Job Discussion Forums

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

I was wondering if people have a favourite Japanese author/s the'd like to rcommend. I've read a couple by Eiji Yoshikawa (I prefer Taiko over Musashi) and a few by Hiraku(?) Murakami.
Anyone else I should look out for?

Mark-O · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:42 am Post subject:

I wholeheartedly recommend Mishima Yukio - his masterpiece is his tetralogy 'The Sea of Fertility'. However, the first book of the series 'Spring Snow' is a good appetizer and can be read in isolation if you're not keen on reading the whole 4-piece.

Oe Kenzaburo is quality too (he has won the Nobel Prize for Literature). 'A Personal Matter' has been recommended to me by several people. I can recommend 'Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids' and I'm half way through his latest book 'Somersault', which looks auspicious.

Murakami Haruki is the obvious choice - I thought 'The Wind-up Bird Chronicles' was a work of genius ... I enjoyed it more than 'Norwegian Wood'.

Lynn · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 696 Location: in between

Oh my favorite is Hoshi Shinichi. His stories are absolutely fascinating; almost like a Twilight Zone, but better. I've read, "tasukete" and some stories from "boko-chan". I would love to read more, but I need a little help reading the Japanese. It's definitely worth it. Enjoy and enter the Hoshi Shinichi zone! Cool

Dr.J · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 304 Location: usually Japan

i'm starting 'the silent cry' by oe kenzaburo. it's good, but not light reading. nor is murakami or mishima for that matter...

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

I'm familiar with Mishima though more his public profile and public seppuku and his intense personality is a little offputting.
I'll loook around for the others .
Thanks.

Mark-O · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 8:01 am Post subject:

If you're after a lighter read then I've heard Banana Yoshimoto is meant to be good, though I've not read any of her books myself.

I've been recommended to read Maruya Saiichi's work, but he's difficult to find here in the UK ('Grass for my pillow' looks amazing). If you're into the weird and wonderful then I'd recommend Abe Kobo (try 'Coin Locker Babies'), and similarly, Murakami Ryu.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Mark-O · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:27 am Post subject:

Yep, that's his most famous work - what do you think so far?

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

fell asleep after the first page.
mind you I was tired

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Reading Oe's 17 and J (these are in one volume). These two short novels provide insight into the spirit of the 1960s and youth culture in Japan.

Adam J · Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Posts: 11

If you want to read something truly epic, check out Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa:

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I've read most of Haruki Murukami's books, too, and can recommend all of them. The Wind Up Bird Chronicle is my favorite, followed by A Wild Sheep Chase and South of the Border West of the Sun.

Of all the books above the last two are the lightest reading, while the first two will take more focus.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

I like Chieko`s Sky (forgot the writer) and haiku by Basho.
Soseki I like too. He used to teach English. Remember that when you look at a 1000 yen note.