9 novels of modern Japanese writers

These profound book addresses the most difficult topics - from the search for the meaning of life to the role of religion in human life. Layfhaker gathered a selection of important works of Japanese literature in recent years, which will not leave anyone indifferent.

1. "Golden Temple", Yukio Mishima

Yukio Mishima nominated for three Nobel PrizeAnd his novel "The Golden Temple" is the most widely read works of Japanese literature.

The plot is based on real events: a Buddhist monk in a fit of madness burned the temple Kinkaku-ji. Mishima shocked this story, and he supplemented it with new meaning: Excellent becomes more perfect after death, when it is unattainable.

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2. "Woman in the Dunes" by Kobo Abe

Kobo Abe is always concerned with the question of the human search for his place in the world. This was his cult novel "The Woman in the Dunes".

The protagonist - a teacher who is interested in insects. He goes for a rare instance, and in a way he had to stay overnight in a remote settlement. Dwellings there are located on the bottom of the sand pits. Going down there for the night, in the morning, he realizes that it is impossible to get out. For years, he remains alone with the lonely woman trapped in a pit.

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3. "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami today, perhaps the most popular Japanese writer, whose books are published all over the world in millions of copies. In his works unhurried narrative combined with dynamic, complex plot.

"Kafka on the Shore" - a story of two different people whose lives are intertwined: teen ran away from home, and imbecile old Nakata, who is able to talk to cats and predict future.

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4. "Inconsolable," Kazuo Ishiguro

Ishiguro is often compared to Conrad and Nabokov. At the age of six with his parents emigrated to the UK, where he was able to create a classic and at the same time authentic works in a foreign language.

The famous pianist Ryder arrives in an unnamed European city to perform a concert. All events take place as if in a dream, the characters wander through the inner labyrinth from which there is no escape, they do not hear each other, partially lose memory. The novel "Inconsolable", filled with literary and musical allusions, difficult to read, but incredibly interesting.

5. "Echoes of Heaven" Kenzaburo Oe

Story of a woman with two children with disabilities, which has fallen the many difficulties and losses. Oe masterfully describes how a person experiences grief and trying to cope with it. The main issue of concern to the writer - as many misfortunes a person can make, and then find the meaning of life.

6. "Salt of Life", Shintaro Ishihara

Shintaro Ishihara - a writer and former head of Tokyo. The heroes of his books break down stereotypes about the Japanese as a slow-moving, always staying in their people's thoughts.

"Salt of Life" - a collection of stories about those who spend their lives in constant motion. Most of these stories are connected with the sea, fish, diving, boats and yachts. The book - a great adventure that is read in one breath.

7. "Kitchen", Banana Yoshimoto

After graduating from the Faculty of literature in Japan Yoshimoto University released a debut novel, "Kitchen", which immediately brought her worldwide fame. In the center of the narrative - Mikage, unusual girl who most loves to be in the kitchen. Only when she forgets about her loneliness.

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8. "Silence," Endo Shusaku

Novel "Silence" is dedicated to real historical events, clash of Eastern and European values. In the mid-17th century, the Japanese authorities arranged the brutal persecution of Christians, to eradicate an alien religion. Despite this, three missionaries from Portugal making their way in a completely unfamiliar country, to continue preaching.

9. "Gentle cheeks," Natsuo Kirino

Five-year girl Yuka disappears without a trace on Hokkaido mountain lake. Over the years, all desperate to find her, except his mother. She comes every year on the place of disappearance and trying to understand the causes of the tragedy.

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