 | Strangers by Taichi Yamada
Buy new: $16.00 / Used from: $1.64 This was the first of Yamada's books I read. It epitomizes the sort of near-horror Japanese writers do so well: subtle, but effective.
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 | I Haven't Dreamed of Flying for a While by Taichi Yamada
Buy used from: $5.14 The second Yamada. This one's kind of creepy and icky, but in a good way.
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 | In Search of a Distant Voice by Taichi Yamada
Buy used from: $1.77 I loved this book.
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 | Winter Sleep by Kenzo Kitakata
Buy new: $11.21 / Used from: $2.75 Brooding artistic criminal angst in the snow. I'd like to read more of Kitakata's work. To be honest, I just picked up because I liked the cover, and I'm usually willing to gamble on contemporary Japanese authors. This one worked out for me, fortunately.
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 | Naoko: A Novel by Keigo Higashino
Buy new: $11.66 / Used from: $5.38 The reincarnation/possession theme has been done before, but the setting and characterization make it stand out. It's a page-turner.
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 | The Crimson Labyrinth by Yusuke Kishi
Buy new: $13.45 / Used from: $3.78 This novel reminded me of a cross between BATTLE ROYALE and the Canadian film CUBE. The setting, once it was revealed, wasn't what I was expecting. To say there are lots of twists and turns is to understate the case. I want to read more of this guy's work also.
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 | Real World (Vintage International) by Natsuo Kirino
Buy new: $10.08 / Used from: $5.49 Kirino is somewhat like the Patricia Cornwell of Japan, but much harder-edged.
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 | Out: A Novel by Natsuo Kirino
Buy new: $10.04 / Used from: $0.01 I think I put this one in another list. Read it anyway. You will not be able to stop thinking about it afterward.
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 | Grotesque (Vintage International) by Natsuo Kirino
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $1.91 Reading this one now, but a bit concerned because I just found out the American version was censored. How typically weak-minded. If the British version's different, I'll track it down and buy it.
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 | Shadow Family by Miyuki Miyabe
Buy new: $10.16 / Used from: $2.42 This was a slow-ish read but the idea impressed the hell out of me.
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 | Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe
Buy new: $10.16 / Used from: $3.00 FIRESTARTER, Japanese style.
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 | In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami
Buy new: $11.20 / Used from: $0.82 The other Murakami. I haven't gotten into all of his books but I liked this one.
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 | Piercing by Ryu Murakami
Buy new: $10.40 / Used from: $3.02 One word: eww.
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 | Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
Buy used from: $8.84 I'm not familiar enough with the canon to know which came first, this or the manga. Doesn't matter, really. It's a damn good book. Even if you've seen the movie, this is still a very satisfying read, for the depth it brings to the story and the characters.
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