Discovering Japanese Literature

“The Mole” by Yasunari Kawabata

This short story is written in the form of a letter. Sayoko, the protagonist, writes a letter to her husband. The story unfolds around a...

“The Book of Tokyo” Edited by Michael Emmerich, Jim Hinks & Masashi Matsuie

I’m happy to announce that the new term is going to start with a new book! I’m going to use “The Book of Tokyo” published by Comma Press...

Japanese Literature Discussion Classes start from July 2!

I’m happy to announce that my Japanese literature discussion classes resume from July 2! We’ll be reading and discussing short stories...

“Exophony” by Yoko Tawada

This is an essay written by Yoko Tawada, who reflects on varied themes on language: what it means to be outside the world of your...

“Kanazawa” by David Joiner

It was really a special experience for me to read this book in Kanazawa and saw the author in person there. Talking with David @ddjoiner...

(Another) Book Haul in Tokyo

(Another) Book Haul in Tokyo I really know that I should use e-books rather than paper books. When moving this time, I realized it again...

“Pig Skin” by Andrés Felipe Solano

We have ended this term with quite a distinctive story by a Colombian author Andrés Felipe Solano. He has been residing in Korea for the...

“Brutus” featuring Haruki Murakami

I will introduce 3 works of Murakami’s favorite Japanese literature. What I found interesting is that he is drawn to the style of...

“Barn Burning” by Haruki Murakami

We’ll be reflecting on Murakami’s evolution as a writer over the last 30 years while discussing 3 stories consecutively: “Barn Burning”...