Nosaka is most noted for “Graves of the Fireflies”. He was versatile and multifaceted: writer, singer, lyricist, actor, and politician....

I have been fervently recommended to read this novel by my friends. This story poses a big question mark to our pre-conceived notions,...

“Pink” by Tomoyuki Hoshino (The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories) I deal with the theme of ‘post-war Japan’ this term, under which...

These are the essays on England and the English language written by Kenichi Yoshida, who was a stellar essayist as well as a renowned...

“Hell Screen” by Ryunosuke Akutagawa Ryunosuke Akutagawa is a genius writer. He committed suicide feeling “uncertain insecurity” at the...

“The Tale of the House of Physics” Yoko Ogawa Yoko Ogawa is a versatile author whose themes are quite diverse. What makes her writing...

“Yagate Kanashiki Gaikokugo” (“The Sad Foreign Language”) by Haruki Murakami This book is a collection of Murakami’s essays on languages...

“Bee Honey” by Banana Yoshimoto We read and discussed “Bee Honey” in the class today. The story unfolds itself in Buenos Aires. The...

In two weeks’ time (January 9 & 10), I am going to kick off my literature classes for 2021! Please join us! We will be covering two Nobel...