World-Famous Books from Japanese Authors

From classic tales of love and loss to fantastical adventures, discover stories that have enthralled readers worldwide and broadened our understanding of Japanese culture.

1

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

Considered the world's first novel, this epic explores courtly life, love affairs, and the fleeting nature of beauty in Heian period Japan.

2

Kokoro (Heart) by Natsume Sōseki

A complex tale of friendship, mentorship, and the struggles of identity between a young man and his enigmatic tutor.

3

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata

A Nobel Prize-winning novel exploring themes of isolation, lost love, and the fleeting beauty of a snowy landscape.

4

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

A coming-of-age story that delves into memory, loss, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of 1960s Japan.

5

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

A magical realist masterpiece weaving together the stories of a teenage runaway and an aging man with a telepathic connection to cats.

6

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

A haunting and mysterious story set in a parallel world, exploring themes of identity, isolation, and the search for meaning.

7

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

A darkly humorous yet poignant novel challenging societal expectations as a woman finds comfort and purpose in her routine convenience store job.