Read Japanese Literature

In this episode, we look at the writers behind two of Japan's greatest movie monsters—Godzilla and Mothra.

We'll start out by looking at Godzilla—its context, author, and story—before we turn to Mothra. We'll close with a reflection on why the stories behind the movies are important, even for people who have already seen the films.
Buy Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again by Shigeru Kayama on Bookshop to support RJL. 
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Transcript, notes and sources at the podcast episode website.
*correction: Please note that this episode incorrectly states the only other translated fiction by an author mentioned in this episode is Takehiko Fukunaga's Flowers of Grass. There is also translated fiction available by Yoshie Hotta.
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All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.

In this episode, we take a look at the Japanese cell phone novel and the classic story of Train Man.
We’re going to start today by explaining the Japanese cell phone novel, including some relevant background like the history of serialized publishing in Japan and the rise of Japanese cell phone culture.

We’ll spend some time on the early 2000s internet culture, especially on-line message boards.

And today’s focus text is Train Man, attributed to Hitori Nakano and translated into English by Bonnie Elliott.
content warnings: rape as a trope in romance novels, online misogyny
Transcript, notes and sources at the podcast episode website.
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Correction: Please note that this episode incorrectly calls the 2channel thread in which Train Man originally appeared Doko Otoko. The thread was actually called Doku Otoko. Doku is a play on words, meaning both "single" (独) and "poison" (毒).
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All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.

In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story The Peony Lantern.
We'll start out by looking at Hearn's life. We'll discuss the long history of the story Boton Doro, more commonly known as The Peony Lantern, including its most famous incarnation under Hearn's pen. And then we'll look at two modern adaptations of the story by Aoko Matsuda and Kyoko Nakajima.
Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.
Buy on In Ghostly Japan on Bookshop to support RJL.
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Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
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All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.

In this episode, we look at bullying in Japanese literature.

We'll start out by defining bullying and looking at bullying in Japanese schools as well as the Japanese workplace. We'll see some examples in Japanese novels. And then we'll talk about Mizuki Tsujimura's Lonely Castle in the Mirror, translated into English by Philip Gabriel.
This episode is rated mature. CW: bullying and suicide
If you're thinking about suicide, please get help. Open Counseling hosts a list of international suicide hotlines.
Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available. Be sure to check out the new and improved RJL website!
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Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
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All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.

In this episode, we look into the history of Christianity in Japan—especially the role Christianity has played in Japanese literature. Our focus text is Shusaku Endo's Silence.
Notes and sources on the episode page.  Transcript available.
Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)
Please note that text messages are for feedback only. RJL can't respond directly.
Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
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All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.