rhapsodysiscaa Posted July 29, 2016 Report Share Posted July 29, 2016 I'm interested in Japanese literature lately. I've been reading Murakami the whole time but now I want to explore more on other Japanese writers, in any era. Any suggestion for Japanese literature books/novels that are already translated to English? So far I know that Natsume Soseki and Akutagawa Ryuunosuke are well-known Japanese writers. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackcurrant Posted July 29, 2016 Report Share Posted July 29, 2016 (edited) There's tons of good stuff. If you're stuck for reading, you can't go wrong with these: Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse Thousand Cranes by Yasunari Kawubata Wild Geese by Ogai Mori A Dark Night's Passing by Naoya Shiga The Confessions of Lady Nijo (by Nijo) The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu Edited July 29, 2016 by Blackcurrant 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhapsodysiscaa Posted July 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2016 Thank youuu @Blackcurrent! OwO I think The Tale of Genji is classic, isn't it? Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackcurrant Posted July 29, 2016 Report Share Posted July 29, 2016 (edited) It's wonderful -- a contemporary account of early Japanese court life (11th C) and the art of seduction, from the hand of a lady-in-waiting. There are several translations, each giving a very different feel, and in some cases a very different interpretation.However, many prefer the more lyrical Waley translation, which takes some liberties but is a beautiful read. If you like your books, Everyman (Hbk) has nice creamy pages and binding. The translation is by Seidensticker, who is in some ways more accurate than Waley but less lyrical. Note: It's over a thousand pages and therefore has considerable heft -- roughly 2x Murakami's Wind Up Bird Happy reading! Edited July 29, 2016 by Blackcurrant Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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