Japanese historical fiction

[Talysia]

I'm a big fan of Japanese history, so novels based on this subject fascinate me. Among my current favourites are Fudoki by Kij Johnson, Cloud of Sparrows and Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka, set in Tokugawa era Japan, and Fish of the Seto Inland Sea by Ruri Pilgrim, and this is set at the turn of the 20th century, through both World Wars, up to the 1950s.
Could anyone recommend any other good titles?

[aarti]

Not so much historical fiction as historical fantasy, and I've only read the first book in the trilogy, but Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori series is very popular. I believe a prequel to the series recently came out, called The Harsh Cry of the Heron. You might check those out :-)

[Talysia]

Thanks for that. I'll check it out!

[aarti]

No problem- let me know what you think!

[SpaceShip]

Used to love watching a series years ago called "The Water Margin". Don't know if there was a series of books on this but the TV series was riveting.

[leehow]

the best novel i ever read on any subject is shogun by james clavell which
is about an english man who gets shipwrecked if fuedal japan and gets caught up in a civil war.His other books are brilliant as well

[dwndrgn]

I'm not up on Japanese fiction but I've heard that Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart is a wonderful little Chinese fairy tale.

[aarti]

I have Bridge of Birds on my shelf, but haven't read it yet.

I also know another historical fantasy author is Takashi Matsuoka.

And a historical mystery is Rashoman Gate, by I. J. Parker.

[Talysia]

Just read book three of the Tales of the Otori series (couldn't find books one or two in the library), but now I definitely have to read the other two. A very good read. Thanks for suggesting it, Aarti!

[PenDragon]

I'll second Shogun by James Clavell it's brilliant.

[Talysia]

Another title to look out for. Thanks for that!

[ras'matroi]

Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa.
Miyamoto Musashi really lived in midevil Japan. The book uses the facts known about him but not the whole story is true. He was a ronin: kind of a samurai without a master he is sworn to, travelling around trying to improve his skills.

(Musashi himself wrote a book the title could be The book of the Five Rings or something along those lines. There he describes his way of live and hie Philosophical wiev on swordfight.)

[Talysia]

Wow, lots of suggestions today! I've heard about Musashi, but didn't know there was a book about his life. I'll keep my eyes open for it. Thanks!

[ras'matroi]

I think you had this idea, too but here is the amazon link.

[aarti]

Originally Posted by Talysia

Just read book three of the Tales of the Otori series (couldn't find books one or two in the library), but now I definitely have to read the other two. A very good read. Thanks for suggesting it, Aarti!

No problem! Glad you enjoyed it :-)