Do You Like Reading?

Do You Like Reading?

Do you read Japanese books? Do you have any favorite Japanese authors? When I ask young foreigners these questions, their answers are always "Murakami Haruki." I have read some of his books, but I didn't enjoy them at all. And, I know few people who like his books. A young librarian at the city library said that his books are not popular except two or three, and she doesn't like him. I don't understand why encyclopedias say he is popular among young people, or he is so highly esteemed among foreign people. Within Japan, it doesn't seem to be the case.

Besides Murakami, there are good authors and interesting books in Japan. In this essay I would like to recommend some of them to you. Most of them are popular and easy to read, but I'm not sure if you can find their books translated into English...I'd be very happy if you read and liked these authors.

1 Natsume Soseki (1867-1916)

He is one of the most famous authers in Japan, and his face was once printed on a 1000 yen bill. He wrote haiku (Japanese short poem) and some serious books but his early two books are written with humor. His style of telling stories is articulate.

* Bottyan A story of a young man who goes to Shikoku to teach at a school He is short-tempered, but honest and so he has been loved by the readers.

* I Am a Cat The story is told by a cat with no name , who watches the people around him.

2 Miyazawa Kenji (1896-1933)

He was born and lived in Iwate, a northern area of Japan, where farmers were suffering in the severe weather. He taught at an agricultural school, then worked as an adviser of farming. He wrote poems and stories for children. But I could understand and enjoy his works only after I matured. They show his deep sympathy with farmers or weak creatures, his knowledge about nature, and his view of the universe. His works were not known , but after his death people found the beauty of his works.

* Night of the Galaxy Railroad (or The Milkyway Railroad) A lonely boy travels on a train running through the stars. He sees many people there, and one of them is his classmate who he believes in. You can find a well made animation film of this story.

* A Restaurant With Many Orders

* Nametokoyama no Kuma (A Bear of Mt. Nametoko)

* Amenimo makezu his most famous poem

3 Matsumoto Seityou (1909-1992)

He wrote a lot of mystery stories, which describe not only crimes but also human beings and the society. He also investigated the modern history of Japan.
* Ten to Sen (Point And Line)

* Suna no Utuwa (A Vessel of Sand)

* Showa-shi Hakkutsu (Excavation for the History of Showa)

4 Hujisawa Shuhei (1927-1997)

He wrote many stories of the people in the Edo era, The people in his stories don't have powers, but they are nice and proud, and live simple and sincere lives. His style is very beautiful Japanese, I think.
* Twilight Samurai

* Bamboo Sword

* Hidden Blade You can find the movies of them.

5 Asada Jiro (1951-)

He is one of the most popular writers now in Japan. His stories are so interesting and touching.
* Poppo-ya a story of a man who worked for railroad trains There is a movie of this story.

* Mibu Gishi den a story of a samurai who was in Shinsengumi, a samurai's group that worked just before the Meiji Restoration.

*Soukyu no Subaru a story based on Chinese history.

6 Inoue Hisashi (1934- )

He is one of the most important writers in Japan now, I believe. He writes stories and dramas, and he has a theatrical company to perform his plays. His works are very interesting and sometimes comical, and the words in his works are rhythmical and energetic. He also works for peace and his activities and opinions are extremely valued now.
*Chichi to Kuraseba (Living With Father) It is translated into English and the title is ' Face of Jizo' a drama script about a young woman who survived from the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. She feels guilty to survive and be happy, so her father... There is a good movie of this.

*Kirikiri-jin(People of Kirikiri) a dynamic and comical story of the people who tried to be independent from Japan

*Ame (Rain) a drama script

7 Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896)

A female writer on 5000 bill. She wrote about women in the Meiji era. Her Japanese is a little old and beautiful.

8 Takamura Kaoru (1953-)

A female mystery writer. She doesn't write so many books but every one is great!

9 Miyabe Miyuki (1960-)

Also a popular female mystery writer I like her books because the people in her stories are all interesting.

10 Yamazaki Toyoko (1924- )

A female writer who wrote about big issues in the society Many movies and TV dramas are made of them.