'African Samurai': The story of Yasuke — black samurai and warlord's confidant
The epic tale of Yasuke, Japan's first foreign-born samurai has hit bookshelves, giving readers a comprehensive picture of a man who witnessed great moments of history, but whose story has ...
Children's author Kenji Miyazawa: Fundamental to the modern form
Author and poet Kenji Miyazawa's fantastical worldbuilding, poignant text and progressive morals laid the foundations of modern Japanese children's literature.
'The Great Successor': The making of Kim Jong Un, North Korea's despot leader
Years of extensive research and interviews make Anna Fifield's biography of Kim Jong Un and others in the Kim dynasty a must-read for those striving to understand North Korea's enigmatic ...
In discussion with Anna Fifield, author of 'The Great Successor'
The Washington Post Beijing bureau chief Anna Fifield's new book, "The Great Successor," details the life of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.
'Three Japanese Short Stories' review: A literary amuse-bouche
In "Three Japanese Short Stories," stories by noted authors Kafu Nagai, Koji Uno and Ryonosuke Akutagawa illustrate a Japan grappling with the wider world.
'Modern Japanese Short Stories' review: A bridge between past and present
A classic introduction to the Japanese short story, "Modern Japanese Short Stories" is a literary time capsule of postwar Japan.
Darkness and forgiveness: Haruki Murakami reflects on power and violence in the world and literature
Warning: The following interview contains spoilers for Haruki Murakami's latest novel, "Killing Commendatore." The second installment of a two-part interview with novelist Haruki Murakami In "Killing Commendatore," the knife pierces the Commendatore's thin body until it comes out through his back. His white clothes and the ...
Noted Japanese author Haruki Murakami looks back over 40 years of literary endeavors
Warning: The following interview contains spoilers for Haruki Murakami's latest novel, "Killing Commendatore." Best-selling Japanese author Haruki Murakami sat down for an interview with Kyodo News in April on the 40th anniversary of his debut novel "Hear the Wind Sing." Here he speaks about his ...
'The Future is Asian': 'Crazy Rich Asians' with infographics
Through in-depth research and infographics, Parag Khanna's "The Future is Asian" details the 21st-century socioeconomic pivot to Asia and why the region deserves its newfound confidence.
'Yokai Attack!' review: The Japanese creatures that go bump in the night
"Yokai Attack! The Japanese Monster Survival Guide" terrorizes with well-researched descriptions and powerful illustrations of Japanese yokai (supernatural monsters), but also provides helpful hints on how to evade them.
'Shoe Dog' review: A 'crazy idea,' a multibillion dollar company
For runners and nonrunners alike, "Shoe Dog" is an invaluable glimpse into one of the world's most recognizable companies and its groundbreaking founder.
Poop, realism and Ghibli: Enter the world of children's literature
To introduce our readers to this special subsection of Japanese literature, for the next 12 months, we'll be featuring one children's writer or illustrator on these pages each month.
