Overview
The speaker reviews ten (technically eleven) Japanese novels translated into English, sharing personal reflections and highlights of each, with special mention of their Tokyo-themed memoir. The list covers a range of genres and themes, from realism and magical realism to meditative and speculative fiction.
Introduction and Channel Update
- Speaker introduces themselves and mentions the release of their illustrated Tokyo guide and memoir, "A Year in Tokyo."
- The memoir includes neighborhood guides, bookshop and museum recommendations, cultural stories, and personal experiences as an English teacher in Tokyo.
- The video will focus on book recommendations by Japanese authors translated into English.
Japanese Novel Recommendations
1. Moti Moshi by Banana Yoshimoto
- Set in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, follows a young woman and her mother dealing with grief after her father's death.
- Features realistic, contemporary storytelling with strong setting and imagery, especially of food and local culture.
2. Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
- Centers on a woman in her 40s forming an unconventional relationship with her former teacher.
- Appreciated for its slow-burn, sweet, and profound character development.
3. The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita
- Meditative, calming narrative about a young man aiming to become a piano tuner in Hokkaido.
- Noted for natural imagery and a focus on personal growth and interconnectedness.
4. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
- Short novel about Keiko, a non-neuro-normative woman working in a convenience store.
- Praised for unique character perspective and social commentary, but speaker wishes it had more depth.
5. Haruki Murakami (Norwegian Wood & The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle)
- Norwegian Wood: Coming-of-age set in 1960s Tokyo, exploring grief and love.
- The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: Magical realism, labyrinthine story involving surreal events and strong atmospheric writing.
- Speaker warns of triggering content in both books.
6. Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
- Story about a dorayaki seller and an elderly woman with a unique skill for making bean paste.
- Explores emotional themes and lesser-known historical contexts.
7. The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
- Road trip story narrated by a cat, focusing on companionship, memory, and emotional depth.
- Highly recommended, especially as an audiobook for its engaging narration.
8. The Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
- Portal fantasy involving middle schoolers escaping to a magical castle to fulfill wishes.
- Noted for its aesthetic, fairy tale references, and impactful ending with strong social commentary.
9. How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino
- Classic 1937 coming-of-age story intertwining a boy’s narrative and philosophical uncle’s letters.
- Calm, slow-paced, and highly influential (basis for a Studio Ghibli film).
10. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
- Time-travel story set in a Tokyo cafe with unique rules and interconnected short stories.
- Lighthearted yet poignant exploration of relationships and regret.
Additional Notes
- The speaker expresses deep appreciation for Japanese literature and encourages checking content warnings where relevant.
- Mentions gratitude to video sponsor Squarespace and to Patreon supporters.