While We Await the Delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Can I Interest You in Some Contemporary Japanese Fiction?

by Elen Jones

Japan was only made accessible from 1853 following over 200 years of abiding by a strict sakoku* policy. This meant the country was alien to most of the world and for most of us it still is. Despite this reputation of shrouded mystery, in the 21st century Japan is not nearly as unfamiliar or hidden as many believe it to be. Many gimmicks - sumo wrestlers, sushi, anime - are recognisable as “Japan” nowadays, but in always labelling places with these stereotypes we fail to see the nuances of the less recognisable, but real, Japan. 

Over the past year I have been reading Japanese fiction, taken in by a cover I saw in a bookshop - and it has been an immersive experience. I knew next to nothing about the country before and even less about its customs and everyday subtleties.  I found that these books spoke for a Japan that is often discussed or speculated about. These aren't authors writing about families living with robots, but the real people. They all draw on the rich history of the country, the tragic and joyous events of the past, the feeling of loneliness in a huge city or even in your own home, the bittersweet reminiscence of old times and those who are lost, and a look towards the future, the world, and our place within it. With the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, what better time to widen your cultural knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture than through its most prolific modern writers?

The first novel I chose, partly for the appealing cover, was “TOKYO UENO STATION.”

The protagonist Kazu, born in Fukushima in 1933, (incidentally the same year as the Emperor), was an old and cerebral figure, dwelling in the park near Ueno Station - where his restless spirit now haunts, even in death. It is here that Kazu’s life in Tokyo begins as a labourer in the run up to the 1964 Olympics, and where he spends his last days living in the park’s vast homeless ‘villages’. 

He has been left helpless and is anguished by the destruction of the tsunami (2011) and is now enraged by the imminent prospect of the 2020 Olympics. The story fidgets from overheard snippets of well-to-do Tokyoite conversations, to flickering memories of fellow wanderers, lovers and relatives. It is a deeply contemplative narrative, with beautiful realisations and tumbling phrases. Even in translated form, it highlights Yu Miri’s unique and poetic writing style.

Another contemporary novel which I particularly enjoyed was “STRANGE WEATHER IN TOKYO”, which is told from the perspective of a young(ish) woman named Tsukiko. It talks of modern city culture, the feeling of loneliness and a lack of purpose when leading a solitary life in the modern world. The narrative documents her relationship with a much older man, her old teacher in fact, whom she affectionately names “Sensei,” after meeting him in a bar. 

To begin with the acquaintance feels clinical and distant, but soon it becomes heartfelt and complex, pulling Tsukiko back to Satoru’s bar time and time again, hoping for a chance meeting. Many subtleties are noted: sake preferences, behaviours, favourite dishes, expressions and outlooks. 

It is a slightly bittersweet but also humorous perspective. This novel explores how important real bonds are over superficialities, and how love stories, however unconventional, have the power to bring joy, even to the most insular of people. Again the writing style is poetic and thoughtful. (I would say that this narrative is easier to follow than Miri’s work.

In reading contemporary Japanese literature you can learn lots about cultural values, societal attitudes and cuisines within a fictional  narrative. This should offer some needed escapism. I found it to be immersive and interesting; It stretched my imagination, having to formulate the unfamiliar scenes in my head. 

I am currently reading Japanese murder mystery called “THE INUGAMI CURSE” set in the 40’s in a remote village. While formulaic like all books of this type, the fresh setting adds interest - and it is typically quick to read. 

I hope I have been able to persuade you to consider some Japanese contemporary fiction for your next/Christmas read. 

My reads:

Strange Weather in Tokyo - Hiromi Kawakami 

Tokyo Ueno Station - Yu Miri

Before the coffee gets cold -(tales from the cafe) - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The Inugami Curse - Seishi Yokomizo

The Honjin Murder - Seishi Yokomizo

*the isolationist foreign policy of the Japanese. For a period of 214 years, relations and trade between Japan and other countries were very limited. 

Most foreign nationals could not enter  and the majority of people were kept from leaving the country.