"In Japan they prefer the realistic style. They like answers and conclusions, but my stories have none. I want to leave them wide open to every possibility. I think my readers understand that openness." ~Haruki MurakamiI used to like answers and conclusions. The wrap up of a plot and a clear cut solution. Then I read Kafka on The Shore. After Dark. Kitchen. And I knew that I was embarking on the discovery of a genre I'd never known before.
A genre filled with the likes of Haruki Murakami. Kenzaburo Oe. Banana Yoshimoto. Natsuo Kirino. Yoko Ogawa. Writers who speak of matters of the heart in a whole new way.
In pursuing my passion for Japanese authors and their works, I have hosted the Japanese Literature Challenge for the past four years. And now it is time for the Japanese Literature Challenge 5. The requirements are the same: read one book from June 1, 2011 until January 30, 2012. If you want to read more than one, wonderful. If one is all you can manage, wonderful. Once you've read it, you may wish to post your review on the JLC5 review site.
If you have no idea where to even begin, you may want to peruse the list of suggested books. I have compiled these titles from the previous four Japanese Literature Challenges; they come highly recommended by either me or other participants in the challenge.
Let yourself become wide open to every possibility, as Murakami says. Prepare to suspend your disbelief. Join me, please, in this most wonderful of genres.
omgomgomg!! I'm so excited :D I have some great ones in mind this year :) Thanks as always for hosting this my dear!
ReplyDeleteYour challenge changed my reading life 2009-a new reading world opened for me
ReplyDeleteI will be doing a series of post on getting started in Japanese literature
The Reading Life Guide to Getting Started in Japanese Literature-WWII edition
I hope you do not mind me posting this here-it is part of my efforts to help others who may feel they do not know where to start and a way of thanking you-
I will do other such posts soon, I hope-
As you already know, I'm in, have partial reading list up & running for this my second.
ReplyDeleteI'm very ashamed to say I didn't finish last year's Jap Lit challenge as I got too busy with other challenges and I just had to draw a line.
ReplyDeleteBut this year I really, really want to read the 1Q84 books by Murakami so I will commit. I saw 1Q84 part 3 in the shop (in Dutch) the other day and realised how behind I was - part 1 and 2 have been out since June last year or so (maybe even earlier).
I think the full IQ84 will be out in English in Oct this year-maybe we can do a read along if there is interest
ReplyDeleteyou know i'm in!
ReplyDeleteso far, i have a handful of books lined up:
Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Norwegian Wood, and The Elephant Vanishes
Banana Yoshimoto's The Lake
Kawabata's The Lake
so happy to be committed and participating!
As always, I'm up for this :)
ReplyDeleteI have a few books waiting to be read and more on the way!
Is it really time for this already? wow the past year has flown by.
ReplyDeleteLast challenge I read Kazuo Ishiguro and Ryu Murakami so I think I should start with Murakami this time around!
Yay, I've been waiting for this since the last one ended:) I've lots of books to read this year too!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely in. Super excited. I've been hoarding Japanese books.
ReplyDeleteYay!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading The Makioka Sisters and The Pillow Book of Sei Shonogon for sure this time around. And various others, I'm sure. :)
I have a copy of THE MAKIOKA SISTERS packed away right now. But...I'm going to commit to read it in the fall. I've been attracted to that book for years and it has sat on my shelf. So, this is the year. I'll not commit to more than that, but it's a good start. Thanks for doing this!
ReplyDeletewoohoo I'll be joining this again this year... I kinda didn't read as many as I hoped during the last one, I think only 2 or 3 but so far I have read 5 this year so hope to read some more. And of course IQ84 why why why do we have to wait so long when they could release it now?
ReplyDeleteI want to read Kenzaburo Oe and Banana Yoshimoto... I have one more Ogawa to read and I also really want to read Silence by I can't remember the authors name as well as some more HM of course!
As always I am your biggest fan. I waited the half a year for this and won't miss it for the world! Thanks Bellezza. :)
ReplyDeleteBellezza, I've been waiting all year for this one! I had it on my calendar and as the date approached, I've been putting books aside for it and now I can finally start reading them! So excited!! Yoshimoto and Murakami here I come! I'm so happy you are hosting this challenge again! Cheers to you!
ReplyDeleteI am in! :) I have already read a few books by Japanese writers and it is a plunge into a different writing style from the ones I am used to read, so I will definitely try to discover some others.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Have been waiting for this for a while. I've a book ordered just for this event: Kawabata's The Sound of the Mountain. Still waiting for it to arrive... looking forward to JLC 5. All the best, Bellezza!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this wonderful challenge, Bellezza. I will definitely participate.
ReplyDeleteI'm in too and have linked to my post about the challenge. This is my favourite of all the challenges and I'm so glad you've kept it going.
ReplyDeleteOf course I am in, Bellezza! This year I would like to improve on last year, and read four books for the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love this year's logo!
I really hope to join in , notoriously bad at challenges but while read a few japanese books this year so will remember to link them to the challenge ,all the best stu
ReplyDeleteChris, so glad to see you're first on the list of comments! You were the first to encourage me to offer this challenge five years ago, and I so appreciate your long time support and enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteMel U, the Japanese challenge opened a new reading world for me, too! It is only enhanced by the ardent affection we all share. So glad that you're going to be offering a 'getting started guide', and I'd love to co-host a read-along of Murakami's 1Q84 this October when it's released. What a great idea!!
Parrish, so glad to make this official even though you 'signed up' when the review site was first exhibited. Thankful for your participation, friend, and looking forward to your great ideas.
Leeswammes, no need for any shame here, especially amongst book lovers! If you'd like to wait a bit for 1Q84, as it isn't released here in the states until the end of October, Mel and I are thinking of hosting a read along. Of course, if it was available to me now? I probably wouldn't wait. Glad you're joining in again!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I want to read those Murakami's too, as well as The Lake. That was released in perfect timing, I think! :)
Tony, you are a veritable treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to Japanese literature. So glad to have your input and suggested titles, as well as reviews.
Jessica, I definitely think you should start with Haruki this time around! And I should probably start with some Kishiguro. Glad to have you in again, isn't it hard to believe a whole year has past since the JLC4 started?!
ReplyDeleteChasingbawa, so glad for your enthusiasm! We're going to have a great time sharing this genre again!
Rise, I've been hoarding some Japanese literature myself, such as Takaro Gorge, Nocturnes, The Lake and more. Super excited to begin as well, and glad to have you along again!
Colleen, well, you aren't shy about being ambitious in your reading! What wonderful choices! I own The Pillow Book, but have yet to read it, and I've always wanted to read The Makioka Sisters. I'm sure you'll inpsire me to do both. Thanks for participating again! XO
ReplyDeleteKay, as you're the second person to mention The Makioka Sisters (see Colleen above :) maybe we should set a month to all read it together? Let me know what you think, and I'm so glad to have you join in the challenge.
Fiona, you have wonderful ideas of novels to read! Silence is by Shusako Endo, and it's one of my very favorite works of Japanese literature as it tackles a topic near and dear to my heart: faith. I'm glad you're joining in again!
JoV, it touches my heart when you say you're my biggest fan...I'm really excited to see what you're going to read, as well as to read your reviews. Thanks for your enthusiasm and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteNadia, you had it on your calendar?! How exciting is that?! I want to read more Yoshimoto myself, we'll get to The Lake one way or another, won't we? xoxo
Ally, I'm not sure what you've read and what you haven't, as our friendship is new, but be sure to check out the list of suggested books which other bloggers have loved. I'm sure you'll find more than a few you'll want to read! Welcome!
Arti, how exciting that you ordered a new Kawabata for the challenge! I've not heard of that work, and he is definitely an author I need to read more of. Thanks for your enthusiasm about this challenge, it's so good to have your participation!
ReplyDeleteSuko, thanks for participating! I think you've done all five if I'm not mistaken?
Sandra, that means so much to me that this is your favorite challenge. Thanks for coming back year after year! I'm looking forward to your thoughts and reviews.
Col, I'd like to read at least four books myself. I'm so glad you're reading along for the challenge; it's wonderful to have your friendship and knowledge!
ReplyDeleteWinston'sdad, don't feel any pressure, just read as it suits you. I know that you read a lot of Japanese literature in the course of your year, so perhaps you'll find a book or two to fit in. You are wonderful at reading translated works, like a few others I could mention before you (Mel U, Parrish Lantern, Tony, to name a few of the guys). So glad to have your participation however it can fit in.
I'm in! I plan to start with Yoshimoto's "The Lake".
ReplyDeleteI'm in. Gotta show some support for Fukushima this year...
ReplyDeleteGavin, a lot of us are going to start with The Lake. Or, at least read it during the challenge; it's so exciting to have a new book out from Banana Yoshimoto, isn't it? I'm glad you're joining in again!
ReplyDeleteSeana, so nice to 'meet' you. Glad you heard about this and decided to join in. I've not read anything by Fukushima, so thanks for mentioning that author.
Hmm, I'll bet I can fit in at least one, since I've got one you recommended just sitting on the shelf. Count me in! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I failed the last one. Kafka on the Shore freaked me out a bit with the cats and all, and Tale of Genji ended up taking me several months to finish. I think if I pick the right book this time, I can do it!
ReplyDeleteBookfool, I'm not sure which one I recommended...could it be Murakami's After Dark? That would be a good place to start, but be prepared, it's not your average book. :)
ReplyDeleteShelley, what, you don't like reading about kitty heads in the fridge? (If I remember correctly.) That was a rather grotesque aspect of Kafka on The Shore, but I remember more of the whole than those somewhat gruesome pieces. Maybe you'd do better with a shorter, and sweeter, book such as something from Banana Yoshimoto? Or, perhaps a short story? In any case, glad you're joining in again!
ReplyDeleteMy book shelf is so ready for this one! And the button is so pretty! ;)
ReplyDeleteSorry, I wasn't very clear--I meant the Fukushima nuclear reactor meltdown.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I work in a bookstore, and it happens that there was a galley of The Lake in the back so I grabbed that up. But I also found a remainder copy of Natsuo Kirino's Real World. Looks dark--very dark...
Bibliophiliac, now I'm all excited to know what you have on your shelf! So happy this will work! And, I'm glad you like the button. I thought it was soft, in a dramatic sort of way.
ReplyDeleteSeana, how embarrassed am I! Fukishima, the reactor, of course! Silly me, all caught up in novels. I've read Kirino's novel Real World, and it was very good, but I even preferred Out. One of the best books of hers, in my opinion. But, you won't escape dark with either of them, which makes me them so intriguing.
No, don't be embarrassed--I was using a kind of shorthand that could easily be misinterpreted.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard good things about Out. I'll read Real World and go on to Out if her voice works for me.
I think I will most definitely be taking part again this year! :) Of course, I'll be reading Japanese authors anyway so it's not much of a challenge as such, but a great place to hook up with other readers/reviews!
ReplyDeleteHi Seana Out is the better book, real world's good out is brilliant, loved it
ReplyDeleteThanks, parrish lantern. I don't mind starting with the lesser work. It starts well, at least.
ReplyDeleteI have a question. Do Japanese-American authors fit into the challenge? I am thinking of Karen Tei Yamashita's "I Hotel".
ReplyDeleteGavin, absolutely! I think even if there's only a vague connection to Japan we should count it. I have a book I want to read, the title of which escapes me right now, which is written by a Japanese woman who was raised in America. I still think they count. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about the challenge and all of the great book recommendations that are going to be coming my way!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bellezza!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, I'm so glad you're joining us! Believe me, the participants in the challenge are the ones who provide the great recommendations of books. We'll have enough to last until the JLC6 and beyond!
ReplyDeleteKaren Tai Yamashita happens to teach at the university in my town, and I've met her a couple of times, but haven't gotten around to I Hotel yet, mainly due its length. Several of the staff member at the bookstore I work at have read it, though, and the word on it is good.
ReplyDeleteI'm in!!! I started reading The Elephant Vanishes by Murakami and then put it aside when you reminded me of the challenge start date. Can't wait to get back to it now. Woo-hoo!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo and the review site Bellezza! Please count me in for the challenge, as usual ;)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to broaden my reading--please count me in as a reader. Susan E
ReplyDeleteCarl, so glad to have you along again. I want to read all of The Elephant Vanishes, too, so we'll have a chance to talk about it. I would have missed you had you not read along with us this year. :)
ReplyDeleteBookie Mee, hooray! I'm glad you're in, too! Glad you like the photo on the review site; it makes my 'normal' blog seem so drab in comparison!
Susan, of course you're welcome to read along! No blog required! Please feel free to leave comments, or should you wish to write a guest post on a book I'd be glad to post it on the review site. Let me know.
Yay! Please sign me up - I really enjoyed this last year and there's still so many great books to read! :D
ReplyDeleteNumber 5 already? Time flies, but this year I'm so in! :)
ReplyDeleteOne book sounds good and there's always the Banana Yoshimoto book I need to read.
Also, I loved that openness in books!
Thanks for doing this challenge again, Bellezza!
Shannon, there are so many good books to read; I'm so glad we're not going to run out of them in this genre any time soon! Welcome!
ReplyDeleteBina, Carl and I were amazed that five years have come so quickly. It almost feels as if the JLC4 has just ended...I'm so glad you're going to participate again!
So so so many books I'd love to read for this challenge. But perhaps The Lake by Yoshimoto. Or Out. Or Wind-Up Bird. Or...like I said, so many.
ReplyDeleteBellezza,
ReplyDeleteIt was Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto that you recommended, I think perhaps because I read something about dreams. I don't recall what it was, but I've got Asleep on the shelf. I ordered it practically the moment I read your recommendation (which may just show how susceptible I am to suggestion). :)
Trish, I think you may as well start with The Lake as you have it already. ;)
ReplyDeleteBookfool, now I remember speaking of Yoshimoto's book Asleep. Only, I haven't read it either, I think I'd just been given it and so it was fresh in my mind. Perhaps we should both read it for thie JLC5? :)
I will be reading Asleep soon
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever read a single Japanese novel. I don't usually do challenges, but I will make an effort to expand my reading horizons!
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading, so glad you're going to make an exception! I think you'll be glad you did. This genre has so enriched my life and my understanding of literature...don't expect a plot in the conventional Western sense. There's often more of a 'slice of life' kind of thing going on, or else a situation where you end the book with what seems like lots of loose ends. They give you something to think about, and better yet, discuss with others.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely. I'll plan to read Asleep for the challenge. Maybe we can compare notes?
ReplyDeleteI am in, as always. :) Very excited to do this with you again. :)
ReplyDeleteNancy, I'd love to compare notes! That's the best part about reading together; we each get to share our own perspectives, and so often I learn something I never saw before.
ReplyDeleteClaire, it wouldn't be the same without you. So glad you're in again, although your time is limited.
JL3 opened up a wonderful new reading world for me-I am doing a series of posts on getting started in Japanese literature to help new readers and as a way of supporting this great reading challenge'
ReplyDeleteThe Reading Life Guide to Getting Started in Japanese Literature-Five great historical novels
I want to join! I want to join! I have never read a Murakami and so this is an excuse to read one :) I also want to read Banana Yoshimoto :) Thanks for hosting this wonderful challenge Bellezza :)
ReplyDeleteThis is kind of a side thread, but I just learned through Peter Rozovsky's Detectives Beyond Borders blog that there is an anthology coming out featuring twenty prominent authors writing short stories and articles about Japan. This won't qualify as your one book here but all proceeds will go to aid the people of Japan. Pretty cool idea!
ReplyDeleteCount me in again - I've got a Ryu Murakami on the shelf, just waiting to be read, and I'll probably sneak in a Haruki Murakami or two as well. I also want to read something by Yoko Ogawa.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read all the different thoughts of all the different people reading all the different Japanese authors :D
Seana, that sounds like a wonderful anthology; I hope I can find it in our bookshops here. I may have to order it online though, because not everyone carries Japanese literature/short stories/fiction as I wish they would.
ReplyDeleteAnothercookiecrumbles, so glad you're in! I've added you to the review site.
I'm in, of course! It just took me a week to get my post up about it. Fashionably late, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd to celebrate the start of the challenge I'm giving away 3 contemporary JLit stories so I do hope some of you will enter.
Japanese Literature Giveaway
Also, um... I'll be hosting a discussion of 1Q84 in November. It has been on the Japanese Literature Book Group schedule since the beginning of the year, but I'd be happy to co-host a read-along with you. What do you think?
Tanabata, I'm so glad that you're in! I definitely think that you should be the one to host the 1Q84 read along, especially with your Murakami-specific challenge. So eager to read with you, though! XOXO, M.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to join in for the first time this year! Although I have read a few J-Lit books along with Tanabata, it has been a while and I have much still to explore.
ReplyDeleteKristen, I'm glad you've decided to join in. This is my fifth challenge, and I've read many wonderful books with Tanabata, too, but you're right: there's so much still to explore!
ReplyDeleteI may be checking in late, but I would NEVER miss a JLit challenge! :) Will write an admittance post soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! http://figandthistle.com/2011/06/24/reading-challenge-update/
ReplyDeleteI want to read one Haruki Murakami book.
I'm in! I've wanted to try Haruki Murakami for awhile now, and may just venture to read some of the other less well-known Japanese authors too.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a blog, I hope that's okay. I will be using my Twitter page (@notarevolution) and Goodreads.
I already have Blind woman, sleeping willow from the library to read, so I should be able to manage reading at least one book. I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI only recently found out about this challenge and would love to join in, even though I'm a "late arrival" :)
ReplyDeleteMy sister just started a blog called Julie Learns Japanese, and for any of your interested in the language as well as the literature, I can already tell it's going to be an interesting place to check out...
ReplyDeleteHi Bellezza, just tried to post a comment on the JLC 5 but for some reason, couldn't get it on there. Thought I'll post it here:
ReplyDeleteSo here I am, one of the last entries, now being Jan. 2012. My book for JLC 5 is The Sound of the Mountain by Yasunari Kawabata. Forgot to write the book name beside mine on Mister Linkey. No matter, this is a beautiful and sensitive rendering of intimate relationships and characters, done none other than the Nobel Laureate Kawabata. I read his Snow Country for JLC 4, so thanks, Bellezza, here's my JLC 5 book, once again, exploring the internal world in Kawabata's writing.