Books to read before your trip to Japan

Ghosts Of The Tsunami

by Richard Lloyd Parry

In 2011, a devastating earthquake hit the east of Japan and triggered a tsunami that took the lives of almost 20,000 people. The combined natural events caused a nuclear meltdown and the country suffered the greatest loss of life since the bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. When the disaster unfolded, British journalist Richard Lloyd Parry was living in Tokyo. Profoundly moved by the event, Parry spent six years researching and interviewing people in the worst affected parts of Japan. Ghosts of the Tsunami is the harrowing result of his journey.

Hokkaido Highway Blues

by Will Ferguson

Hokkaido Highway Blues is the lighthearted account of a gaijin (foreigner) who decides, after a few too many sakés, to hitchhike the length of the country to follow the blooming sakura (cherry blossom). Ferguson, a Canadian English teacher who lived in Japan, embarked on his unconventional journey to learn more about the culture of the country. Packed full of wit, humour and a raw sense of adventure, Hokkaido Highway Blues is a fascinating insight into the lesser-travelled roads of Japan and the notoriously private Japanese people.

A Geek In Japan

by Héctor Garcia

Whether you’re into the eccentric anime-loving side of Japan, or you’re simply interested in the culture, A Geek in Japan is the ultimate beginner’s guide to all facets of the country. Author Hector Garcia is a Spanish expat who has called Japan home for the last 14 years. While there’s an emphasis on all things high-tech, the book also covers food, festivals and more.

Norwegian Wood

by Haruki Murakami

Widely described as Japan’s most popular contemporary writer, Japanese author Haruki Murakami deserves a place on any list of books related to his home country. His novels are typically mind-bending, realitytwisting and yet, are mostly set in real-world Japan. Norwegian Wood follows protagonist Toru Watanabe and is described as a coming-of-age romance, but the captivating story deals extensively with the heavy burden of grief. It’s also one of his only titles without the magical-realism he has become known for.