Introduce yourself, at your option

[Bill]

I'll look at my physical to-read shelf when I get home, and list some books in Buddy Reads to see if anyone is interested. If we can get a couple of people to agree on something and schedule it, maybe others will jump on board!

[Sparrow Knight]

Hi, I’m new new here. I live in New Mexico, USA, and have just started dipping my toe into J-lit with Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, which I have been enjoying very much. I tried Murakami decades ago and bounced off, but now I think I have enough life experience to understand his writing a bit better. I have Snow Country waiting on my shelf for my next read. I’m a pretty slow reader, and I find these books reward more contemplative reading.

In English I tend towards SFF, and cozy reads, so I think I would be particularly interested in how those genres are rendered in Japanese writing. I have Days at the Morisaki Bookshop on order.

I look forward to learning more about J-lit.

[Bill]

Welcome, Sparrow!

There's a lot more SFF in light novels and manga than in what this group tends to read, but there has been a bit here. Some of us (well, not me) liked "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," for example.

[Sparrow Knight]

Bill wrote: "Welcome, Sparrow!

There's a lot more SFF in light novels and manga than in what this group tends to read, but there has been a bit here. Some of us (well, not me) liked "Before the Coffee Gets Col..."

Hi Bill!
I’m not really into manga, and tend towards a more literary type of SFF (think Le Guin and Liu), so i’ll check out the Coffee. Thanks!

[Alison]

I did a podcast episode on Japanese SF in translation. This is the booklist that went along with it, if it helps. Nothing here is a light novel or manga.

https://readjapaneseliterature.com/20...

[Sparrow Knight]

Alison wrote: "I did a podcast episode on Japanese SF in translation. This is the booklist that went along with it, if it helps. Nothing here is a light novel or manga.

https://readjapaneseliterature.com/20......"

Oh goody! I was hoping someone could point me towards some good ones. I’ll give the list a look, and undoubtedly bookmark it! :-D

[Pria]

Hi I’m Pria,

I came across this group a while ago, but I’m finally making the time to be more active in here!

I mostly read translated literature and j-lit happens to be my favorite so far. The book that got me started was titled Slow Boat by Hideo Furukawa.

I’m really open to reading whatever calls out to me and I love reading everyone’s recommendations. I look forward to participating in this month’s book club and connecting with you all.

See you around :)

[Bill]

Welcome, Pria!

[Sparrow Knight]

Pria wrote: "Hi I’m Pria,

I came across this group a while ago, but I’m finally making the time to be more active in here!

I mostly read translated literature and j-lit happens to be my favorite so far. The ..."
Welcome, Pria!
I’m new to J-lit, so looking forward to reading about your readings. :-)

[Mircah]

Hi - I’m a new member. My background is English lit, but now that I’m in my 50s, I realize how small a perspective on life you get when you only read Western culture.

I’ve now read a handful of Japanese books in translation and have really enjoyed them. Most recently read Convenience Store Woman. I took a course in East Asian studies that was an overview of Chinese-Japanese-Korean history. Just started learning Japanese (it’s a challenge!) Have watched some Japanese anime and movies with my family.

Looking forward to chatting with others.

[Marijn]

Hi I am new here!

I am from Belgium. I love (!) Kitchen from Yoshimoto, and ever since i discovered this book, I have been reading different Japanese authors. Whenever I have time!.. It is still challenging to make time to read, so I hope to be able to take part in next month bookclub. ;)

[Steph]

Hello All! I thought I would introduce myself. I am Steph and live in the north east of England. I had a long hiatus from reading for pleasure whilst doing my PhD, but now several years on from that I have fallen back in love with fiction.

I love dystopian novels which led me to Yoko Ogawa's The Memory Police. It is a novel that I love and means so much to me as it was the first novel I read after my Dad passed away and even now a couple of years on, and many more books read, it is the book I wish I could recommend to him. He would have loved it.

From there I have read a lot of Ogawa, Murata, Tsumura and Kawakami. All of which I have loved and have lots of other Japanese authors on my TBR list. So hoping to join in some group reads.

[Bill]

Welcome, Steph!

Dystopian we've got in spades. People are always commenting on what a downer Japanese literature is.

[Steph]

I am definitely in the right place then! Thanks for the welcome, Bill!

[Judy]

Hello all! I'm Judy, in California. I'm a retired statistician. I first became interested in Japan in the 1990's when I started traveling there frequently for business. I went many times per year for many years, so I estimate I've been there about 50 times. I made many good friends there and had the opportunity to visit lots of beautiful places when not in meetings. I even studied the Japanese language for several years. Studying the language really helped me gain more insight into the culture (as did very long train rides with my Japanese colleagues and lots of beer and edamame).

[Jack]

Welcome Judy, I am looking forward to your insights and comments. -Jack

[Sheryl]

Hi, I'm Sheryl. In May 2023, on a spontaneous whim, I booked a month-long trip to Japan, and since then, I've become utterly captivated, I returned in September for an additional six weeks. My trip preparations initially involved diving into contemporary literature, but I've since developed a fascination with the prehistoric period and Shinto, all while continuing to indulge in fiction. The idea of delving into The Tale of Genji is intriguing, although it seems a bit daunting. By the way, I am retired and currently reside in NYC, and acquiring a taste for Sake.

[Jack]

Welcome Sheryl,
I was thinking of reading the The Tale of Genji as translated by Royall Tyler or The Tale of Genji as translated by Edward G. Seidensticker later this year, maybe starting in March. I can post a question to the “Buddy Reads” thread to see if there are others that may want to join in to read or reread as part of a buddy thread. What do you think?

[Sheryl]

Jack wrote: "Welcome Sheryl,
I was thinking of reading the The Tale of Genji as translated by Royall Tyler or The Tale of Genji as translated by Edward G. Seidensticker later this year, ..."

Do you think we have to read the same version or might it be interesting if we read different translations?

[Bill]

We read Genji together a couple of years ago, with different translations. I read Seidensticker's because it was what I had on hand. But G G Rowley convinced me I really should be reading Tyler's. I bought a copy of Tyler's, but haven't read it yet. So I'd be up for another reading.

You could start with The World of the Shining Prince , and if that makes sense to you, then you're ready for Genji.

[Sheryl]

Bill wrote: "We read Genji together a couple of years ago, with different translations. I read Seidensticker's because it was what I had on hand. But G G Rowley convinced me I really should be reading Tyler's. ..."

I started reading the Shinning Prince --- it will take a will to finish, even if I don't get side tracked..

[Gie]

Hi, I am Gie and I'm from Hong Kong.

I grew up watching Japanese Anime and I am currently learning Japanese(beginner level).

I have always wanted to be able to read novels written in Japanese.

I am currently reading before the coffee gets cold.

よろしくお願い致します！

[Sheryl]

Cafe Funiculi Funicula, is the film version of Before the Coffee Gets Cold . and is quite faithful to the book

https://youtu.be/kqV4TJ7rkbw?si=PqEgd...

[Chashmish]

Hey!!
I'm Dee and I'm from UK.

I actually got into reading about 2-3 years ago, and 2 years ago I started to explore translated fiction, Japanese being one. I picked up Manga too (to be honest, I genuinely had no idea what Manga was before that - so it was a pleasant surprise!) I really enjoyed a couple of volumes of Sakamoto Days, Happy Kananko's Killer Life, and Sweat & Soap

At first I picked up books like The Convenience Store Woman and Diary of a Void, then news broke that there was going to be a Bollywood/Hindi adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X so naturally I gravitated towards that read and prayed I'd enjoy it. Quite frankly it left my jaw hanging on the ground and a void deep somewhere in my insides. That book wiggled it's way into my heart and mind, and is a forever tenant. I quickly followed it up with Salvation of a Saint and I enjoyed it too! I don't think I've read a book that has flawed me like Suspect X did since, I think a part of me will be ever searching for something similar. (I'm really looking forward to Invisible Helix) - Also side note, I wasn't a fan of the Bollywood adaptation, Ishigami's character was the best though, but overall, they messed it up. I read Suspect X again last year and I don't know how this is possible, but I loved it more than I did the first time around.

I recently read Sweet Bean Paste, which was a good read, also have Bullet Train and Before The Coffee Gets Cold and enjoyed them too. Currently, I'm reading Newcomer by Keigo Higashino - so far so good, better than Malice.

Anyway, that's enough about me and my one true love lol.

Hope you're all well and have a wonderful 2024!

[Justin •••]

Sometime around 2019 a booktube channel I followed mentioned Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 1945, and after that one I read several other authors, in particular enjoying almost all the stuff by Yuko Tsushima that's been translated into English. And things have just sort of continued from there.

[Laura]

Hello :) I’m Laura and I live in London. I’ve always been interested in Japanese culture and read a lot of manga when I was younger. A couple of years ago I read Sayaka Murata and Mieko Kawakami and I was hooked! Another early novel I read was Tokyo Express by Seichō Matsumoto and I just absolutely loved how minimal and gripping it managed to be. Since then I’ve been working my way through all the translations I can get my hands on and it’s mainly female authors that I enjoy most, especially Yūko Tsushima and Kōno Taeko. I’m going through a phase of really cosy novels and just finished What You Are Looking For Is In The Library, I don’t think I’ve smiled so much at a book in a long time! I’ve started learning Japanese and hope to be able to read a novel in the original one day.

[Jack]

Laura wrote: "Hello :) I’m Laura and I live in London. I’ve always been interested in Japanese culture and read a lot of manga when I was younger. A couple of years ago I read Sayaka Murata and Mieko Kawakami an..."

Welcome Laura! You are sure to find some like-minded literary interests in the group.
Our February Book is the recent translation of Places by Setouchi Jakucho (aka Setouchi Harumi).
and there are several women authors in the March poll for the March book group read. Join in and vote for what you would most like for the group read.
We also have buddy reads where a smaller group might be interested in a book, author or subject area. You can check what's up there by going to the forum thread "Buddy reads".
regards, Jack

[Laura]

Hi Jack! I’ll be sure to vote in the reading group, there’s many books on that list I’d like to read. The smaller buddy groups sound nice, I’ll see if any take my fancy. Places is on my to buy/read list, perhaps I’ll pick that up next.

[Cassandra]

Hi, I am glad I found this group! I have begun to get into Japanese literature and can't wait to read more raw Japanese books and ones with official English translations. I have just published my first book review for the first Japanese book I have ever read. Let me know what you think. If you end up following my blog I would be very grateful. I am trying to grow my readership. TK Yureru (ゆれる) Japanese Book Review: https://thehugeanifan.wordpress.com/2...

[Christopher]

Hello.
I joined this group a few weeks ago and it is a real pleasure to be here. The first books I read by a Japanese author were by Yukio Mishima, that must have been about 1982-1984, so long ago I can’t remember what books I read! I found his books at the local library, read most of them and continued to borrow and read novels on the same book shelf by other Japanese authors, such as by Shūsaku Endō, and got hooked. Lucky me; one of his later works, Deep River, remains my favorite book. Another memory is the thrill of buying A Wild Sheep Chase in hardback from a bookshop, maybe Waterstones, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, maybe early 1990s. Also, reading Kitchen for the first time; what a revelation! I watched the movie “Out” last weekend and disappointed with the interpretation, will no doubt be reading Kirino’s novel again to set myself straight.
I look forward to reading all your posts and will try to make my own from time to time...but not as long as this.

[El]

Hello!! My name is El and i’m new to goodreads but not new to japanese literature, my introduction to japanese literature was I Am A Cat, and my next up book is heaven by mieko kawakami! i really enjoy Japanese literature because i feel like japanese authors convey meaning much better than a lot of western authors. the prose is just so beautiful. anyways, give me some recommendations! i like classic Japanese literature as well as modern.

[Jack]

Cassandra wrote: "Hi, I am glad I found this group! I have begun to get into Japanese literature and can't wait to read more raw Japanese books and ones with official English translations. I have just published my f..."

Cassandra, Thanks for post and introduction to the group. We have a monthly vote for a group read, often one or more "Buddy reads", and keep a list of soon to be published translations. There is a larger range of subscribers with a range of interests.

[Jack]

Christopher wrote: "Hello.
I joined this group a few weeks ago and it is a real pleasure to be here. The first books I read by a Japanese author were by Yukio Mishima, that must have been about 1982-1984, so long ago ..."

Christopher, Welcome to our group. Don't forget to submit your top single wish to be the group read for the month. This is a consensus vote for that.

Also, the forums go back Years with some book read several times with comment threads on the books and authors. It is a great resource.

[Jack]

Welcome El!
Please share your book impressions and comments with the group.
I am interested in your reflect on Ms. Kawakami's Heaven.
I have read it recently.

I also really enjoy classic Japanese literature. Most recently I read both translations of Lady Nijo's Diary (well this is not classic) with friends in the Japan Society of Boston. Next up is to reread Morris' translation of Lady Sarashina's diary.

[Christopher]

Jack wrote: "Christopher wrote: "Hello.
I joined this group a few weeks ago and it is a real pleasure to be here. The first books I read by a Japanese author were by Yukio Mishima, that must have been about 198..."

Hello Jack, thank you for your kind advice. It's great to have such a wealth of information just a few taps of the keyboard away!

[Yourlocal_nychotdog]

Hello my name is Elias and I am fairly new to Goodreads but I have been reading for most of my life. My introduction to Japanese literature was Osamu Dazai’s The Setting Sun and since then I have fallen in love with the way many Japanese authors view the world. My favorite Japanese author is Mieko Kawakami and I have read Heaven which is an amazing book. Currently I am reading Breast and Eggs, and so far it is an amazing book. I joined this group to get more book recommendations and to meet people who talk about books!

[Bill]

Excellent timing! We're reading The Setting Sun in April, and Breasts and Eggs in May.

[Jack]

For those that introduced themselves and are interested in anime and manga...
the spring season shows start on Mar 30, 2024 with the airing of One Room (Hi Atari Futsuu, Tenshi Tsuki - Studio Okuruto Noboru) from the manga of the same name. I think Yen Press is the English language publisher.

[Amie ☆]

Hi everyone, I'm Amie from Scotland! I've been a reader for forever but have only recently gotten into Japanese literature. The first book I read was Mieko Kawakamis' 'All the Lovers in the Night', and it's safe to say I fell in love aha! I've been exploring her works since, and some of Banana Yoshimoto and Yukio Mishima's books as well. J-Lit has probably been my introduction to the wider genre of literary fiction, as I was pretty much a single-focused romance reader before! I'm currently reading Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto, and I can't wait to join in on group discussions, and get more recommendations :)

[Laura ✯]

Hello! My name is Laura, I’m from Bogotá, D.C., Colombia and I like to read Japanese novels. It’s not essy to find that kind of lit because it’s expensive or there aren’t translate books (sorry, my English level it’s very bad and I don’t have an enough vocabulary to read in English). The books always arrive at the first time in Spain, Mexico, Argentina or Chile because the people of those countries have more reading culture.

[Valee]

Hello, my name is Valeria. I have recently finished Satoshi Yagisawa's books and have fallen in love with them. I would like to continue exploring Japanese authors but I don't know where it would be good to start. Would you have any recommendations?
I'm excited to continue experiencing this amazing culture and literature!

[Bill]

Welcome, Valeria!

We've got a thread just for those recommendations: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Valee]

Bill wrote: "Welcome, Valeria!

We've got a thread just for those recommendations: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..."

Thank you Bill ! I will take a look. Hopefully I can find my next read :)

[Jenny]

Hi all, I‘m Jenny from Germany. I am currently doing my PhD in Japanese Studies (unfortunately not literature related though) and am aspiring to be a translator for Japanese-German. I am very interested in contemporary Japanese literature, so whenever I go to Japan, I come home with a ton of recent releases - I cannot get rid of my love for physical books :) Right now I have no particular favorite author but like to read around a lot. Happy to be here! :)

[Alex]

Hi, I'm Alex, I got into Japanese literature a few years ago after a lifetime of Japan just slam dunking its cultural products into the critical center of western markets and attention for whatever kind of media I was into as I was into it (comics and cartoons as a kid, video games my whole life, cinema and literature as I got older). I learned Japanese because I was so intrigued about the translation choices in Snow Country. Now I'm on the hunt for good untranslated reads for immersion plus whatever other recommendations come up!

[Ari]

Hi, I'm Ari Chase-Ramos. I am a writer of femdom erotica (available on Amazon and Substack.
https://arichaseramos.substack.com/

I really like Japan's ero-guro and horror aesthetic (on screen and in print), and I'm trying to take elements of it for my works.

Norwegian Wood was probably my first Japanese novel I read, and I followed that with Kafka on the Shore.

But now I'm reading ero-guro, horror, and mystery. Edogawa Ranpo was the first I read. The Black Lizard and Beast in the Shadows got me into it. The supposed criminal was a dominatrix figure. I always thought she was the hero! Then I read some of his disturbingly intriguing short stories like "The Human Chair" and "Caterpillar."

Currently I'm reading Naomi by Junichiro Tanizaki. Other books I have enjoyed include Audition by Ryu Murakami, Tokyo Decadence by Murakami, and Goth by Otsuichi.

[D.n. ✨]

Hi, I recently joined this group as I am being drawn to Japanese literature and would like to find good recommendations so that I can explore thoroughly. I am right reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki.

[Jack]

D.n. ✨ wrote: "Hi, I recently joined this group as I am being drawn to Japanese literature and would like to find good recommendations so that I can explore thoroughly. I am right reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki."

D.n., Welcome to the Japanese Literature GR group.
Butter was our group read recently in July 2024. Please add your thoughts on the novel to the topic for it under the Book Club folder.

The folders and topics are kept open so that group members can use them for reference and add their comments to the topic.

r/Jack

[Emily]

Hello everyone! I'm Emily and I'm an American teenager. I started reading Japanese literature earlier this year and I really enjoy them. I love learning about Japanese history and culture and would love to visit one day!

[Jack]

Moonbeam wrote: "Hi! I'm Consuelo Marquez. I started reading Japanese literature because of Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood. Although, I would say I've read manga before Murakami but I'd rather introduce myself by..."

Welcome Consuela,
Norwegian Woods is my favorite Haruki Murakami work.
The forum also has a manga folder.
please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments for forum readers.
thanks for your interest,
Jack, co-mod