If you’re looking to infuse your 2026 reading list with depth, imagination, and a touch of the unexpected, Japanese literature offers a rich tapestry of stories that resonate deeply.
From contemporary thrillers to timeless classics, here are seven must-read Japanese books to transform your year:
1. Butter by Asako Yuzuki
📚 Category: Psychological Thriller / Feminist Crime Fiction
📖 A Japanese Thriller I Couldn’t Put Down
A suspenseful and deliciously written novel that blends crime, food, and female ambition. *Butter* is unlike any thriller you’ve read — haunting, rich, and full of flavor.
Discover on AmazonA gripping feminist crime novel that delves into the complexities of desire, food, and societal expectations. Inspired by a real-life case, it follows journalist Rika Machida as she investigates Manako Kajii, a woman accused of seducing and murdering men with her exquisite cooking.
This novel challenges perceptions and has been lauded for its sharp critique of beauty standards and fatphobia.
2. Mina’s Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa
📚 Category: Literary Fiction / Coming-of-Age
✨ A Quietly Beautiful Japanese Novel
A gentle, nostalgic story about friendship, memory, and the small rituals of daily life. Yōko Ogawa’s writing is quietly powerful and utterly transporting.
Discover on AmazonSet in 1970s Japan, this tender coming-of-age story follows 12-year-old Tomoko as she moves in with her eccentric cousin Mina.
Through their shared experiences, the novel explores themes of family, memory, and the subtle complexities of childhood. Ogawa’s prose is both delicate and profound, making this a poignant read.
3. Hunchback by Saou Ichikawa
📚 Category: Poetic Literary Fiction / Disability Narrative
🖤 A Bold & Poetic Japanese Novel
A gripping and lyrical tale of difference, obsession, and identity. _Hunchback_ explores what it means to be seen—and unseen—in a world that prizes perfection.
Discover on AmazonA groundbreaking novella that offers an unflinching look into the life of Izawa Shaka, a woman with a severe disability living in a care facility.
Through her candid reflections on desire, autonomy, and societal perceptions, Ichikawa challenges readers to confront their own biases. This work has been praised for its raw honesty and was longlisted for the International Booker Prize.
4. The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
📚 Category: Surreal Fiction / Metaphysical Romance
🌆 A Haunting Return from Haruki Murakami
Murakami returns with a mysterious, introspective novel about memory, loss, and love. A dreamlike journey through emotional and surreal landscapes, rich with signature Murakami magic.
Discover on AmazonMurakami returns with a novel that blurs the lines between reality and the surreal. Expanding upon a short story he wrote in 1980, this tale explores themes of memory, loss, and the search for meaning within the confines of a mysterious city.
Fans of Murakami’s signature style will find familiar motifs woven into a fresh narrative.
5. Strange Pictures by Uketsu
📚 Category: Psychological Horror / Experimental Fiction
🖼️ A Chilling Japanese Horror Read
From viral Japanese horror author Uketsu, this spine-tingling collection will stay with you. If you loved _Junji Ito_, this is your next unsettling obsession.
Discover on AmazonEmerging from a background of surreal YouTube videos, the enigmatic author Uketsu presents a novel composed of interlocking stories driven by childhood trauma and haunting imagery.
“Strange Pictures” offers a unique narrative structure that challenges conventional storytelling, making it a standout in contemporary Japanese fiction.
6. The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai
📚 Category: Postwar Classic / Existential Literary Fiction
🌅 A Japanese Classic of Beauty and Despair
A postwar masterpiece of loss and change. Dazai’s novel captures Japan’s fading aristocracy through lyrical prose and haunting melancholy. Essential reading for lovers of literary fiction.
Discover on AmazonA classic that captures the disintegration of Japan’s aristocracy post-World War II. Through the eyes of Kazuko, a woman grappling with societal change and personal despair, Dazai paints a poignant picture of a nation’s identity crisis.
This novel remains a seminal work in understanding Japan’s postwar literature.
7. The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
📚 Category: Cozy Mystery / Culinary Fiction
A heartwarming tale set in Kyoto, where a father-daughter duo runs a restaurant that recreates dishes from their customers’ cherished memories.
Each chapter serves up a new mystery, blending culinary delights with emotional depth. It’s a comforting read that celebrates the power of food and nostalgia.
These selections offer a diverse range of narratives that delve into the human experience, societal norms, and the ethereal aspects of life.
Whether you’re seeking introspective journeys, societal critiques, or tales that challenge reality, this list has something to enrich your 2026 reading journey.
