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Sep 29, 20211 min read

“American Hijiki” by Akiyuki Nosaka

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

Sep 26, 20211 min read

“Earthlings” by Sayaka Murata

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

Sep 22, 20212 min read

“Pink” by Tomoyuki Hoshino

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

Sep 19, 20211 min read

“English, England, the English People” by Kenichi Yoshida

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

Sep 19, 20212 min read

“Hell Screen” by Ryunosuke Akutagawa

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

Jun 27, 20211 min read

“The Tale of the House of Physics” Yoko Ogawa

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

Jun 19, 20211 min read

“Yagate Kanashiki Gaikokugo” (“The Sad Foreign Language”) by Haruki Murakami

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

Jun 12, 20211 min read

“Bee Honey” by Banana Yoshimoto

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

Apr 18, 20211 min read

Discovering Japanese Literature Classes for 2021!

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...