Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life (2017) Norwegian Wood (2001) The Japanese Myths: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits (2022) The 500 Hidden Secrets of Tokyo (2023) Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style (2023) Wabi Sabi : Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life (2018) Japonisme: Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-Sabi and More (2018) Neon Lights in Tokyo: An Insider's Guide to the Best Places to Eat, Drink and Explore (2022) Ghibliotheque : The Unofficial Guide to the Movies of Studio Ghibli (2024) Be More Bonsai: Change your life with the mindful practice of growing bonsai trees (2022) A Tokyo Romance (2019) Dorodango: The Japanese Art of Making Mud Balls (2019) The Sakura Obsession (2020) Abroad in Japan (2023) Fear and Trembling (2004) The Way of Nagomi (2022) Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
16 Books to Read for a Greater Sense of Tokyo
31 Jul 2024
Tokyo is a city where tradition and modernity seamlessly converge. Towering skyscrapers line neon-lit streets that give way to tranquil gardens and ancient shrines bathed in natural light, offering travelers a plethora of experiences from digital art shows to Hanami festivals. Traditional arts such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and ikebana (flower arranging) reflect Japan’s values of precision, elegance, respect, harmony, and discipline. Globally renowned for its cuisine, craftsmanship, technological innovations, anime, and manga, Japanese culture blends a reverence for the past with an enthusiasm for the future.~~Inspired by Ultimate Library’s collaboration with Bulgari Hotel Tokyo and the newly opened JANU Tokyo, we have curated a list of 16 books that capture the essence of Japan and its rich, multifaceted culture. To add the full collection to your library get in touch with Ultimate Library or to buy the novels individually, visit our sister company
South Kensington Books.
by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
'A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness...' (Stylist). Discover the Japanese secret to a long and happy life, and find your ikigai – your reason to jump out of bed each morning. Truly inspiring, this comforting book will provide you with life-changing tools to uncover your personal ikigai. Leave urgency behind and find your purpose, bringing meaning and joy to your every day.
by Haruki Murakami
Heralded by the New York Times as 'a masterly novel,' this work catapulted Murakami to literary stardom. The story follows Toru Watanabe, who is transported back to his student days in Tokyo when he hears his favorite Beatles song, stirring memories of his first love, Naoko. This poignant tale delves into 1960s counterculture, love, sexuality, and grief, illustrating how unresolved loss profoundly shapes adult life.
by Joshua Frydman
A smart and succinct guide to the rich tradition of Japanese mythology, retelling ancient stories while considering their place within the context of Japanese religions, culture and history. This is a book for anyone interested in Japan, as knowing the myths allows readers to understand the deep links between the past and present and the ways these myths live and grow, casting Japanese culture in a new light.
by Yukiko Tajima
An affectionate city guide written by Tokyo local Yukiko Tajima, listing the 500 must-visit places in her fascinating hometown, as well as her top good-to-know facts. Discover secret sites and new sides to this bustling capital while escaping the crowds of tourists, such as, the 5 best kimono shops, natural hotsprings, Japanese teahouses and places for Haruki Murakami fans.
by W. David Marx
Cultural historian W. David Marx traces the Japanese assimilation of American fashion over the past 150 years. From high-end denim to oxford button-downs, Japanese brands, such as UNIQLO and Kapital, have built their global businesses by creating the highest-quality versions of classic American casual garments – a style known as ametora, or ‘American traditional’. This book shows how Japanese trendsetters and entrepreneurs mimicked, adapted, imported and ultimately perfected American style.
by Beth Kempton
The captivating concept from Japanese aesthetics that helps us to see beauty in imperfection, appreciate simplicity and accept the transient nature of all things. This book is a definitive guide to applying the principles of wabi sabi to every area of your life, helping you to simplify, seek meaning beyond materialism, concentrate on what really matters and find happiness.
by Erin Niimi Longhurst
Explore the Japanese art of finding contentment with practical tips and tricks to live a happier, healthier and more thoughtful life. From shinrinyoku (forest bathing) to calligraphy, ikebana (flower arranging) and tea ceremonies, the Japanese have found contentment through traditions, philosophies and the practice of art. This insightful book shows us how we can all incorporate aspects of Japonisme into our daily lives.
by Ben Groundwater
Tokyo is a metropolis packed with culture, fashion, traditions, rituals and norms. It’s big, bold and often highly intimidating to the uninitiated. But not to worry, Groundwater’s book will be your essential guide to the neon, colossal world of Tokyo –to the best restaurants, bars, shops and attractions hidden within the urban jungle. This book also acts as a guiding hand through the intricacies of Tokyo culture and its residents' obsessions, from craft beer to coffee, baseball and ramen noodles.
by Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham
Are you a fan of Studio Ghibli? Well look no further, because here is the complete and essential guide to the magical animated stories of Hayao Miyazaki. Including well-balanced and highly informed critique of the beloved feature films, such as Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke, this book not only provides fascinating information on how the films were created, but also features whimsical stills, posters, portraits of the creative team and the Studio itself. A truly enchanting and comprehensive guide to the worlds of the legendary, Oscar-winning animation company.
by Mark Akins
How the art of growing bonsai trees can lead to a happier, more mindful way of life… From the shedding of leaves representing the letting go of material possessions, to carefully tending to the bonsai roots just as we should our own core values, this calming companion draws on thousands of years of wisdom that will guide you in cherishing every day.
by Ian Buruma
A portrait of a young film student and the fantastical city that shaped him. Set in 1975, this is a timeless tale of Ian Buruma’s adventures in the world of avant-garde theatre, his encounters with carnival acts, fashion photographers and moments on-set with Akira Kurosawa – exploring the desire to transgress cultural, artistic and sexual boundaries in a feverish and surreal metropolis.
by Bruce Gardner
The Japanese hikaru dorodango, or ‘shiny mud ball’, is made by hand rolling earth into a perfect sphere and polishing it until it gleams. This simple art and unique practice, once a playground game, has been rediscovered as a meditative and peaceful pastime and is being adopted by people of all ages. Master dorodango maker Bruce Gardner covers every aspect of the mud ball making process, accompanied by dynamic photographs and inspiring words on the mindful qualities of this earthy activity.
by Naoko Abe
‘An enchanting story about an Englishman’s attempts to preserve Japan’s rich cherry tree heritage in the face of rapid modernisation,’ (The Japan Times). A history of the Japanese cherry blossom and the pioneering work of English eccentric, Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram – following the flower from its significance as a symbol of the imperial court, through the dark days of WWII and up to the present-day worldwide fascination with this iconic blossom.
by Chris Broad
A number one Sunday Times bestseller, this hilarious travelogue chronicles ten years of life in Japan, from lush rice fields to the bustling, neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Arriving in northern Japan with no knowledge of the language and no teaching experience, Englishman Chris Broad questions his decision. Through captivating tales, from missile incidents to a week spent with Japan's biggest movie star, Broad unravels the complexities of one of the world's most intricate cultures, vividly illustrating the culture shock of living in a foreign land.
by Amélie Nothomb
Growing up in Japan before relocating to Belgium, Amélie, a westerner, dreams of seamlessly blending into Japanese society within a year by joining the Yumimoto Corporation. However, her idealistic aspirations soon unravel into a darkly humorous nightmare filled with terror and self-debasement. In her novella, Amélie Nothomb provides a disturbing yet insightful exploration of the complex dynamics of relationships in Japan, revealing the delicate processes of their formation and dissolution.
by Ken Mogi
The word "nagomi" holds no direct translation in English, yet it's a cherished concept in Japan, representing inner peace, emotional harmony, and overall well-being. From the meticulous balance of flavors in cuisine to embracing both the challenges and joys of life, and even in the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom season, nagomi permeates Japanese culture. Through an exploration of Japan's rich history, traditions, and cultural practices, Mogi illustrates how one can cultivate a fulfilling life by embracing nagomi.
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