In this edition of Around the World with Bookstr, we want to invite you to journey with us to the other side of the globe to a place known as Tokyo. Fun fact — before 1868, this city was named Edo, and Japan’s capital was located in Kyoto. However, with the rise of the new emperor during the Meiji Restoration, the capital was relocated to Tokyo. Rising from a rocky history which included its unfortunate stance in World War II and a massively destructive earthquake in 1923, Tokyo has solidified its place in the global society as a model for technological advancement and cultural enrichment.
We all have pictures in our heads about places that we have never visited. Literature is an effective way to understand other cultures on a deeper level, without physically visiting them. In this article, we have included some novels set in Tokyo that we hope can offer an insight into life in the bustling city. Let’s go explore!
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
Tokyo is a massive city, so it’s easy to get lost in the crowds of people. A freelance copywriter named Fuyuko Irie demonstrates the loneliness of living in Tokyo. Fuyuko is in her mid-30s but sadly has no social life. The only person she communicates with is her editor, Hikiri — while they are the same age, they have completely different outlooks on life. After a fateful meeting with an older man named Mitsutsuka, can Fuyuko overcome her haunting past and spiraling loneliness?
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Murata’s novel highlights the contemporary work culture and pressures to conform that are part of Japanese culture. At 36 years old, Keiko Furukura feels accepted and comfortable working at the Hiromachi branch of Smile Mart. Keiko spent more of her early life feeling like she didn’t belong until she started her job at 18 years old. Adapting to Smart Mart’s strict policy on dress code and behavior, she feels fulfilled with her life. However, this feeling is threatened as Keiko’s family pressures her to find a partner to marry.
Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi
As another view into work culture in Tokyo, 34-year-old Ms. Shibata fakes pregnancy in order not to clear away her co-worker’s dirty cups — claiming the smell upsets her due to her “pregnancy”. At first, Ms. Shibata spends nine months pretending she is pregnant by enjoying relaxing and getting special treatment from her coworkers. But then she begins to realize her fake condition is becoming more difficult to keep up. Yagi’s novel offers an eye-opening perspective on feminist topics relating to the workplace and society in Japan.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
Sentaro has big dreams of becoming a writer. However, his life path has been hindered by his choices regarding criminal activity and alcohol. Instead, he is stuck in a pastry shop selling dorayaki — a delicious pancake-like treat filled with sweet bean paste.
Goodnight Tokyo by Atsuhiro Yoshida
With a population of over 14 million people, there is an infinite medley of stories transpiring constantly throughout the city. Sometimes the most interesting and mysterious events happen at night. Yoshida explores these tales, specifically between the hours of between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. over several nights in and around Tokyo. These interconnected stories explore the complexities and beauty of society.
To us on this side of the world, Tokyo can be seen as an exotic and fantastical place. But with these stories, we can connect with the similarities that can be found throughout the globe.
To discover more recommendations from a Japanese author, read more on Haruki Murakami with Unlock the World of Haruki Murakami Through These Six Films.
To explore the world of manga, check out our bookshelf Illustrious Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels.
