Read Japanese Literature
@readjapaneseliterature.com
a podcast about Japanese fiction + some of its best works | posting updates on new Japanese fiction | apologies for the typos | blocking new follows that look like bots | DON’T buy or read AI translations | all stories are political
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Read Japanese Literature is a podcast and resource site about Japanese lit and some of its best works. Follow this account for updates about the podcast, booklists of translated lit, and updates on new English-languages releases.
Remember to fill out your profile before you follow folks. ☺️
Remember to fill out your profile before you follow folks. ☺️
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
And it's still getting stranger... Strange Pictures has been shortlisted for @foylesforbooks.bsky.social Book of the Year! We're so thrilled and so grateful 🎉
November 5, 2025 at 9:51 AM
And it's still getting stranger... Strange Pictures has been shortlisted for @foylesforbooks.bsky.social Book of the Year! We're so thrilled and so grateful 🎉
Thinking about the holidays already?
A list of Japanese Books to Give for the Holidays from RJL.
(Perfect auto-generated image @bookshop.org. No notes! 😅)
A list of Japanese Books to Give for the Holidays from RJL.
(Perfect auto-generated image @bookshop.org. No notes! 😅)
Japanese Books to Give for the Holidays
Do you dream of sharing your love of Japanese literature with the perfect translated book?
bookshop.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Thinking about the holidays already?
A list of Japanese Books to Give for the Holidays from RJL.
(Perfect auto-generated image @bookshop.org. No notes! 😅)
A list of Japanese Books to Give for the Holidays from RJL.
(Perfect auto-generated image @bookshop.org. No notes! 😅)
Happy N American release day to Satoshi Yagisawa's Days at the Torunka Cafe (trans Eric Ozawa)!
"From the author of the Morisaki Bookshop novels comes a charming and poignant story set at a quiet Tokyo café where customers find unexpected connection and experience everyday miracles."
"From the author of the Morisaki Bookshop novels comes a charming and poignant story set at a quiet Tokyo café where customers find unexpected connection and experience everyday miracles."
Days at the Torunka Café: A Novel
A Novel
bookshop.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Happy N American release day to Satoshi Yagisawa's Days at the Torunka Cafe (trans Eric Ozawa)!
"From the author of the Morisaki Bookshop novels comes a charming and poignant story set at a quiet Tokyo café where customers find unexpected connection and experience everyday miracles."
"From the author of the Morisaki Bookshop novels comes a charming and poignant story set at a quiet Tokyo café where customers find unexpected connection and experience everyday miracles."
Guess who wrote this book's entry on Temple Alley Summer... ☺️
Worlds of Wonder: Celebrating the Great Classics of Children's Literature ed. by Daniel Hahn is a beautifully illustrated journey through the most beloved classics of children’s literature, spanning more than twenty countries and one hundred and fifty years. Learn more: hubs.ly/Q03QfsFw0 [Sponsored]
November 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Guess who wrote this book's entry on Temple Alley Summer... ☺️
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
Mai Ishizawa’s The Place of Shells follows a Japanese PhD student studying art history in Germany while coming to terms with her fading memories of the March 2011 tsunami. Ishizawa’s literary style is gorgeously translated by Polly Barton. #Japanesefiction #booksky 📚 japaneselit.net/2025/11/01/t...
The Place of Shells
Mai Ishizawa’s short novel The Place of Shells, which was awarded an Akutagawa Prize in 2021, follows a Japanese woman pursuing her PhD research in European art history at a university in the Germa…
japaneselit.net
November 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Mai Ishizawa’s The Place of Shells follows a Japanese PhD student studying art history in Germany while coming to terms with her fading memories of the March 2011 tsunami. Ishizawa’s literary style is gorgeously translated by Polly Barton. #Japanesefiction #booksky 📚 japaneselit.net/2025/11/01/t...
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
Today in the ARB: Ben Woollard reviews “Archipelago of the Sun” by Yoko Tawada, tr from Japanese by Margaret Mitsutani @ndbooks.bsky.social @grantabooks.bsky.social asianreviewofbooks.com/archipelago-...
November 4, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Today in the ARB: Ben Woollard reviews “Archipelago of the Sun” by Yoko Tawada, tr from Japanese by Margaret Mitsutani @ndbooks.bsky.social @grantabooks.bsky.social asianreviewofbooks.com/archipelago-...
What about volumes II and III of Convenience Store by the Sea? Still Bruno Navasky?
Beginning to compile RJL's list of new and upcoming for 2026!
Does anyone know is translating Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before I Knew I Loved You? Is it still Geoffrey Trousselot?
Does anyone know is translating Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before I Knew I Loved You? Is it still Geoffrey Trousselot?
November 3, 2025 at 10:44 PM
What about volumes II and III of Convenience Store by the Sea? Still Bruno Navasky?
Beginning to compile RJL's list of new and upcoming for 2026!
Does anyone know is translating Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before I Knew I Loved You? Is it still Geoffrey Trousselot?
Does anyone know is translating Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before I Knew I Loved You? Is it still Geoffrey Trousselot?
November 3, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Beginning to compile RJL's list of new and upcoming for 2026!
Does anyone know is translating Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before I Knew I Loved You? Is it still Geoffrey Trousselot?
Does anyone know is translating Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before I Knew I Loved You? Is it still Geoffrey Trousselot?
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
Japan's "Mundane Halloween" costume contest is back!
Each year website DailyPortalZ holds a contest where people dress up as something super duper ordinary.
Here's a thread of some of my favorites from the 2025 contest!
#MundaneHalloween
Each year website DailyPortalZ holds a contest where people dress up as something super duper ordinary.
Here's a thread of some of my favorites from the 2025 contest!
#MundaneHalloween
November 2, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Japan's "Mundane Halloween" costume contest is back!
Each year website DailyPortalZ holds a contest where people dress up as something super duper ordinary.
Here's a thread of some of my favorites from the 2025 contest!
#MundaneHalloween
Each year website DailyPortalZ holds a contest where people dress up as something super duper ordinary.
Here's a thread of some of my favorites from the 2025 contest!
#MundaneHalloween
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
Tommy Bastow, who plays Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) in NHK’s morning drama Bakebake, visits Ireland and New Orleans, where Hearn grew up, in a special program.
It’s fascinating how the history and culture of each place come through.
www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
It’s fascinating how the history and culture of each place come through.
www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
Lafcadio Hearn, a Soul Linking Japan and the World | NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Writer Lafcadio Hearn introduced Japanese culture to the world around 130 years ago, in books that faithfully depicted the country's traditions. We explore the cultural journey of this world traveler.
www3.nhk.or.jp
November 3, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Tommy Bastow, who plays Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) in NHK’s morning drama Bakebake, visits Ireland and New Orleans, where Hearn grew up, in a special program.
It’s fascinating how the history and culture of each place come through.
www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
It’s fascinating how the history and culture of each place come through.
www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
This interview is a necessary for all you queers. It's cheerful and emotional, with poignant questions and intelligent answers and we need more of this
Interviewing legendary gay manga artist Gengoroh Tagame at the de Young Museum
Tagame Gengoroh is a worldwide legend as a gay erotic manga artist, critic, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. We got to talk to him at the new exhibit featuring his work.
www.animefeminist.com/gengoroh-tag...
Tagame Gengoroh is a worldwide legend as a gay erotic manga artist, critic, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. We got to talk to him at the new exhibit featuring his work.
www.animefeminist.com/gengoroh-tag...
October 30, 2025 at 3:24 AM
This interview is a necessary for all you queers. It's cheerful and emotional, with poignant questions and intelligent answers and we need more of this
560+ downloads in the first 24 hours! Thanks, y’all!
RJL's latest—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story—is now available!
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
Episode 46—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story - Read Japanese Literature
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern". We'll start out by looking at Hearn's life. We'…
https://readjapaneseliterature.com/Podcast/Episode+46—The+Master+of+the+Japanese+Ghost+Story
October 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM
560+ downloads in the first 24 hours! Thanks, y’all!
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
👻What a STRANGE phenomenon! We are SO delighted to be able to share this news: Strange Pictures has been shortlisted for @waterstones.bsky.social #BookoftheYear !!
www.waterstones.com/book/strange...
www.waterstones.com/book/strange...
October 30, 2025 at 9:38 AM
👻What a STRANGE phenomenon! We are SO delighted to be able to share this news: Strange Pictures has been shortlisted for @waterstones.bsky.social #BookoftheYear !!
www.waterstones.com/book/strange...
www.waterstones.com/book/strange...
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
RJL's latest—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story—is now available!
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
Episode 46—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story - Read Japanese Literature
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern". We'll start out by looking at Hearn's life. We'…
https://readjapaneseliterature.com/Podcast/Episode+46—The+Master+of+the+Japanese+Ghost+Story
October 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
RJL's latest—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story—is now available!
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
RJL's latest—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story—is now available!
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
Episode 46—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story - Read Japanese Literature
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern". We'll start out by looking at Hearn's life. We'…
https://readjapaneseliterature.com/Podcast/Episode+46—The+Master+of+the+Japanese+Ghost+Story
October 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
RJL's latest—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story—is now available!
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story "The Peony Lantern".
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
Advice to Youths:
At 30 - Knowing no Japanese, I quit my job and moved to Japan.
At 40 - Started working in comics, a medium I loved. I now have 2 Eisner Awards.
At 50 - Took up fencing, having never done a sport. I now have 2 silver medals.
You are finished when you decide you are finished.
At 30 - Knowing no Japanese, I quit my job and moved to Japan.
At 40 - Started working in comics, a medium I loved. I now have 2 Eisner Awards.
At 50 - Took up fencing, having never done a sport. I now have 2 silver medals.
You are finished when you decide you are finished.
October 28, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Advice to Youths:
At 30 - Knowing no Japanese, I quit my job and moved to Japan.
At 40 - Started working in comics, a medium I loved. I now have 2 Eisner Awards.
At 50 - Took up fencing, having never done a sport. I now have 2 silver medals.
You are finished when you decide you are finished.
At 30 - Knowing no Japanese, I quit my job and moved to Japan.
At 40 - Started working in comics, a medium I loved. I now have 2 Eisner Awards.
At 50 - Took up fencing, having never done a sport. I now have 2 silver medals.
You are finished when you decide you are finished.
Proof "listening" to the Patreon release of "The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story".
I mentioned the next episode might cover Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui.
The translator is *not* Adam Driver. 🫠
Many apologies to ANDREW Driver.
👉 bookshop.org/a/5840/97803...
I mentioned the next episode might cover Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui.
The translator is *not* Adam Driver. 🫠
Many apologies to ANDREW Driver.
👉 bookshop.org/a/5840/97803...
a man in a sweater is giving the middle finger in a living room .
Alt: Adam Driver is very upset.
media.tenor.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Proof "listening" to the Patreon release of "The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story".
I mentioned the next episode might cover Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui.
The translator is *not* Adam Driver. 🫠
Many apologies to ANDREW Driver.
👉 bookshop.org/a/5840/97803...
I mentioned the next episode might cover Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui.
The translator is *not* Adam Driver. 🫠
Many apologies to ANDREW Driver.
👉 bookshop.org/a/5840/97803...
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
This week!
There's also a screening of the film version of Bullet Train (yes, the one with Brad Pitt in it—but also Bad Bunny!) on Wednesday that will be intro-ed by Isaka-san with me as translator ✨
There's also a screening of the film version of Bullet Train (yes, the one with Brad Pitt in it—but also Bad Bunny!) on Wednesday that will be intro-ed by Isaka-san with me as translator ✨
Toronto people! I will be in town at the end of the month, moderating a discussion with Kōtarō Isaka (author of Bullet Train and Hotel Lucky Seven) for the Japan Foundation, among other activities. I'd love to see you!
tr.jpf.go.jp/isaka-kotaro...
tr.jpf.go.jp/isaka-kotaro...
October 28, 2025 at 2:07 PM
This week!
There's also a screening of the film version of Bullet Train (yes, the one with Brad Pitt in it—but also Bad Bunny!) on Wednesday that will be intro-ed by Isaka-san with me as translator ✨
There's also a screening of the film version of Bullet Train (yes, the one with Brad Pitt in it—but also Bad Bunny!) on Wednesday that will be intro-ed by Isaka-san with me as translator ✨
Lafcadio Hearn is about half edited. You can pre-read the spooky story to prep for the episode release next week!
A Passional Karma | Sacred Texts Archive
Shinto: ONE of the never-failing attractions of the Tôkyô stage is the performance, by the famous Kikugorô and his company, of the
www.sacred-texts.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Lafcadio Hearn is about half edited. You can pre-read the spooky story to prep for the episode release next week!
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
“Around 60 percent of US consumers wish they read books more.” #booksky
Consulting firm Bain & Company argues that now is the time for the publishing industry to band together to find ways to win back consumers looking to break their obsession with screens.
New Report Urges Publishers to Capitalize on Hidden Strengths
Consulting firm Bain & Company argues that now is the time for the publishing industry to band together to find ways to win back consumers looking to break their obsession with screens.
buff.ly
October 25, 2025 at 9:50 AM
“Around 60 percent of US consumers wish they read books more.” #booksky
As a bonus and a warm-up for RJL's upcoming episode, Patreon supporters get a full "audiobook" recording of Lafcadio Hearn's "A Passional Karma" (aka "The Peony Lantern").
It isn't too late to sign up for the recording and an early release of this and every episode!
It isn't too late to sign up for the recording and an early release of this and every episode!
RJL Update for 10/21 (belated)—Supporters Only AND Bonus "Audiobook" | Read Japanese Literature
Get more from Read Japanese Literature on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:10 AM
As a bonus and a warm-up for RJL's upcoming episode, Patreon supporters get a full "audiobook" recording of Lafcadio Hearn's "A Passional Karma" (aka "The Peony Lantern").
It isn't too late to sign up for the recording and an early release of this and every episode!
It isn't too late to sign up for the recording and an early release of this and every episode!
Got excited.
Lafcadio Hearn is now recorded. Editing starts tomorrow!
Lafcadio Hearn is now recorded. Editing starts tomorrow!
I'll be recording RJL's episode about Lafcadio Hearn and The Peony Lantern tomorrow! In the meantime, I was happy to add ideas from @zackdavisson.com's book Yurei: The Japanese Ghost.
As Davisson observes, “when talking about yurei, all roads eventually lead to Lafcadio Hearn.”
As Davisson observes, “when talking about yurei, all roads eventually lead to Lafcadio Hearn.”
Yurei: The Japanese Ghost
Check out Yurei: The Japanese Ghost - "I lived in a haunted apartment." Davisson opens this definitive work on Japan's ghosts, or yurei, with a personal tale about the spirit world. Shifting from anec...
bookshop.org
October 24, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Got excited.
Lafcadio Hearn is now recorded. Editing starts tomorrow!
Lafcadio Hearn is now recorded. Editing starts tomorrow!
I'll be recording RJL's episode about Lafcadio Hearn and The Peony Lantern tomorrow! In the meantime, I was happy to add ideas from @zackdavisson.com's book Yurei: The Japanese Ghost.
As Davisson observes, “when talking about yurei, all roads eventually lead to Lafcadio Hearn.”
As Davisson observes, “when talking about yurei, all roads eventually lead to Lafcadio Hearn.”
Yurei: The Japanese Ghost
Check out Yurei: The Japanese Ghost - "I lived in a haunted apartment." Davisson opens this definitive work on Japan's ghosts, or yurei, with a personal tale about the spirit world. Shifting from anec...
bookshop.org
October 23, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I'll be recording RJL's episode about Lafcadio Hearn and The Peony Lantern tomorrow! In the meantime, I was happy to add ideas from @zackdavisson.com's book Yurei: The Japanese Ghost.
As Davisson observes, “when talking about yurei, all roads eventually lead to Lafcadio Hearn.”
As Davisson observes, “when talking about yurei, all roads eventually lead to Lafcadio Hearn.”
Reposted by Read Japanese Literature
Thank you so much, @proptartmn.bsky.social, for reading and sharing! Honored to be your “work over 50” title!
#9 and absolutely delightful, The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba, translated by @averyudagawa.bsky.social. I can see how this inspired Miyazaki. An absolute delight of a read, with wondrous illustrations by Miho Satake. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #OcTBRChallenge
October 22, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Thank you so much, @proptartmn.bsky.social, for reading and sharing! Honored to be your “work over 50” title!
RJL depends on Open Access scholarship.
Major gratitude to scholars, institutions, and grant programs that make it possible! 🙏
Major gratitude to scholars, institutions, and grant programs that make it possible! 🙏
It's International Open Access Week🔓
We're sharing some stats from our OA programme & introducing our new OA Hub.
On the Hub, you can find out about:
➡️The reach & impact of our work & initiatives
➡️Our most-downloaded books
➡️Benefits of OA
➡️OA FAQs
& more
Visit the Hub via the MUP website today🐝
We're sharing some stats from our OA programme & introducing our new OA Hub.
On the Hub, you can find out about:
➡️The reach & impact of our work & initiatives
➡️Our most-downloaded books
➡️Benefits of OA
➡️OA FAQs
& more
Visit the Hub via the MUP website today🐝
October 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
RJL depends on Open Access scholarship.
Major gratitude to scholars, institutions, and grant programs that make it possible! 🙏
Major gratitude to scholars, institutions, and grant programs that make it possible! 🙏