But her works end on a positive note with characters embracing life. For this reason alone, she is rightly called a “Healing-Kei” writer for her works bring a lot of love, positivity, and warmth. So, soothe your burning aches by reading her works.
Have you read and liked any of these Japanese writers? Comment down below to let us know!
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