Why Are Indian Readers Drawn to Japanese Literature?

In recent years, Japanese literature has quietly but powerfully found a devoted readership in India. From the dreamy, surreal worlds of Haruki Murakami to the gripping and emotionally layered narratives of Keigo Higashino, and heart-warming and thought-provoking stories by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Indian readers are increasingly drawn to the unique voice of Japanese writing.

Slow shift

Part of this growing appeal comes from a shift in reader preferences — many are seeking something beyond fast-paced Western thrillers or mainstream Indian fiction.

“I feel there's a trend in reading more works by BIPOC authors than books by White Westerners. People are more interested in broadening their reading tastes and social media is helping popularise Japanese literature. Not only that, it's also popularising Japanese food and movies  Even the literary prizes like Booker and Nobel Prize in Literature have been leaning towards non-English books, which is causing the shift as well,” explains Sulagna Mondal, psychologist and book blogger.

Indians are not new to Japanese literature and the likes of Haruki Murakami are a part of literature studies in several colleges and universities. “I think Indian readers today are far more open and receptive to international and translated voices, whether in books or cinema. There’s a growing curiosity about cultures beyond the West, and Japanese storytelling, with its delicate nuances and emotional depth, naturally resonates. We read Murakami’s latest, The City and its Uncertain Walls for KitabKhana’s book club, KitabKlub in February which he wrote after a six-year gap, and our readers loved reading the book,” shares Rachna Chopra, Digital Marketing & Events Head KitabKhana, Mumbai.

Relatable themes

Japanese novels, often steeped in subtlety, silence, and sensitivity, offer a refreshing change. These stories tend to explore loneliness, memory, nature, and everyday beauty — something that resonates deeply with modern Indian readers, especially younger audiences navigating urban isolation and emotional complexity.

This resonance is one of the key reasons behind the growing popularity of Japanese literature in India. “Themes like solitude and memory strike a deep chord with Indian readers, especially in today’s fast-paced, introspective world. Despite cultural differences, the emotional depth and human vulnerability portrayed in Japanese novels feel surprisingly relatable, creating a quiet bridge between two very different cultures,” says Sumit Varma, Edupreneur, Founder Schoolyatra, Collegeyatra & Bharat Education Forum.

Echoing similar views is Mondal, who highlights how even mundane moments depicted in these books create a sense of comfort and connection. “These books have a lot of relatability. Be it a mundane existence (that the book A Perfect Day to Be Alone by Nanae Aoyama normalised) to drawing strength from books and community (as talked about in What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama), these Japanese fiction novels attract people who just want to find comfort,” she says. “There are Japanese books with magical realism and a lot of cultural nuances that make people naturally interested in the culture. It does not naturally mean that there's a connection between Indian and Japanese culture (other than the community aspect).”

For some, the charm lies in the poetic and whimsical details that are unique to Japanese storytelling. “I absolutely love reading Japanese literature and often look beyond the mainstream bestsellers to discover quieter, more contemplative voices. There’s something beautifully dreamy and whimsical about Japanese writing, it observes the everyday and little moments with such grace and often blends magical realism in a way that feels deeply human. And, of course, there are always cats, tea, and music, which I’m drawn to,” Chopra exclaims.

Translation & social media

The rise of translated works has played a major role. Publishers like Penguin and HarperCollins have made Japanese titles more accessible, while Indian bookstores and online platforms now spotlight these books as part of curated world literature collections. “This shift reflects a broader curiosity to explore global perspectives, especially from regions like East Asia. It’s also a result of improved translation quality and the desire to read stories that are authentic, nuanced, and culturally rich,” Varma adds.

Social media too has amplified the trend—Instagram book reviewers and influencers often share aesthetically shot posts featuring notable Japanese authors and titles, further fuelling interest. “Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have created a vibrant community of readers who often recommend Japanese titles. The aesthetic appeal of Japanese book covers, along with the introspective depth of their stories, makes them popular among influencers and readers alike,” Varma shares.

Additionally, the popularity of Japanese pop culture—anime, manga, and J-dramas—has also led fans to explore its literary roots. As a result, Japanese literature is no longer niche in India; it’s a quiet movement that’s slowly becoming mainstream. “It's not just social media, but during the pandemic, a lot of people started getting into anime and manga as well and I think that has a lot to do with the growing interest. I remember Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi came out before the pandemic and during the lockdown, a lot of book influencers picked it up… that's when the book started gaining popularity. The pandemic brought in a lot of new readers and they got intrigued by this 'healing fiction',” Mondal adds.

However, the rise is not just due to social media, as Chopra points out. “It is definitely one part of the reading ecosystem today. However, there’s also the entire ecosystem right from the publishers, distributors, bookstores, book clubs, and offline events. Recommendations from book bloggers online do create a ripple effect. I’ve seen that myself, being a book blogger and having used social media to share recommendations for the past few years. That said, this growing interest is also part of a broader cultural exchange, we are seeing more Japanese food, cinema, design, and art in India, and Japanese literature has always had its presence in India and social media reflects that. For Indian readers, Japanese literature isn’t just about stories from another land—it’s a window to a culture that finds beauty in the stillness and power in the unsaid,” she avers.

Start your Japanese reading journey

Before the Coffee Gets Cold 

Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi

In a small Tokyo café, you can travel back in time—but only briefly. A gentle, moving meditation on love, loss, and second chances.

Kafka on the Shore

Author: Haruki Murakami

A surreal epic involving a runaway teen, a cat finder, and a mysterious prophecy. Mind-bending and unforgettable.

Snow Country 

Author: Yasunari Kawabata

A lyrical, melancholic tale of a doomed affair between a wealthy man and a geisha, set in Japan’s snowy mountains. Nobel Prize-winning classic.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

Author: Michiko Aoyama

A warm and engaging story about the power of books and community, set in a library in a small town.

Kitchen

Author: Banana Yoshimoto

A beautifully written novel that explores themes of love, loss, and healing through the experiences of two young women in Tokyo

Convenience Store Woman 

Author: Sayaka Murata

A sharp, darkly funny novel about a woman who doesn't fit into society's mould—and is perfectly okay with that. A quiet rebellion.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North 

Author: Matsuo Bashō

A poetic travel diary by Japan’s most famous haiku poet. Meditative, spiritual, and deeply rooted in nature.

Malice 

Author: Keigo Higashino

A bestselling author is murdered. The prime suspect confesses—but nothing is as it seems. A cerebral puzzle perfect for fans of slow-burn whodunits.

The Cat Who Saved Books 

Author: Sosuke Natsukawa

A heartwarming story about a young man and a talking cat who embark on a quest to save mistreated books.

Strange Weather in Tokyo 

Author: Hiromi Kawakami

A gentle, unconventional love story between a woman in her 30s and her former teacher—quiet, quirky, and deeply affecting.

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