There are a lot of novels hitting the shelves from Japan and neighbouring countries recently and we’ve fallen in love with the easy, straightforward way in which these books are written. Often, they have simple themes that are executed to perfection, surrounding you in the culture while transporting you to each scene of every chapter.
Some American and English books are trying to emulate the style of these, with books such as the Cinnamon Bun Bookshop and Cherry Tree Lane Café but although these are comforting reads on a stormy day, they don’t hold the same intrigue and wonder as the originals.
Many of the Japanese novels omit any form of love story, or, if it’s included, it’s usually the side characters falling in love. The books focus more on learning through maturity, the psychology of people, the relationships between friends, the expectations from parents. Many also sprinkle in a little magic, just a touch, to take you to a world you never want to leave.
Here is a summary of three Japanese novels that are set to become modern classics. We promise you will devour each one and become a adoring fan of this genre from now on.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This started out as one short novel with four chapters, each chapter focusing on a different relationship. In the first book we see a husband and wife, a mother and son, two lovers and two sisters.
They all visit the café with one goal in mind. To go back in time to talk to their lost loved one for the very last time. There are rules however and an agreement must be in place before they take the trip. I won’t spoil the books, you can find out the rules by reading these charming novels, but one of the rules is they can’t leave their seat until the exchange is done.
Throughout the books you don’t only gain a peak into the lives of these duos, why they feel they have to say something to those that have passed away, you also come to know the café owners and staff and follow them on their journey every day.
These are magical books with deep morals, they really make you stop and think. On completion you will appreciate those you love a little more and be eager to dive into the next in the series.
What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
This charming, life affirming, beautiful novel centres around a male protagonist who is lost in life. He’s socially awkward, spends his days gaming alone and has no future purpose. He hears of the folklore of the library. If you go there and see the lady who felts, she will recommend a book that will change your life.
This follows four people as they receive their book recommendations that may seem obscure at first. It’s clever and intricate and takes you on their paths of discovery as they start to understand the reasons behind the book choice.
To find out what happens to our male protagonist, you need to read the book.
Strangers by Taichi Yamada
This book is not for the feint hearted. It’s classed as a horror but that seems a little harsh. It begins as a book about loss, the aftermath, and how you treat people around you when you’re drawn to solipsistic tendencies following grief. It also explores holding onto the past and how this affects the future, but it does it in a magical, spellbinding, believable way.
It is disconcerting, as the twist at the end is shocking and it will leave an indelible mark on your brain. This is one book you will never forget, it’s up to you to decide whether that’s bad, or good!
Do you have any favourite Japanese authors? Please join us on social media and share your favourite Japanese novels.
