Books May 28, 2023
The curious case of Fuminori Nakamura's genre misalignment
Little do English-language readers know, the author of "The Rope Artist" and other critically acclaimed books writes on much more than crime.
Books Apr 6, 2023
'Mister Timeless Blyth' traces the indelible influences of Zen and poetry
Alan Spence's new novel, which was nearly 10 years in the making, follows the life of R.H. Blyth, a British scholar who helped bring Japanese poetry to the West.
Books Jan 28, 2023
Translations and books about Japan for your 2023 reading list
From Osamu Dazai to Yu Miri, the year ahead promises of trove of books about Japan and newly translated literature.
Books / Reviews Nov 20, 2022
'The Samurai Castle Master': Long-maligned samurai gets overdue redemption
Chris Glenn’s new book on Todo Takatora portrays him as an intelligent and honest warrior worthy of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s trust, rather than the disloyal man his enemies made him out to be.
Books Oct 15, 2022
Kaoru Takamura's thrilling whydunit saga comes to a close
English readers can finally solve the puzzle of the author's magnum opus with the release of 'Lady Joker: Volume Two," compellingly translated by Marie Iida and Allison Markin Powell.
Books Jul 21, 2022
Independent publisher gives short stories their due with 'Storybook ND' series
New Directions spotlights short fiction with a new translated series featuring Yoko Tawada and Osamu Dazai.
Books Jul 10, 2022
The oddities and pleasures of a bygone Japan come to life in 'Kyoto Stories'
Author Steve Alpert mines his personal experiences in his novel about the escapades of a young American student in the old capital.
Books / Reviews Jun 2, 2022
Revisiting Jun'ichiro Tanizaki’s flawed families in 'Longing and Other Stories'
The centerpiece of "Longing and Other Stories" is "Sorrows of a Heretic," which can be viewed as a self-deprecating satire thanks to the narcissism of its protagonist.
Books / Reviews May 28, 2022
Trips to Kamusari bring diminishing returns
While the latest in the "Kamusari" series is full of information on folk culture, the story could use a slightly better narrator.
Books Feb 27, 2022
'Scattered All Over the Earth': Yoko Tawada's utopia rejects present-day conventions
The Japanese writer's latest release is a thoroughly modern novel that reflects the seismic changes technology and globalization have wrought on humanity.