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This is the Musashi: The Novel, a sweeping three-book unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling masterpiece—Japan's most beloved historical novel. Masterfully translated for the first time in its entirety by Alexander Bennett, this vivid and fast-paced story reveals the exploits and inner life of a man who finds not only his true purpose but also his humanity.

Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) is Japan's bestselling novelist of all time. He published popular retellings of many Asian classics; however, his novelization of the life of Miyamoto Musashi is his most famous work, selling over 120 million copies. He was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit and the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Alexander Bennett is a Professor of Japanese History, Martial Arts, and Budo Theory at Kansai University. He is the Director General of the International Budo University's Budo Sports Research Institute. He co-founded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language Kendo journal, and holds black belts in several other martial arts. His published works include The Complete Musashi and Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai.

#epicstories #musashi #samurai #japan #bushido

🇻🇳“To appreciate the culture, you must understand the food. To appreciate the food, you must understand the culture.“ -Paul B. Kennedy

A vivid account of breathtaking change across the world—and of one man's search for a horizon that never quite stops moving.⁠
⁠
From Vietnam and Cambodia’s Killing Fields to Iraq and Afghanistan, Lost Horizons is a gripping memoir filled with kings, killers, celebrities, betrayal, love, and impossible choices made on history’s front lines.⁠
⁠
Raw, reflective, and deeply human, this is more than a war correspondent’s story, it’s a search for freedom, truth, and belonging in a rapidly changing world.

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

justice with a smile by osamu dazai, trans. michael day [spoiler free review]

i really loved this book. it’s a fictional diary based on the actual diary of an teenage high schooler/aspiring actor that was given to dazai. it reads a bit like catcher in the rye in the way it depicts adolescence, the aching pains of growing up, and the final acceptance of that fact. it also reads like catcher because of how extremely modern the translation was and the use of casual language

the narrator and his brother/mentor were deeply christian. this served as a parallel to the marxist ideology and political views that the source material held, as noted by the translator’s note. (dazai himself was a part of the japanese communist party and got into trouble as it was taboo). i thought this was interesting and added a nice depth to the character. it even reminded me of the comedians by graham greene, who explored how some people have their beliefs or causes they are committed to, and then there’s the uncommitted. i liked the image that the young narrator poring over his bible and praying conjured in my mind. apparently while dazai was never explicitly christian or claimed that belief system, he respected it deeply and it shone in this novel, it felt sincere rather than mocking, and the narrator quoted the bible frequently as wisdom or comfort

while this book was wonderful as a standalone read, i think dazai fans would especially appreciate it. it added more complexity to him as an author and person in my opinion. while it had some trademark dazai undertones and lines, its overall tone was different from those of his other novels like no longer human or the setting sun. those works reduced his reputation as “that suicidal japanese guy” in a lot of ways. this isn’t exactly the “fault” of the audience, but just something to note when reading a small fragment of an author’s works translated into english

thank you @tuttlepublishing for the gifted copy of this first english translation which was just released

Let's get back to the classics 📚⁠
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This AAPI Month we're diving into some of our beautifully translated Japanese paperback classics from timeless favorites to hidden gems we can’t stop recommending!⁠
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Shop the collection through the link in bio, and let us know what’s your favorite Japanese classic in the comments below!

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Tuttle Publishing and enter for a chance to win BIG! 🎉📚⁠
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For over 75 years, Tuttle Publishing has connected readers to the cultures, stories, languages, art, and traditions of Asia and the Pacific through beautifully crafted books for all ages. This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re celebrating that spirit of discovery with not one, not two, but THREE exciting giveaway bundles!⁠
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Here’s how to enter:⁠
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📚 - Follow us @tuttlepublishing ⁠
📚 - Let us know your favorite Tuttle title in the comments below!
📚 - Contest only available in US/CA/MX/UK. Winner will be contacted via DM. Contest ends 5/18/26⁠
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⁠Enter now for your chance to celebrate, learn, and explore with Tuttle Publishing!

From the Osamu Dazai comes a newly translated story of ambition and self-discovery that still feels strikingly modern 📚✨⁠
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The bold, contemporary translation by Michael Day delivers an unforgettable new protagonist that's perfect for fans of literary fiction, coming-of-age stories, and unforgettable characters!

🍣 Calling all sushi lovers, your ultimate guide has arrived!⁠
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Explore 300+ types of sushi with beautiful photography, Japanese & English names, flavor notes, preparation tips, and the stories behind every bite. From rich bluefin tuna to delicate sweet shrimp and creamy uni, this book takes you from sushi beginner to menu expert!⁠
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Whether you’re obsessed with omakase, love a conveyor-belt sushi run, or just want to know what to order next this is the book you’ll keep reaching for ✨⁠

🥪📚 The bento lunchbox - Sachiko Horie 📚🥪
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This amazing cookbook learns you step by step to make your own bento lunchbox and I love it!
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This book has great examples,
Step by step guidance,
timing guide and
a lot of recipes and ideas.
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You can just mix and choose the recipes to create different lunchboxes every day.
This book made me realise it is much easier than I thought to make a good and healthy lunchbox.
The everyday bread with meat or cheese will not be a standard anymore for me!
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Thank you so much @tuttlepublishing for this review copy, I'm loving it! And it is really easy to use and create!
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#bentobox #tuttlepublishing #bentolunchbox #sachikohorie #cookbook

In The Illustrated Guide to the Zen Tea Ceremony, tea master Soryo Matsumura guides readers through the art of the Japanese tea ceremony from the basics of preparation, etiquette, and conversation to the deeper practices of mindfulness, connection, and everyday peace 🍵⁠
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Beautifully illustrated and written for complete beginners, this inspiring guide explores how tea can help us slow down, appreciate the small moments, cultivate meaningful relationships, and create balance in daily life!⁠
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Join the author this May in New York City for special events celebrating the book, including a documentary film screening and a special author talk + book signing at Bryant Park @kinokuniyausa ! More information with link in bio ✨

It’s been a while since I’ve posted any #BookBesties but I couldn’t pass this pairing up.You see, I am a perfectionist. And I am not perfect. I stand exactly zero chance of being perfect in this life, so I’d like to try embracing my imperfections (especially the ones I can’t do anything about).

I suspect these two books will come in handy: 👇🏻

🔹WABI SABI: The Wisdom in Imperfection by @nobuosuzuki_author / @tuttlepublishing ⬇️

✨”Be the best imperfect person you can be! In a simple and accessible style, WABI SABI shows us how embracing our imperfection and impermanence frees us to try to be better, in a way that reevaluates what “better” means, what really matters, and what we truly want.

This book can helpyou discover that you and your imperfect life are so much better than you think they are, and that accepting and letting go can lead you to your best and happiest self.”✨

🔹THE ART OF IMPERFECTION by @camilla.stark.art / @familiusbooks ⬇️

✨Have you ever realized we’re usually a lot kinder to other people than we are to ourselves...?

THE ART OF IMPERFECTION is a creative interactive journal designed to change that. Based on the psychology of self-compassion and built using human-centered design thinking, THE ART OF IMPERFECTION challenges negative self-talk and builds new ways of viewing yourself and those around you.

With 50 short creative activities to choose from, you’ll write ltters to your past and future selves, make a smoothing of your feelings, perform a viking funeral, and be more present as you live in your world.✨

👀 As per usual, I can’t officially rec these books till I’ve read them, but they sound right up my alley (and very needed).

❓What is something you love about yourself?

#Bookstagram #PerfectlyImperfect #SelfHelp #BookMail

Today is the release day of my book Danshari! I hope you’ll pick up a copy and enjoy it.

#danshari
#hidekoyamashita
#Decluttering
#book
#tuttlepublishing