I’m a huge bookworm - as the many overflowing bookshelves in my house can attest to - and I love to read to get ready for a trip! Before a trip, in addition to reading travel books and blogs, I love to read a novel set in the country I’m going to visit, and preferably written by someone from that country.

The list of books below is by no means exhaustive, but they are books that I have read and enjoyed, and that my kids have read and enjoyed.

Adult Books

After Dark by Haruki Murakami

If you’ve heard of one Japanese author, it is probably Haruki Murakami, famous for 1Q84. If you’ve never read one of his books, I’d recommend starting with After Dark as it’s super short, but gives a good idea of the surreal style of his writing.

Fault Lines by Emily Itami

A quick and easy read, told from the perspective of a mom raising kids in Tokyo.

Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami

Beautifully translated novel exploring the lives of modern women in Japan.

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

Cute, cozy mystery with lots of Japanese food!

Japanese Legends and Folklore by A.B. Mitford

A great collection of traditional stories, well told and explained in English.

Kids Books

Jasmine Toguchi, Great Gardener by Debbi Michiko Florence

The whole Jasmine Toguchi series is great, but I love Great Gardener before a trip to Japan, as this book is actually set in Japan. Jasmine’s family, who are American-Japanese, visit Jasmine’s grandmother in Japan and visit a famous garden in Kyoto. This is a great short chapter book with lots of Japanese words and cultural references!

Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai

This I Can Read series is a big hit in our house, about 6 year old Gigi and her Japanese grandpa, Ojiji. My favorite is probably Perfect Paper Cranes, with instructions at the end on how to make an origami dog.

Tokyo Night Parade by J.P. Takahashi illustrated by Minako Tomigahara

This beautifully illustrated story is a great introduction to yokai, or Japanese demons.

Natsumi’s Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston illustrated by Misa Saburi

Beautifully illustrated book which transports you right to summer in Japan, complete with the sound of cicadas.

Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales by Yuri Yasuda illustrated by Yoshinobu Sakakura & Eiichi Mitsui

A great introduction to traditional Japanese stories. We have the bilingual version, so my husband and I can both read these to our kids.

Have you read any great books by Japanese authors? What should I add to my bookshelf?