20 Remarkable Books Set in Japan to Inspire Wanderlust
The July reading challenge prompt is to read books set in Japan. Why? Because this year the Summer Olympics will be set in Tokyo!
With the Summer Olympics finally approaching, it seems like we have been waiting forever. The last year and a half are almost surreal but, the Tokyo Olympics are approaching quickly and are sure to bring a bright spot to our year.
Since I cannot travel to Japan, I wanted to read books set in Japan to take me away. Before this year, I had not read many books about Japanese culture so this month’s reading challenge was a particularly fun one for me.
There are so many books set in Japan for me to choose from and obviously, I could not read them all. Here is a short list of books that I have read and another list of books still on my TBR.
Since our Olympics hysteria has reached a fever pitch, we also rounded up our favorite Olympic apparel for Team USA. I’ve been having to talk Kirsten out of purchasing all the things!
If the Olympic feeling is in you too, check out these books about sports. Many of them are about the Olympics!
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Books Set in Japan
Tokyo Ueno Station
Author: Miri Yu
Year: 2020
Genre: Literary Fiction/ Magical Realism
More info: Winner of the 2020 National Book Award in Translated Literature
Age Range:16+
Plot
Kazu is dead, but he can’t find peace in the afterlife so he haunts Tokyo’s Ueno Station.
We learn about his life, his family, and how they faired during some of Japan’s most important moments in modern history from the Tokyo Olympics to the recent tsunami.
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was incredibly well-written, utterly captivating, and rather depressing. While you have to be in the mood for a sad book, it is worth the read.
Find this book in: Best Books in Translation / Books Set in Japan / Ghost Books
Rainbirds by Clarissa Goenowen
After learning of his sister’s brutal murder, Ren heads to a small town outside Tokyo to wrap up his sisters affairs.
Instead, he ends up taking over her job and her apartment as he tries to piece together what was happening with his sister in the years leading up to her death. In the process, he finds himself.
Convenience Store Woman
Author: Sayaka Murata and Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: Shortlisted for the Best Translated Book Award, Longlisted for the Believer Book Award, Longlisted for the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation, A Los Angeles Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The quirky character in this novel reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant. I loved being inside Keiko’s unique mind.
Keiko has been working at the same convenience store for 18 years. Listening to her inner monologue as she tries to conform with society is at times humorous and at other times sad. I would gladly have spent another 100 pages with Keiko in this delightful contemporary fiction book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Keiko is a wonderful, unique character. I loved following her journey as she tried to navigate society.
Find this book in: Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books Set in Japan to Inspire Wanderlust / Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels / Best Books in Translation
The Housekeeper and the Professor
Author: Yoko Ogawa
Year: 2009
Genre: Fiction
More info: Translated by Stephan Snyder
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The Housekeeper and the Professor is a lovely story about a retired mathematics professor who has amnesia and can only remember the last 80 minutes.
He hires a housekeeper who must introduce herself to him every day. When the professor finds out that her son must be home without her after school, the professor immediately insists that the son come to his house every day and thus begins a beautiful relationship.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a beautifully written contemporary fiction book and an absolute must-read for anyone wanting to read about Japan. But even more, this is a story about love, family, friendship, and kindness. It is finding the unexpected and making it into something more.
Find this book in: Amnesia Books / Books Set in Japan / Best Books in Translation
Romance Books Set in Japan
The Little Teashop in Tokyo
This book was so much fun to read. Fiona is a travel blogger who wins a competition and finds herself in Tokyo on an all expense paid trip.
When her mentor is unexpectedly changed to the man who broke her heart years ago, Fiona is embarrassed and needs to pretend nothing is amiss.
This book is adorable and fun and took me on a virtual trip to Japan
Tokyo Every After
Author: Emiko Jean
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: YA Summer 2021 Reese’s Book Club Pick, Tokyo Ever After #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Izumi Tanaka does not feel like she fits in as a Japanese American in her mostly white California town. When she finds out that her unknown father is actually the crown prince of Japan, she is determined to meet him. When she travels to Japan to be with her dad, she’s overwhelmed by all the customs and traditions she knows so little about. There is also a sweet romance in the story where Izumi, now a princess, falls for her handsome bodyguard.
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun quick book by Emiko Jean. This book was one part Princess Diaries and one part Crazy Rich Asians. It was an entertaining and light summer read that will satisfy your desire to escape into a royal getaway.
Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Royal Reads / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021 / Books Set in Japan
Historical Fiction Set in Japan
Fifty Words for Rain
Author: Asha Lemmie
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Let me start by saying that this is a beautifully written book that follows Noriko Kamiza from the time she is dropped off at her grandparents’ house and through her life. The story examines Japanese culture in a world after WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Suicide
Jackie’s Thoughts
Nothing good happens in this book. Nothing. If I had known this before I read it, I may have liked it more. This Saga follows Nori through hardship and loss. It is a beautiful book but it left me miserable.
Find this book in: Good Morning America / Books Set in Japan / GMA Book Club List 2020
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
This is another book I read years ago that has stayed with me. I had never read anything like it and I have never read anything like it since.
Shinju by Laura Joh Rowland
Do you like historical mysteries? Then this series is for you. I first read Laura Joh Rowland’s Shinju years ago after my dad shoved it into my hands!
It’s set in the 1600s, where a Samurai is investigating a double murder disguised as a joint suicide. It’s fascinating to dive into the customs and traditions of the era.
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