Book Lists

Newest Translated Fiction

2024 New and Upcoming Releases from Japan (updated December 2023)

2023 Upcoming Japanese Fiction Releases (updated November 2023)

Japanese Fiction in English Translation by Author

This list includes only novels written for adults for the simple reason that the corpus of Japanese literature is just too expansive. You won’t find plays, poems, manga, light novels, children’s books, or books clearly written for a young adult audience.

Be sure to check out our other booklists:

These booklists are linked to specific RJL episodes:

Here’s a list of premodern Japanese texts and translations from Meiji Gakuin University.

And if you’re looking for more books for kids or young adults, take a look at the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Anthologies of Japanese Literature

Murasaki Shikibu, one of the world’s first novelists

To the best of my knowledge, I’ve followed the Western convention of personal name first. All links are affiliate links to Bookshop.org or Libro.fm. Support local bookstores!