Japanese historical fiction

[Libra]

Very informative. I have Shogun and I am contemplating if I should start it or not. 3 I can handle.It's just that I am in the middle of 3-4 other series , but Shogun is the only "unread book" I have right now at home. Thank you!

[clovis-man]

I don't think I saw it mentioned in the thread so far, but you may be aware that the Musashi tales were filmed in a wonderful three part series in the 1950s. Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki and starring Toshiro Mifune, these are readily available on DVD and quite worthwhile. Wonderful cinematography considering the early date they were produced. The titles are: Miyamoto Musashi Zoku Miyamoto Musashi: Ichijôji no kettô and Miyamoto Musashi kanketsuhen: kettô Ganryûjima

Not quite in the mainstream of historical fiction, but enjoyable nonetheless are Sean Russell's two novels, The Initiate Brother and Gatherer of Clouds. They are more in the style of the Otori books. Well written with engaging characters and lots of "palace intrigue".

[Talysia]

The Initiate Brother and Gatherer of Clouds definitely sound like they're worth me having a look for, as I enjoyed the Tales of the Otori series immensely. I'll keep my eyes open for the films, too.

Thanks, clovis-man!

[clovis-man]

I should have included a link earlier which gives a good description of how the Russell stories are put together:

Sean Russell: The Initiate Brother & Gatherer of Clouds

An epic tale. One to sink your teeth into.

[Talysia]

Having read that, I'm definitely going to be keeping a look out for that. Thanks clovis-man!

[JoanDrake]

Wow, everybody has already brought up all the historical novels I know of. The only thing I have left are some classics and contemporary novels I know you've probably already read, but I'll list some of them in case somebody else might find them beneficial.

Zen in the Art of Archery, by Eugen Hergel,
very short little book written in 1948, said by many to be among the more accessible books to Westerners on Japans second great religion.

The Sea of Fertility, by Yukio Mushima
Actually 4 stories running from 1912 to 1975. Interesting as the masterpiece of an author considered one of Japan's best postwar crop and also covering the Taisho period, which I find very interesting but somewhat neglected era in Japanese history.

Again, I apologise for using works you probably have already

[Talysia]

Actually, I haven't read those, so thanks for bringing them to my attention, Joan. I've added them to my list of books to look out for.

[clovis-man]

Don't want to go too far off track, but it may be of interest to read about the actual history of some of the themes which appear repeatedly in Japanese historical fiction. S.R. Turnbull has written several books on the subject. The one with which I am most familiar is The Samurai, A Military History. Written about 30 years ago, it details the progression of the Samurai up to modern times. Should be available as a used copy via Bookfinder.com or other internet book search. Nicely illustrated, it is a fine read and a good background for many "tales" that are told today.
One example is the story about the battle of Dan-no-ura, which involved a horrific naval defeat in 1185 and the suicides of royalty. The tale is retold in the 1964 film Kwaidan, which contains four Japanese ghost stories and was nominated for an Oscar.

Kaidan (1964)

Hope this is of interest.

[Talysia]

It certainly is, clovis-man. Thanks!

[Connavar]

Thanks clovis !

I have seen documenataries about the real history of samurai,japanese history that i would be interesting to read historical books like that.


Speaking about Historical Fiction, are there more straight historical fiction about culture,history and not with fantasy elements like Otori ?

It doesnt have to be japanese historical fiction but also Asian like Clavell books.

My little brother just finished reading Shogun and wants a list of 2-3 other series other Otori tales that i have already recommended.

[Mao]

Hey everyone! New to this site and little brother to Connavor there. I have watched my brother lurk around this site for long time now, but it was first today that I found out that there was a Japanese historical fiction forum, so here I am.

I am still reading Shogun actually,though soon done. I dread that moment, for right now I find the book so captivating and so damn good, that I wish the Asian Saga would just continue from where Shogun will end.Someone said that the book after Shogun, Tai Pan, is perhaps his best book of in the Asian Saga? Really.. Just hearing that, makes me want to read that book

Anyways, its great that this thread is here. Helps a lot. I will look into those titles already mentioned and if any of you could recommend any Shogun-like book or serie, I would be grateful.

[Talysia]

Welcome, Mao! Always good to see other fans of the genre here.

Unfortunately, I haven't read Tai Pan yet (or Shogun, for that matter) but they're moving fast to the top of my to-be-read pile. I keep getting sidetracked by various different fantasy authors.

Hopefully there'll be some recommendations for other books like Shogun for you, though. I think I'd be rather interested in them myself.

[Mao]

Thanks, Talysia. It is good to be here.

I think you and any other fan of this genre, will love the Shogun. Simply the best. As for other books, so far I am interested in the Otori serie and Musashi serie, of course, and the Initiate Brother & Gatherer of Clouds.

Whats your take on those books?

[Talysia]

My take on the Otori series? I loved it. There wasn't too much in the way of traditional fantasy about them but the sheer scale of the story and characters, not to mention the level of detail, drew me right in and kept me reading right to the last page. I'd definitely recommend them. I haven't read Musashi yet (again, my to-be read pile keeps diverting me) but I'll definitely be aiming to read it soon, along with Shogun.

[Mao]

I ordered the otori serie now and as soon as I get them from the store, I will start reading the first in the serie. It is top on my read-to list now, as I am down with Shogun

I have a question about the Musashi serie..

Is it 5 books or 6 in the serie? Or better question, isn't The Way Of The Samurai the first in the serie? At Amazon.com, There is this book called Musashi (Hardcover). I have bit problem placing where this belongs in the serie, however, seing that it is close to 1000 pages long.. I guess it it is the entire serie in one book,neh?