Tuesday, June 1, 2010

ようこそ4日本文学への挑戦 Or, Welcome To The 4th Japanese LiteratureChallenge



See how patiently they wait, these books in my Japanese literature stack? Most of them have come by recommendation or review:

Supermarket from Chris

The Old Capital from Mark David

Silence from 3M and Tanabata

Out from Novel Insights and Mel U

Nocturnes from Claire

Inspector Iminishi Investigates from Professor B. Worm

Others kindly arrived from Kodansha, International.

Also lined up are my unread Murakami novels, a problem I wish to remedy by this time next year:



I am blissfully submerged in Japanese literature. One of the best parts? Less than five years ago, the only Japanese literature book I'd read was Ishiguro's Remains of the Day.

But, in 2006, when the first Japanese Literature Challenge began, my reading life was greatly enhanced by the knowledge of fellow bloggers much more well read in this genre than I. That's the beauty of hosting a challenge: the hostess is greatly enriched by the participants, such as she hopes the participants enrich one another.

I'm so excited to announce the beginning of the fourth Japanese Literature Challenge. I have a list of book suggestions here, a review site set up for us here, and a button should you wish to use it here:


Won't you join in the experience? Simply read one or more works of Japanese literature between June 1, 2010 and January 30, 2011. If you choose, leave a link to your review on the review site. Also, leave your name in the comments here so that I can add you to the list of participants.

I can hardly wait to begin, and I'm hoping you feel the same way.
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99 comments:

  1. I'm so excited! I've been waiting for this since the last one finished!

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  2. I've never participated, but I have been looking forward to joining this challenge for a while now.

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  3. I haven't participated before either, but I like to join in, too! I LOVE the button, BTW.

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  4. I'm so excited to participate! I've already started reading Yoko Ogawa's, Hotel Iris. And I have some others already lined up to be read. Thanks for holding this challenge Bellezza!

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  5. You can most certainly count me in! I had not read any Japanese Literature before you and my friend Cameron started talking about Murakami, and so I owe you both a great debt of thanks for introducing me to some wonderful literature. I look forward to reading more Murakami during this year's event. Thanks for hosting it once again.

    I read Out a few years ago for your challenge and found it to be quite the page turner.

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  6. I bet you already guessed that I'll REALLY love this year's button :)

    You're certainly right about the wonderful things we gained from activities like this—best of which are new friendships. I'm sure it'll be another great Jap Lit season!

    Thanks Bellezza!

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  7. Yeah! My favourite challenge!! I'll be signing up soon, but I just wanted to let you know how fantastic Out is! It is my favourtite thriller - I hope you love it as much as I did.

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  8. Woot! I am in. Shall we try again to read The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon?

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  9. \o/ YAY!!!! It's that time again already??? I'm so excited :D Definitely count me in Bellezza!!!!

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  10. Although I vowed not to join any more reading challenges--this one is the exception to my "rule". Out by Natsuo Kirino will most likely be my first novel for this challenge.

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  12. Such exquisite button! and enticing pictures of your J-Lit book pile... I'm in, in, and 1000% in!!

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  13. Maybe this is the summer I finally get around to Japanese literature. I always think that I have read widely but when I really look at it, I see that I have not. Especially when it comes to Asian literature. Sigh. I might be borrowing some reading suggestions from this post.

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  14. I'm in, Bellezza!!! Once I get home, I'll put together my list and get a post written up. I'm so excited to join in this year!

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  15. NO WAY! Let me sit down and catch my breath...okay. Hooray!!! Go, Les! I'm so glad!!!

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  16. I am excited for this challenge to begin. Here is the link to my sign up post:
    http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2010/06/japanese-literature-challenge-four.html

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  17. And the funny thing is that Ishiguro is not even Japanese :). I consider him as British. He left Japan when he was 6, doesn't speak Japanese, and his style is distinctly British.

    You know I'm in for this challenge. Yay.

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  18. I'm a little booked up this month, Bellezza, but I'll definitely be in for a title or two. Thanks again for the invite!

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  19. Actually, so have I. ;)

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  20. I love the button, too, and thought it looked best simple and plain, with no text detracting from the artwork. I'm so glad you're joining in, and it's nice to meet you!

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  21. I'm so glad that I've "met" you in time for you to join in! Welcome, Iris!

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  22. Carl, I'm thrilled your joining again. Murakami, my favorite author I think ever, will be thoroughly enjoyed by the two of us. Maybe this time I can get to Norwegian Wood!

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  23. Nadia, I was promised a copy of Hotel Iris in the winter by the publisher, but it never arrived. I can't wait to read that book, and your thoughts, as The Housekeeper and The Professor was one of my favorite reads for 2009. Thanks for joining in!

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  24. Jackie, I'm humbled that you consider this one of your favorite challenges. Out is one of the first books I'll be reading for it; everyone marvels at it! I'm so glad you're in.

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  25. The friendships can only be gained when one such as yourself visits the participants and leaves insightful comments. You are a true friend, Mark David. And, I know you're awfully busy, so fit in when you can.

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  26. As one of the first participants ever, I'm so glad you're still joining in, Chris! You were the support behind the first one I ever hosted, and I'll never forget that.

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  27. Yeah, Colleen! Let's read The Pillow Book! I'm sure we can by the end of January. I even have a copy on my shelf.

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  29. I'm glad that you're making an exception, Suko. I think I'll be joining you in reading Out first.

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  30. Thanks for posting about it on your own blog, Brittanie, and welcome!

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  31. Frances, I took your comment to mean yes, you'll give it a try. If you want me to delete your name from the list of participants I will, but I'm hoping you'll find something to entice you along the way.

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  32. Richard, it makes me really happy that you'll join in for a title or two. I value your thoughts and opinions very much.

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  33. Mee, it just shows how little I knew of Japanese literature to consider Ishiguro Japanese...I'm so glad you're in again!

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  34. I have done reviews for two Murakami and one Ishigura. I have also never entered a challenge before so
    I dontknow where to start. My link is my blog.

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  35. Will be joineing this again for sure :)

    I'll write an introduction post 1st before my reviews starts

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  36. I'll definitely be participating again! I loved the last one (:

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  37. Count me in! The button is beautiful!

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  38. One book? How can I resist? But I have never read Japanese literature before. Can you recommend a good introduction?

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  39. [...] 2, 2010 by leeswammes The 4th Japanese Literature Challenge is hosted by Dolce Bellezza. It’s very simple:  read one or more works of Japanese literature between June 1, 2010 and [...]

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  40. Thanks, Belezza, it's nice to meet you too, glad I found out about the challenge.

    I made a blog post about the challenge with my reading plans:
    http://leeswammes.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/japanese-literature-challenge

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  41. I know, I cheated and counted him in anyway (well, he was on the suggested list!). One of my books will be by him.

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  42. I've done a few challenges now. Most of the time they specify a number of books to read. For this challenge, I thought of how many Jap. Lit. books I would be able to read until January 31st, then added an extra one, to make it more of a challenge. I then told the "whole world" about it, on my blog: http://leeswammes.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/japanese-literature-challenge/

    So, now I can start reading and when I finish a book I will post a review on the review site that was mentioned above, in the main post.

    Does that help?

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  43. There's nothing special you have to do, Mystica. I've added your name to the list of participants on the review site. You may want to check in there from time to time to see what reviews people have put up. They often lead to exciting new reads! Also, when you've read something Japanese and write a review on it on your own blog, leave the URL for that post on the review site so that we can read your thoughts.

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  44. You might like to start with a collection of short stories, such as those that Kawabata has written (First Snow on Fuji, for example). Or, Murakami's novel "After Dark" is short but indicative of his work. Also, if you peruse the review sites from the second and third challenges (in my pages on the top bar) you'll find lots of reviews from previous participants. The spectrum of Japanese literature is so large, from the bizarre to the quaint, that I'm sure you'll find something you like. A lot of us are going to read Out, by Kirino, but it's allegedly very strange; therefore, to me, all the more interesting.

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  45. Can I link my introduction post in the review link?? I always done introduction post before my review.

    Last year, we were posting our introduction post in the review site, is it still okay now?

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  46. :D I'm just hoping that I manage to read a book BEFORE January this year :/

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  47. [...] usual, this interesting event is held by Dolce Belleza and the review site is here. She also shared this cute Icon for the [...]

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  48. Hi, Bellezza: Thge challenge will help me finish two books I started and am waiting to finish! The Wind up Bird Chronicle and Beauty and Sadness. I'll start with those! Thanks for continuing the challenge. I hope to read some new Japanese authors this year!

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  49. Sure, Novroz, put up an introduction post if you want and where you want. I'll come by to see what you're going to read!

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  50. I'm glad you're going to join in again this year, Harvee. Although, if it's been awhile since you dropped The Wind Up Bird Chronicle you may need to start over before finishing. ;) I loved that book, but to me it seemed to get more complicated the farther I went. I've never read Beauty and Sadness, so I'll look forward to your thoughts on that. On anything you read, actually. ;)

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  51. Whenever you get to it...sometimes things take longer than we think to get to. xo

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  52. AH! I almost missed this! You know I'm definitely in for this one, don't you Bellezza? =)

    I'm not sure yet what books I'll be reading, but definitely banking on at least one Murakami. Perhaps Oe and Mishima as well. YAY!

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  53. やった! So it has started! I am currently reading I Am A Cat by Natsume Soseki. Does it count as 1 book since I started reading it last May?

    By the way this the link to my book blog: http://cometellmewhatyouread.wordpress.com

    Thank you Belleza for hosting these wonderful challenge.　頑張りましょう！

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  54. Thank you for inviting me Bellezza! But I think I can't participate! I watched Nodame Cantabile, and I have read the manga too but my Japanese literature ends there! I have no resources (library, for instance) to provide me with books. I only have mangas online as reading material. Does that count?

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  55. Count me in. I want to expand my reading world beyond American and British works. It's time for me to look outside my comfort zone.

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  56. me me me! i'm in!

    i am an awful Japanese person that has read so very little Japanese literature. this will be the perfect excuse to remedy that!

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  57. Murakami is one of my favorite authors(and I only discovered him in the last four years). And Ishiguro is also a favorite author, but...I think of him as more of an English writer, actually.
    I didn't know about any of the other Japanese writers listed--just more books to jot down and seek out for the future(so many books-so little time, though)

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  58. Yay, Michelle! I'll probably read an Oe and certainly a Murakami or two, myself! Welcome, I'm so glad you're in again.

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  59. Lex, you are most welcome to join with 'only' manga to read. That certainly qualifies as a Japanese work, and I know what you mean about libraries not having what you want. At least, not when it's anything other than Danielle Steele. ;O

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  60. Margot, I'm so glad you're joining in! Like you, I wanted to expand my reading beyond American, British, and the plethora of Middle Eastern novels which seemed to abound when The Kite Runner took off. Be prepared to be amazed with Japanese novels; they're often quite strange and certainly quite wonderful!

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  61. Little Reader, I'm so glad that you'll be joining! I'm sure that you'll have lots of insights into Japanese language and culture which would escape me. We'll have fun reading with the rest of the group!

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  62. I only discovered Murakami about four years ago myself, and now he's one of my favorite authors ever! I'm slowly working through his novels, having read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Kafka on The Shore, Dance Dance Dance, and A Wild Sheep Chase. I'm glad there are more waiting for me, which I almost don't want to finish so that I have some to look forward to.

    I'm not sure if you want to participate in the challenge so I'm not adding you officially to the list, but let me know if you do want to join. It'd be great to have you!

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  63. Count me in! I'm looking forward to re-reading some of my favourite Japanese authors, and discovering new ones.

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  64. I have been looking forward to this challenge all year! even though I didn't finish many books last challenge I have a stack all ready for this year and will be eager to open them up! I will post the challenge beginning of next week and come back and add the link.

    In the meantime, enjoy Out! One of my favorite books! Someone gave me an ARC of that years ago before I even knew what an ARC was!

    Thank you for hosting this again! And creating such a beautiful button!

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  65. Yay! I'm so glad you're hosting again! :D And that you compiled your own stack of potentials w/ links to reviews! Makes my life even easier. ;)

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  66. [...] any rate, I’ve decided to give this challenge a go, largely because I feel quite sympatico with its host (the delightful Dolce Bellezza) and [...]

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  67. I'm excited to venture into some new reading! Thanks for the great list of books from which to choose :)

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  68. I'm so excited to be a voyeur during this challenge. I have a feeling I am going to be adding more than a few new books to my TBR list as a result.

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  69. Suzanne, I'm so glad that you're in again for this round. I liked the button, too, and it seems quite popular this year. How lucky that you received Out as an ARC; I'm loving that novel!

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  70. Violet, me too! It's so great to see what others are reading, and if it's good to add the book to one's own pile. Welcome!

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  71. Eva, I'm so glad that you're participating! And, it makes me happy that the list of book suggestions works for you and others. I just take what I compiled a few years ago when the challenge just began, and add what other participants say must go on it after each challenge ends. So, the list gets better and better...lucky us!

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  72. Who knows, Kathleen, maybe next year you'll feel compelled to join in; especially after you see all the great reviews that participants write. ;) It's good to have you peeking over our shoulders all the same.

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  73. Becca, it makes me so happy to have you join in the challenge. I find this genre so fascinating, and I love the thoughts and reviews of those who are 'simpatico' to me. Like you. ;)

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  74. [...] Before moving on to read your favorites, I wanted to mention a few other book-related items. The first being that June 1st is the beginning of the Japanese Literature Challenge 4, hosted by Dolce Bellezza. This challenge runs through the end of January 2011. Details can be found here. [...]

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  75. I'm in too! Just love this challenge and have been waiting for it. I've got a few lined up to read and will enjoy reading other bloggers idea's for others to search for. I think Im starting with Japanland: a Year in search of Wa. Hope that counts? See you all on the journey. I'll put up a post in the next week.

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  76. And just when I'm thinking, "this year I'll be strong and not join any more challenges", you win me over with the lovely button ;)

    I'm not sure what to read yet (I'm moving in September and it'll partially depend on what the library at my new location has), but you can count me in.

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  77. JoAnn, devoting a whole Sunday Salon post to this challenge was awfully sweet of you. I'm so glad you're joining in again, and that you're as excited as I am!

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  78. Tamara, of course that counts! I'm looking forward to your reviews, and I'm so glad you're joining in again.

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  79. Oh, yes, please count me in! I so enjoyed last year's challenge--learned so much, met so many wonderful people, had a built-in excuse to get my Murakami "fix" ... You are a most gracious hostess, Bellezza. I look forward to learning even more. Thank you for doing this (and the button is truly beautiful).

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  80. Hooray, Nymeth! It wouldn't be the same without you! I know what a challenge moving can be, almost as much as finding quality books in our local library (!), but if you need any Japanese literature sent your way I'd be glad to fill you in with a copy. XOXO

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  81. Fantastic! I am not sure about joining this challenge (I tend to steer clear of challenges all together as I have this *thing* about them) but I really like the sound of this one. I just wrote a post of few days ago too about Japanese literature as I am reading 'Norwegian Wood' by Murakami. I love Japanese literature. 'Out' by Natsuo Kirino is fantastic! I am looking forward to reading your review!

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  82. As I have several Japanese novels on my TBR list I think I have to join in!

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  83. OK. I've thought about it. I will join the challenge this year. I know I will read at least one piece of Japanese literature before January! I haven't put together a reading list of my own to choose from, so can't give you a link for that. I have updated my sidebar with appropriate links to JLC4 that you have provided :)

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  84. Ok, I give in. As opposed as I am to challenges I feel like I need to sign up for this one! :) count me in!

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  85. Welcome, Gavin! It's so nice to meet you. I enjoyed your blog very much when I visited.

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  86. Hooray! I'm glad you gave in! I've added you to the participants' list.

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  87. Terri, I'm glad that you're in again. It's only one book, which shouldn't be too bad. ;) Thanks for putting any links in your sidebar.

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  88. ds, you are a most gracious participant. I'm so very happy to have your participation. I know what you mean about a Murakami fix!

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  89. Bellezza, I'm on a blogging break, but still reading, so I'm in again! I'm starting Silence today and excited to read more Japanese lit in the coming months. xo

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  90. You've convinced me Belleza! I'm in! Excited to choose my list of Japanese books. Can't wait.

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  91. Ooh excellent I have just found out about this and feeling really excited! Right, I better get my non-Japanese book obligations out of the way. I have been wanting to jump into Japanese books for a while now - I've read Haruki Murakami (love) and Natsuo Kirino (really liked) so far and desperate to find more. I'm glad it is lasting until January 2011 and that I am not late!

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  92. So glad the challenge is on again. I'm in, and I look forward to reading all the reviews of the participants.

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  93. [...] realise that Dolce Bellezza’s fourth annual Japanese Literature Challenge has already begun? JLC IV is a challenge that I will most definitely be participating in and will be sharing a list of [...]

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  94. I am a little late in signing up but I would like to join the Japanese Lit Challenge!

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  95. [...] Bellezza has done a fantastic job promoting Japanese fiction and now that my Booker reading is coming to an end I’ll be spending more time reading books in translation. [...]

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  96. I've finally got round to signing up! My sign up post is here:

    http://www.farmlanebooks.co.uk/?p=6043

    Thank you for hosting such a wonderful challenge!

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  97. A little late signing up, but here I am! This will be my first year participating in the Japanese Lit Challenge, but I look forward to it, and hopefully I can make a good-sized dent in the small list I have of books for this Challenge.

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  99. I thought I left a note here before but I must have forgotten as I don't see my comment. I'm reading my book right now so I better get to it! :) Great challenge, so glad to participate.

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