‘Fun and slightly informative’

Shogun by James Clavell

One of my favourite books, this is a gripping epic set in late 16th century, feudal Japan (roughly during the ‘Warring Clans’ period, shortly before the battle of Sekigahara in 1600). It is loosely based on the true story of William Adams, a Scottish sailor washed up on the shores of Izu (just south of Edo/Tokyo), and gives a great account of the power dynamics between the Daimyos as they fight for power (and the shogunate), as well as the influence of the West in the form of Jesuit priests and other ‘stinking barbarians’. It’s also very funny and terribly sad. 

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

A good counterpoint to Shogun, perhaps. Pachinko is the story, across several generations, of a Korean family who move to live in Japan. The story is fascinating for the insight it gives into the cultural tensions between Japan and Korea through the 20th century, made vivid through depictions of the struggles faced by working class Koreans.

You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming

Bond is falling to pieces after the death of his wife at the hands of Ernst Stavro Blofeld. M is at a loss, so he sends him to Japan to complete an impossible mission.  

A Ride in the Neon Sun: a gaijin in Japan by Josie Dew

Classic travel writing from Josie Dew, who is (in)famous for her long bicycle rides across (to English eyes) exotic and untravelled places. This would be a good one to read before going to Japan. 

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‘Literary’

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata

A geisha, a man and a snowy village. Incredible. One I can’t wait to read again. 

Kokoro by Natsumi Soseki

A student meets an old man, and is drawn into the vortex of his life story. 

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima

[Currently in progress of reading]

Kusamakura by Natsumi Soseki

Inspired by Sir John Everett Millais’ painting Ophelia, Soseki takes us, through the eyes of a young painter and artist, into the mountains. 

PS Many, many thanks to my supervisor, Chris Clay, for recommending these, and so much more, over my 6 months.