Books matching: modern day japan
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- #1
Save:Red Winter by Annette Marie is a fantasy novel that delves into Japanese mythology, following the story of Emi, a girl training to become the kamigakari of Amaterasu. The plot unfolds as Emi discovers shocking truths about her role, leading her on a journey filled with danger, yokai encounters, and alliances with supernatural beings like kitsune and tengu. The writing style is described as rich in details, with engaging fight scenes that keep readers on the edge of their seats, blending elements of Asian mythology and fantasy seamlessly.
Behind her, the car she’d exited rumbled quietly, the humming of the engine the only sound in the still air. The dirt road wound up the gentle slope of the mountain, but the heavy blanket of colorful ... - #2
Save:"Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a tender and quiet story that follows Tsukiko, a lonely office worker in her thirties, who unexpectedly reconnects with her former high school teacher, Sensei, in a Tokyo bar. Despite their age difference and differences in personalities, the two form an unlikely companionship that slowly blossoms into a delicate and heartfelt romance. The book explores themes of loneliness, connection, and love through the lens of everyday interactions, food, and sake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere rooted in Japanese culture and societal norms. Kawakami's writing style is spare yet mesmerizing, drawing readers into the evolving relationship between Tsukiko and Sensei with subtle humor and poignant observations.
Sensei and I exchanged glances. Despite the fact that we came to this bar almost every other night, the owner had never once treated us like regulars or made a point of making friendly conversation. R... - #3
Save:'Parasyte 1' by Hitoshi Iwaaki is a sci-fi horror manga that follows the story of parasites invading Earth, replacing the heads of humans to feed on others. The protagonist, Shinichi, has his hand taken over by a parasite named Migi, leading to a unique partnership as they navigate a world filled with danger and moral dilemmas. The plot is a mix of body horror, tragedy, and speculative exploration of humanity, reminiscent of classics like 'The Thing'. The writing style is engaging, with engrossing dialogue and detailed artwork that draws readers in, providing a fresh and thrilling reading experience.
- #4
Save:'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a quirky and atmospheric novel that delves into the life of Keiko, a woman who has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. Keiko finds comfort and satisfaction in her job, despite societal pressures to conform and lead a more traditional life. The book explores themes of societal norms, individuality, and the struggle to fit in, all through the lens of Keiko's unique perspective. The writing style is described as fresh, simple, and emotionally charged, making it a quick and absorbing read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A convenience store is a world of sound. From the tinkle of the door chime to the voices of TV celebrities advertising new products over the in-store cable network, to the calls of the store workers, ... - #5
Save:Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami is a unique and captivating novel that follows an unnamed protagonist as he navigates a mysterious and supernatural world set in a 1980's east Asian metropolis. The book blends elements of murder mystery, spiritual quest, and the supernatural, all while exploring themes of human emotions, personal relationships, and the search for meaning in life. The writing style of Murakami is described as emotive, contemplative, lyrical, and thought-provoking, creating a narrative that is both surreal and relatable to readers.
The Dolphin Hotel is distorted, much too narrow. It seems more like a long, covered bridge. A bridge stretching endlessly through time. And there I am, in the middle of it. Someone else is there too, ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rat ) - #6
Save:The manga 'Absolute Boyfriend, Vol. 1' by Yuu Watase follows the story of Riiko, a teenage girl who is tired of being rejected by boys she likes. In a moment of desperation, she signs up for a free trial for a robotic boyfriend and receives Night, a perfect man who is dedicated to pleasing her. The book delves into themes of romance, humor, and fantasy, as Riiko navigates her feelings towards Night and her neighbor, Soshi. The writing style is light-hearted, easy to follow, and captures the relatable struggles of young adults in relationships.
- #7
Save:'1Q84' by Haruki Murakami is a contemporary novel that delves into an alternative reality with elements of magical realism. The book follows two main characters, Aomame and Tengo, who were in love during their school days and now find themselves in a mysterious and suspenseful situation as adults. The plot is intricate, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, romance, and suspense, all woven together with Murakami's signature writing style that is described as meticulous, detailed, and engaging. The narrative explores themes of fate, love, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, creating a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The taxi’s radio was tuned to a classical FM broadcast. Janáček’s Sinfonietta—probably not the ideal music to hear in a taxi caught in traffic. The middle-aged driver didn’t seem to be listening very ... - #8
Save:'A Tale for the Time Being' by Ruth Ozeki is a novel that intertwines the stories of two main characters, Nao, a teenage girl living in Japan, and Ruth, an author living on an island in Canada. The narrative alternates between Nao's diary entries and Ruth's experiences as she investigates the diary that washes ashore after the 2011 tsunami. The book delves into themes of time, quantum mechanics, Zen Buddhism, and the connection between the characters across different timelines and geographical locations.
The novel explores the impact of historical events, such as World War II and the 2011 tsunami, on the lives of the characters and how they navigate personal struggles like bullying, suicide, and family relationships. Through the intertwining narratives, 'A Tale for the Time Being' presents a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of existence, memory, and the interconnectedness of individuals across time and space.
Actually, not much has changed. I’m still sitting in this French maid café in Akiba Electricity Town, and Edith Pilaf is singing another sad chanson, and Babette just brought me a coffee and I’ve take... - #9
Save:Number9Dream by David Mitchell is a surreal and complex novel set in Japan, following the journey of the main character Eiji as he searches for his mysterious father. The story mixes elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes, portraying Eiji's encounters with obstacles such as the Yakuza and his transition from rural life to the bustling city of Tokyo. Mitchell's writing style is vivid and imaginative, incorporating dream sequences, interior dialogues, and various storytelling techniques to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
The narrative is filled with tangents and layers of storytelling, often leaving the reader questioning the nature of reality and the reliability of the narrator. Mitchell's exploration of Japanese culture, the search for identity, and the interplay between dreams and reality adds depth to the plot, creating a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience.
‘It is a simple matter. I know your name, and you knew mine, once upon a time: Eiji Miyake. Yes, that Eiji Miyake. We are both busy people, Ms Kato, so why not cut the small talk? I am in Tokyo to fin... - #10
Save:'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and fantastical tale that intertwines the stories of a 15-year-old boy named Kafka and an elderly man named Nakata. The narrative weaves between Kafka's journey of self-discovery and Nakata's mystical quest, incorporating elements of magical realism such as talking cats, fish raining from the sky, and encounters with enigmatic characters like Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. The book explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, all presented in Murakami's signature minimalist writing style that creates a haunting and compelling world for the characters to navigate.
The novel is a complex and layered narrative that delves into the characters' inner turmoil and existential questions, inviting readers to ponder deeper meanings and metaphors embedded within the text. Murakami's storytelling unfolds through multiple storylines that converge in mysterious ways, offering a blend of myth, imagery, and philosophy that keeps readers engaged and questioning the boundaries of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Cash isn't the only thing I take from my father's study when I leave home. I take a small, old gold lighter—I like the design and feel of it—and a folding knife with a really sharp blade. Made to skin...
