Japanese culture has extended its reach to global scenes, even the world's book community! Many Japanese-themed books have received worldwide recognition and praise for their beautiful stories and unique plots, implementing many interesting cultural aspects that elevate the stories completely. With such a large market for these books, it can be hard to narrow down the options! Hence, here are 4 Japanese-themed storybooks for your TBR.

1) Hyo the Hellmaker by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh

Genre: supernatural fantasy, action, mystery

Image Credit: Ee Lynn Gan

I've recommended this book in a past article (Out of BookTok, Here Are 5 Underrated Books That Are Hidden Gems), but here I am recommending it again!

As a 'hellmaker', Hakai Hyo and her weapon-spirit-bearing brother, Mansaku, run a business selling curse services. With Hyo's ability to manipulate 'unluck', undetectable forces of misfortune, clients from all over commission her to punish their foes. The cost?

Half your remaining lifespan, or maybe a prized generational heirloom. Curses aren't easy to execute, and they aren't cheap.

When commissioned by a malicious demon to investigate a matter on the independent, wealthy island nation of Onogoro, Hyo and Mansaku are involuntarily pulled into a tangled web of conspiracies and manipulation. With help, they work steadfast to complete the demon's commission and unravel the mystery - one that could cause the complete downfall of this prosperous island nation.

Thoughts:

I absolutely loved the execution of parallel mysteries in this book that linked up in the end to give a splendid combined ending. The timeline of the book is heavily-inspired by the Edo period, but with many modern twists that gave its setting a unique atmosphere! The pages are also lined with beautiful borders and feature large illustrations that help readers properly envision the characters and settings.

Besides that, Hyo and Mansaku's sibling relationship is wholesome, heart-warming, yet full of banter. Its another reason why I'd recommend Hyo the Hellmaker without hesitation!

"Mansaku's grin was crooked, and his voice carried the same teasing warmth as always. 'You're the Hellmaker, little sister. I'm just the guy with the sword in his gut. But I've got your back - always.' Hyo rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her affection."

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2) A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee

Genre: mythology fantasy, adventure, fantasy

Image Credit: Ee Lynn Gan

I am in a love-hate relationship with this one. A Thousand Steps Into Night is a Japanese-inspired fantasy adventure standalone that follows the life of Miuko, a clumsy, ordinary girl living in the realm of Awara, a place where gods, monsters, and humans exist together.

As the only daughter of a simple innkeeper, Miuko was not destined for power or authority. But when she is accidentally cursed by a mysterious figure and starts her slow transformation into a demon, Miuko is forced to break away from the norms and embark on a journey to find a cure. What she discovered, however, went way beyond her (and my) wildest expectations...

Thoughts:

This book does feature slight romance between Miuko and Tujiyazai, the demon prince of the realm, but does not place much emphasis on it which made the relationship between the 2 perplexing. But since this is a dark feminist story, it is somewhat expected that Miuko would remain independent and complete the journey solo, though she did have help from a magpie spirit, Geiki, throughout. Overall, I was very impressed with the language and style of this book which significantly elevated my reading experience.

But the plot, to me, did get rather confusing towards the end and deviated from the original main storyline. However, if you can stomach many story twists and additional turns, I'd definitely suggest giving A Thousand Steps Into Night a read!

"Miuko grinned as her blue hand unclenched. She may not have been all human. She may not have been all demon. But whatever she was, after all that had transpired, she knew one thing for certain: for the first time in her life, she was finally, wholly, unabashedly herself."

3) The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi

Genre: magical realism, contemporary fiction, slice of life

Image Credit: Ee Lynn Gan

After reading a handful of these cozy-looking Japanese novels, I've come to realise a trend: their concepts are one-of-a-kind and tend to touch on more spiritual themes. Like how The Kamogawa Food Detectives (an short novel by Hisashi Kashiwai) was all about the connection between food and memories, The Lantern of Lost Memories is all about the connection between photographs and memories. It seamlessly blends themes of reminiscence and mystery, highlighting the journey through crossroads of life and death.

Hirasaka, a photographer, runs a photo-studio store for those who have just arrived at the juncture of the afterlife - the recently deceased. It sounds strange, but trust me its actually really sweet! Upon a person's passing, they wake up at Hirasaka's studio where countless photos of their lived lives are compiled.

They are then asked to select photos to attach to their very own 'lantern of lost memories', a custom rumoured throughout Japanese culture. This lantern acts as a 'summary flashback' of their lives, helping them move onto the afterlife with more closure.

Thoughts:

Like most translated Japanese novels, the language is simple and easy to understand. Thus, I'd recommend it if you're new to reading or trying to learn English. The Lantern of Lost Memories explores hidden spiritual parts of Japanese culture that are not often seen by the world!

Its heart-warming and perfect for a cozy reading session. It covers 3 'episodes' of Hirasaka helping his clients put together their lantern of lost memories. For all the emotional, nostalgic, cozy book lovers out there, this one's for you!

"You know how photos you treasure the most are the ones you always get out to look at, so they end up all faded and torn? Well, it's the same with memories."

4) The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Genre: literary fiction, magical realism, slice of life

Image Credit: Ee Lynn Gan

Here's another translated Japanese novel that made me smile lovingly too many times! After the passing of his grandfather, 17-year-old Natsuki Rintaro inherits his grandfather's bookshop. Rintaro stops attending school and faces many struggles dealing with this new trauma of losing a loved one.

Suddenly, a talking tabby cat named Tiger appears and requests for help to 'rescue some books'. Tiger then brings Rintaro along on surreal 'labyrinth' adventures where they save mistreated books and protest against people who abuse the value of literature. Along these exciting, magical journeys, Rintaro slowly comes to peace with his recent loss and finds the inner courage to continue living out his life.

Thoughts:

Another perfect cozy read! With its very creative concepts and adventures, The Cat Who Saved Books is sure to bring many smiles to your face! Its sequel, The Cat Who Saved The Library has just been released and follows the adventures of Tiger accompanied by a young girl who notices the disappearances of books from her local library.

Together, they do their utmost best to solve the mystery behind the missing books! If you're into sentimental, soothing reads about finding closure in unexpected ways, go add The Cat Who Saved Books and its sequel to your TBR!

"Suddenly the cat spoke: 'Books have a soul. A book that sits on a shelf is nothing but a bundle of paper. Unless it is opened, a book possessing great power, an epic story, is a mere scrap of paper. But a book that has been cherished and loved , filled with human thoughts, has been endowed with a soul."

That brings me to the end of my book reviews/suggestions! These Japanese-themed books have received much praise about the quality and originality of their stories, resonating with readers all around the globe. If any of these books piqued your interest, go add them to your TBR and give them a read when you have the chance. Happy reading!