I love Japanese literature, especially contemporary writers. 
Of course, needless to mention that Haruki Murakami is the first name that comes to my mind. I read his novels short, and savour every word in it - I tend to read his books slowly so that I can enjoy them more. But Murakami has opened a door to me and it's on contemporary surrealistic Japanese literature. 
I just love it! 

One book that I have just read is by Hiromi Ito who is a Japanese poet. She wrote a prose, called a Thorn Puller, but in fact, her lines are rhyming and there are countless other poetical devices (such as: alliterations or metaphors) found in it. The topic is about aging and taking care of aging parents. So, all in all, in the mixture of form and content, it is very complex, maybe that's why I liked it. 

The best part was the language: it is eloquent, descriptive and also very subtle at the same time. Of course, I read it in English translation and I have no idea how it would be in Japanese. Another good point that I loved in the book, that at the end of each chapter or section, she mentioned what other poets or Japanese literature part or era inspired her. This way, it gives more way and opens more doors for me to read and dig into Japanese literature! 

Let's talk more about this book or show me your favourite Japanese novel! :-) 

==== This article was written for the weekly topic of May 1st, but could not be published because of my limited time yet.