Top 6 Novels by Westerners about Japan or Japanese Characters (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–42 … My Adventures in Japan)

“For those who have an interest in Japan, all of these books are relevant, fascinating, and thought-provoking.”

One could say that it's rather easy to write about Japan; you have an extensive, ready-made culture that everyone’s heard of, but which few people have experienced.

And it comes complete with heavy doses of both historical uniqueness and “futuristic”  fantasies made real.      _{(Image source)}

But it’s another thing to write well about the country or its people. (See Tatami #47, coming in a few days.)

The above writers managed to do so – in various ways and from various perspectives.    _{(Image source)}

Fascinating fiction

For those who have never been to Japan and who have no interest in the country, some of the above books might not be the best introduction to the country and its culture. But for many who have been to Japan or who have an interest in all things Japanese, all of these books are relevant, fascinating, and thought-provoking.   

And most of them are great literature, too. Indeed.      _{(Image source)}

   Introduction to – “Notes from Under the Tatami Mats”  _{(right-click on title)}

Top 4 Foreign Writers Writing about Japanese Society or Culture

Top 3 Books on Japanese Government and Bureaucracy

Top Book about Japanese Cooperatives

... and more

Links to my Other Series …

      Introduction – "Intro to Vocab-ability"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Guide – "Guide to Entries"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections   _{(right-click on title)}

      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"   _{(right-click on title)}

_{Images sourced from Google Images, unless otherwise indicated or unless my own.}