Editorial Review

In 1987, when Read more

Reviews (131)

Nowhere man meets girl, interrupted
And of course he gets nowhere.
Wonderful Book; See The Great Gatsby
Loved the book. For Murakami's apparent strong influence from The Great Gatsby note (1) the Gatsby character in this book, (2) the parallel between the narrator of this book and the narrator in Gatsby, (3) the fact of the narrator's love of the book, and (4) the reference on page 112 of the original Gatsby to Daisy's crying over Gatsby's "beautiful shirts" and the same scene in his short story Tony Takitani, and so on.Murakami writes Fitzgerald in a Japanese context.It's wonderful.

Ethereal, dreamy reading.
This is a very nice novel. It has an ethereal feel to it, like laying in the sun and dreaming about your college days.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Japanese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    4. Literary    5. Fiction / Literary    6. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (89)

a perfect novel
I just finished reading this book, and I want to read it again.It's a perfect novel for me.Fast paced, well written prose.Interersting surreal story line, but not as intense as Kafka on the shore, so an easier read.And it gives you something to think about even when you've finished--about the mysteries in the story, about the human nature, about our world.This is my current favourite novel.Highly recommended.

Lovely ears
If this was Murakami's first novel translated into English, he must have been born with the knack.
Malignant Sheep
This story is not one easily explained as I discovered when my nine-year-old cousin asked me about the book I was reading.Haruki Murakami's A Wild Sheep Chase is a story of a man who has unintentionally involved himself in the obsession of Japan's most powerful and mysterious media tycoon.Suddenly he is thrust into the search for a sheep that shouldn't exist.Accompanied by his girlfriend, an expensive prostitute with magical ears, he learns more about sheep than he'd ever want to and is even confronted by a small man dressed like a sheep.I can't understand what exactly kept me interested in this ridiculous tale and probably never will.However the fact remains that I loved this book and can't wait to read the other books Murakami's written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Japanese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    4. Literary    5. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Japanese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    6. Suspense    7. Thrillers    8. Fiction / Thrillers   

Reviews (142)

A thrilling page turner/ but written like a 7th grader
Dont get me wrong.Battle Royale was an entertaining read, filled with violence and an underlying love story, it certainly kept me reading.I thought that the idea of the story was brilliant, an extremely original premise that really makes you think about what you would do in that situation.The only problem I had with this book was the writing.Everything else about the book is amazing, but the writing is just so elementary it just really began to bother me as the book went on.With the books complex plot, the below average writing just makes the book seem....not up to par.Also, one last small critque, the book revolves around the 42 students required to kill each other in "the Program." Unfortunately, that is really all the book is.I feel that redundancy is a major problem with the book.The story is the same throughout the book up until the end.Almost every chapter, someone dies and thats it.No real in- depth development of character, or much of anything else.My advice, if your a teenage high school student like me, the violence and the overriding concept of the plot will really get you thinking, but if your anyone else.....dont buy the book!

And you thought 'Survivor' was gritty? Then you haven't read this book...
Let's face it. Reality TV is taking over our airwaves but it's the same repeditive drech every time. Tell 'Survivor' to shove off and pick up Battle Royale by Koshun Takami. I've read some good novels in my time, Lord of the Rings, Cloud of Sparrows, Slaughterhouse 5, and many others, but to say I was blown away by Battle Royale would be the understatement of the century.
Best book ever!!!
This is by far the best book I have ever read. I saw the movie first (and many times over) but it didn't spoil it at all. Couldn't put it down, 624 pages and read it in 5 days. I used to love to read, but school ruined me for reading with all the book reports on books that I had no interest in. It made me loathe even the thought of reading. This is the first book that I've finished since high school, I'm 27 now. That should say something about this book. It is quite violent and somewhat sadistic. It has a very good story to it, and was very well written (and translated). Don't let the reveiws on the cover shy you away, as one is by Stephen King, they may mislead some as to the basis of the book. To me Stephen King novels are more of the criminally insane, or demonic possession type. This is more of the government throws you into an extreme situation with a bunch of others for amusement/analysis, similar to gladiator arenas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Science Fiction    4. Japanese Novel And Short Story    5. Science Fiction    6. Science Fiction - General    7. Thrillers    8. Fiction / Science Fiction / General    9. Graphic novels   

Reviews (28)

Quick Props to the Work
First off, all the people that say this is badly written obviously didn't know it was translated to english. The Book is absolutely amazing and it is a very easy to read book. My friend told me that it is one of his favorite books and I can understand why. The book I think could easily be read by anybody with an open mind with a thirst for adventure. The main character "D" is an introvert and so am I so it helps to relate to the character and the development of the story. The book is probably best read between the ages of 14-19 but as long as you have that little spark of teenage spirit it will be a fun book for you.

I became the prey of this alluring vampire hunter's tale...
I'm a fan of "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust," and so, before watching "Vampire Hunter D," I went to Barnes and Noble to purchase the first and third volumes of the series. After buying it, I eagerly began to devour the words of the book, and I just couldn't stop reading. In a few days, I finished this deliciously dark and incredible novel.
It's unfair to say that this is one for 'true fans' only ...
... because not every fan is going to be able to tolerate the painfully amateurish writing style in this book simply to try and justify themselves as legitimate.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Horror    3. Graphic Novels    4. Graphic Novels - Fantasy    5. Graphic Novels - Horror    6. Horror    7. Horror - General    8. Japanese Novel And Short Story    9. Science Fiction And Fantasy    10. Science fiction   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Asia - General    3. Asia - Japan    4. Asian - General    5. Essays    6. General    7. Japanese fiction    8. Short stories, Japanese    9. Translations into English    10. Travel    11. Travel - General    12. Japan    13. Travel / General    14. Travel writing   

Reviews (39)

The Crown Jewel of Japanese Literature
I first read Snow Country more than 20 years ago and it has haunted me ever since. Periodically I have to re-read it to see how age has affected my understanding. Like most of Kawabata's work Snow Country is a love story emphasizing, in restrained evocations, the evanescence of life and happiness.Shimamura, the central character of Snow Country, is a Tokyo dilittante who breaks his ennui through his liaison with Komako, a geisha and denizen of the hill country near Niigata.But his search for relief from his moral tedium succombs to his inability to have anything but aesthetic appreciation; he senses but he does not seem to feel.
Cold Country, Hot Country
This haunting book must reverberate inside any still-beating heart with the troubling pang of recognition.
Interesting story
Story was alright, a little long winded at times.The writers of this time were kinda drab and writing about their own lives alot of the time.It is a good read, especially if you are into sexual tension. :)Anyways, pick it up if you have the chance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Kawabata, Yasunari - Prose & Criticism    4. Literary    5. Fiction / Literary    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (4)

Unfortunately, the movie was better
I bought this book from Barnes and Nobles a few weeks ago, along with the first volume of the series. I was really excited to get started on them and found the first volume, simply titled "Vampire Hunter D" a very entertaining book. After reading that, I immeadiately snatched the third book off of my bedside table, beginning to devour the words. The opening was interesting, but it didn't really capture me the way the first book did.
I Can't Get Enough of the Vampire Hunter D Novles! :)
So far I love all the Vampire Hunter D Novles.It was a lot better than the movie.It was nothing like the movie. It was very different from the movie.Hopefully next time they make another Vampire Hunter D Movie (I hope they do.) I hope they follow it more closely to the book.D as a twisted, cold sense of humor. I love the book and I can't wait to read the next one.

charming
I read all three volumes now, don't ask me why, and at last I decided to "believe" the translator. I'm quite sure this is how literal translations of Japanese horror novels might look. I do doubt you'd find many published books in this style, so go for it. It's a highly entertaining read. Perhaps I have a twisted sense of humour, but sometimes I was laughing so hard that I had to put the book down, and I really have to refrain from screaming at random people "oh you countenanced carbuncle, you!"
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Graphic Novels    3. Graphic Novels - Fantasy    4. Graphic Novels - Horror    5. Horror    6. Horror - General    7. Japanese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    8. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    9. Fiction / Horror    10. Horror & ghost stories   

Editorial Review

Recovering from a leg injury, a 43-year-old Tokyo police inspector named Shunsuke Honma realizes how out of touch he has become when a relative asks him to make some private inquiries into the disappearance of his fiancée. While he wasn't paying attention, it seems that everyone in the country but Honma has been caught up in a consumer feeding frenzy--going into heavy debt and declaring bankruptcy at a snowballing rate. This engrossing story of the search for happiness through shopping marks the first appearance in English of one of Japan's leading writers. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A nice piece of post-Bubble Japanese fiction
Miyuki Miyabe's "All She Was Worth" took 7+ years to make the trans-Pacific leap to these shores.As a result, we get a classic 1992 piece of Japanese 'popping of the bubble' fiction.When reading, you keep saying to yourself "Oh yeah, it's 1992."The roots of the story have to do with Japan's credit culture, the weight of personal financial debt and how otherwise 'normal' people get ensnared in ruinous, cyclical borrowing.Within the background of what Japan was like with its spectacular financial collapse of the early nineties, Miyabe's work is brilliant insight on that period.
Great Book - Terrible Ending
All She Was Worth really caught my eye, and I started reading it the moment it arrived. I found the book to be an intriguing, eye opening look into modern Japanese culture, and also what can happen when you spend more then you have.
Superb, Believable Police Procedural
Winner of both Best Mystery and Novel of the Year in Japan in 1992, and well deserving of such awards in my mind, this one is highly recommended.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Japanese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Mystery And Suspense Fiction    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / General   

Reviews (18)

Tea without Sympathy
Kawabata, in this book, produces a characteristic sense that, yes, indeed, this is true: that the author not so much invents or writes as records facts.
Evanescent Eroticism and Death, the Japanese Forte
The crane is a symbol of long life in Japan, ironically enough for this story. The title of the book comes from the cranes decorating a kimono worn by a significant guest at the tea party about which this story revolves. My favorite of Kawabata's novels, there is in Thousand Cranes a deep primordial eroticism. That is normal in Kawabata's work, but this story evokes perhaps the best example, even better than Snow Country. One of the satisfying pleasures of reading Kawabata is that he puts you in touch with Japan's sexual tension in the way a good Bordeaux might have connected you with enjoying red wines. You realize immediately you're onto something complex, and it is going to take a while to understand its depth.
Stain of a dead woman's lipstick taints the rim of a teacup
The metaphor used in "Thousand Cranes" is tea, but not simple dried leaves in boiled water.Along with tea, in the tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, is the complete picture created by the individual pieces of the art, bowels and whisks and jugs for carrying water.The various utensils, each with their own pedigree, are only able to find their true use in the hands of a Master of tea.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. Kawabata, Yasunari - Prose & Criticism    3. Literary    4. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    5. Fiction / Literary    6. Japanese    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (14)

Not what many would expect.
While this is a very fine book, lovers of the Ring movies should be wary.After the first book the series has no similarity with the movies.(execept of course for Rasen which most devotees of the movies ignore as part of the canon.)
Mind Blowing
Loop is the conclusion to Koji Suzuki's Ring trilogy.Although each book in the series can be read as a stand alone work, it is best to read the prequels Ring and Spiral to feel the full effect. If you haven't read those before, there is a brief synopsis of both novels to let you in on what has happened.
An intriguing closing to a great series
The jacket for Loop states that its Suzuki's personal favorite of the lot, and I must say that it's mine too, mainly because of the interesting directions it takes the series.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Horror    3. Horror - General    4. Japanese Novel And Short Story    5. Thrillers    6. Fiction / Horror   

Reviews (41)

A survey of lonliness
A good book is like travel. Sometimes it's not the final destination that matters. It's the journey itself.
wow..
There were so many stories that I simply couldn't bring myself to read every single one. But I've read most of them and my favorite story is the one with the boy and the girl 100% perfect for each other.
Studies in Solitude
This collection offers 17 short versions of what readers can expect from Murakami's novels. All the themes - solitude, disconnectedness and estrangement - are present, and behind the seeming simplicity of the writing lies, indeed, a depth of some sort. Murakami is a master of seizing the visceral details of small moments, and there are many occasions when the reader will recognize himself in what the protagonist is going through emotionally.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1949-    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Japan    6. Japanese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    7. Murakami, Haruki,    8. Social life and customs    9. Translations into English    10. Murakami, Haruki    11. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (37)

A drifting story from the floating world
Not so much a story, maybe, as a sketch of evolving emotion. I can't really say that I managed to find a plot in it, but plot isn't the only way to push a narrative forward.
An Excellent Japanese Classic.
'Kokoro' has a timeless quality about it, and people, from many generations from now, will still adore the book. It is a cerebral, philosophical, and melancholy book. One quote from the book sums up what I think the author meant to convey overall, and that quote is 'who are we to judge the needs of another man's heart?'

Study of Man in a Changing World
Kokoro ("the heart of the matter") is a great introduction to the japanese modern culture and it's effect on the transitional ("Meiji") generation.Japan lived in pleasant isolation until in 1857 it's eyes were opened to western imperialism.In order to protect itself and it's culture (having seen what was happening in China), the japanese Emporer Meiji ORDERED an industrial modernization of the country.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Japanese Literature    6. Fiction / General    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (35)

Imagery that whips like lightning
Yukio Mishima is, sadly, known best for the circumstances of his death. He committed seppuku (ritual suicide by sword) after finishing the final book of this tetralogy--The Sea of Fertility. He, along with Kawabata and Murakami, is one of the most prominent Japanese authors that actually gained attention during his life. Mishima was called a radical, a right-winger. Some think that this stigma affects his writing greatly, but hearing someone say that makes me wonder why they're reading him to begin with.
Unusual Read: A Japanese Style Love Story
This is the first of a group of four novels by Mishima called The Sea of Fertility. Taken as a group they are excellent novels or even what one might call a literary masterpiece. The four books are:
Consciousness-Only School of Buddhism
This tetralogy is the best source I've come across about the Consciousness-Only School of Buddhism.In a doctrinaire-free, passionate and beautiful story, you come to really understand what Budhist doctrines about reincarnation mean.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Japan    4. Japanese Novel And Short Story    5. Literary    6. Fiction / Literary    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (53)

Simple and charming
I read Mishima's "The Sailor who fell from Grace with the Sea" years ago and while Sailor got rave reviews, I actually preferred this story.
Horrible book
This book is awful, boring, has no real excitement and is disgusting. Do not read, I do not recommend this.

Simple and Charming
Lovely cover to start with, and then Mishima's style in analyzing the life of the island is so real, he describes perfectly the responsibilities of the women and men in the fishing island and their life style...
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Japanese Novel And Short Story    4. Literary    5. Fiction / Literary    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (14)

Read it if you want to gain more understanding of go
I am not going to give out the ending and spoil this great novel. The book is well written and the translation is clear.

nobel winner, enough said.
I'm a big go fan.So the idea of a story revolving around the best game to ever exist was pretty exciting.This book is astonishingly good if you're a go fan.It's probably less so if you're not, but he's done other important work...

Reads like a collection of newspaper columns
I'm giving this book five stars because it's one of only three fiction books available with go as the theme, and I love the game of go.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Japan    5. Kawabata, Yasunari - Prose & Criticism    6. Literary    7. Fiction / Literary    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (14)

The QuintessentialMishima
"Patriotism" is a deceptively short work, which captures the full impact of Yukio Mishima's life's work in some 50-odd pages. It is as simple and brutally effective as an ice-pick, sharp and beautiful as a wakazashi.
Mishima At His Best
A very moving book by probably the greatest (and certainly the most well known) Japanese author of the twentieth century. This short story tells of Lieutenant Shinji who, when forced to make a decision between betraying his friends (involved in an uprising of young Japanese officers against the corrupt system) and death, chooses death by seppuku, or ritual Japanese suicide. His young wife asks to die with him, and the rest of the story deals with their last, passionate night together and the following (very bloody) suicides. While many have been turned away by the great amount of gore in this work (the description of Shinji's death will most certainly turn weaker stomachs), I believe that the story would have been poorer without this vivid imagery. Mishima himself's favorite story, I believe that this book should be read in conjunction with Mishima's semi-autobiographical "Sun & Steel". They complement each other, as "Sun & Steel" is an account Mishima's tragic ideals, and "Patriotism" transforms these ideals into very intense images.

A poor work, but perfectly summarizes Mishima life and art
PATRIOTISM is a 1966 novella by Japanese writer Yukio Mishima. Written after his embrace of traditional Japanese social values and four years before his own death by seppuku after a failed coup d'etat, the work concerns a soldier and his wife during a 1936 incident in which some imperial troops mutinied against the emperor. The soldier is dismayed to see his colleagues rise up against the forces of the emperor, and resolves that he and his wife shall kill themselves through seppuku in order to display their ultimate loyalty.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Modern fiction   

Reviews (6)

Not for the casual reader
Invaluable document for those studying Ancient Japanese culture, not of much use or enjoyment for the casual reader. The extensive and numerous visual appendages offer a great tool to deciphering thecryptic tone of Lady Murasaki's descriptions, which took for granted the readers full understanding of the way things were in court life at the time. The editor/translator takes great pains to explain the many challenges to be overcome in order to produce this tome; it is painfully evident in the reading itself. Only approximately five pages (a section which differs widely in every aspect from the rest of the work) offer the delightful candor of introspection that these exceptional women had to offer. The rest is often somewhat of a chore to read. The comparison between the translation of a passage referring to Sei Shonagon in this work and a starkly different version quoted, and perhaps also translated, by Ivan Morris in his introduction to 'The Pillow Book', reveal that perhaps Mr. Bowring's translational skills are not entirely up to par. Whatever the case, this edition remains a highly important reference work for those looking to expand their knowledge of court life in Ancient Japan, although I wouldn't mind having someone else try their hand at this work.

A must read for Asian history buffs.