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What we’re about

If you are interested in Japanese literature but do not know what Japanese books to read, this is the right place for you! We discuss Japanese books in English. We choose one of the translations of notable Japanese novels and discuss it each time.

We are online, so you can join wherever you are. You are always welcome! The host is from Japan to inform you about the culture, time settings, and backgrounds depicted in those books.

We are all friendly book lovers, both regular and new members, and the discussions are interesting and informative. The host maintains a comfortable atmosphere and ensures first-timers also feel welcomed and have time to speak up during the meetup.

We look forward to meeting you at the event!

Note:
To maintain a comfortable and safe environment for the group, please allow the organizer to examine the name, the profile photo, answers to the questions, and other member information before accepting the new membership request. (if you look anonymous, you are likely to be declined.)
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Here is the list of books we've discussed. Your recommendations are most welcome.

(Finished books)
In 2020

  • Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami
  • The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima
  • Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
  • Kokoro by Natsume Soseki
  • Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama

In 2021

  • The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
  • The Woman in the Dunes by Kobo Abe
  • The Makioka Sisters by Junichiro Tanizaki
  • Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami
  • No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
  • Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse
  • Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
  • A Personal Matter by Kenzaburo Oe
  • Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yu
  • The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima

In 2022

  • Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata
  • The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
  • Men Without Women (short stories) by Haruki Murakami
  • Territory of Light by Yuko Tsushima
  • Silence by Shusaku Endo
  • The Three-cornered World (Kusamakura) by Soseki Natsume
  • Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
  • Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
  • The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (chapter 1-13)

In 2023

  • Before Coffee Gets Cold #1 by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
  • All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
  • Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami
  • A Man by Keiichiro Hirano
  • Pachinko by Jin Min Lee
  • The Waiting Years by Fumiko Enchi