We interrupt coverage of German Literature Month for a breaking news flash – it has just been announced that January in Japan will be back in 2014! Yes, that’s right, another month of J-Lit wonders to enjoy as you struggle through the cold winter days (or go to the beach – depends where you are…). January is also the last month of Bellezza’s Japanese Literature Challenge, so the event will give you all a reason to fit in a final book or two before it’s all over.
So, what’s it all about? Pretty simple, really. You just have to read, and review, any work of Japanese literature next January and then post the review to the January in Japan Blog. Last year, we had about seventy reviews, of all kinds of books (classics to crime, romance to non-fiction), and I’m hoping for more this time around. Remember – anything is OK, as long as it’s made in Japan 😉
That’s not all though. Last year saw the start of the J-Lit Giants project, easy introductions to big names in Japanese literature, with seven posts contributed by myself and a few other bloggers. This year, I hope to continue the series, and I’d appreciate your help with this. If anyone is interested in submitting a piece, please let me know, and we can arrange for you to add to the list of biographies. I’d be particularly interested in having people write about female writers as there was no giantess among the first group of giants…
Once again, I’ll be trying to keep up with the literary news from Japan (and it’s amazing how much there is when you actively look for it). If anyone has any favourite sites, just send me the links as I’d love to add them to the list (which badly needs overhauling…). I’m also sure that Momotarō will be back each Sunday with his Nichi-Yōbi News segment, keeping us all up-to-date with what’s happening 😉
In short, then:
Oh, and there may well be a readalong and (if you’re lucky) also a prize or two. So, what are you waiting for? Bookmark the January in Japan blog today:)
Tony's Reading List 
Tony: you have a great sense of humour. Can't promise that I'll join in but I have a couple of Japanese books here I bought after last year's event ( I read one for last year). Anyway, don't hold your breath, but you never know…
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I hope to make up for lost time in January to get lots of Japanese literature read. This fall has been dreadful for me! Looking forward to it, Tony.
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My good resolution for next year is to read more Japanese and German literature (probably influenced unconsciously by you, Bellezza and Lizzy and Caroline). And I hope that January will be a quieter month with less work and travel, so that I actually get to participate for once, instead of just reading your reviews and looking longingly on…
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Guy – Well, as long as the joke's not on me 😉
I'm sure you'll be able to do one book though – just one (it can even be a little one…).
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Bellezza – Think of it as a last night of writing to get that assignment in on time (and make up for all the lost time!).
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Marina Sofia – And very good resolutions they are too 🙂
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I volunteer to write a bio of Fumiko Enchi. Looking forward to event.
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I note Endo Shusaku didn't get a look in last time…
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Kinna – That's great! I'll contact you soon about that 🙂
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Matt – Well, if you'd like to rectify that oversight, you'll be very welcome 😉
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J-lit, you said? I don't need to be persuaded. I always have J-lit books lying around for events like these. Count me in for year 2.
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Rise – Good to hear – and if you're tempted to pen a J-Lit Giants tribute… 😉
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count me in Tony got a few I ve brought last year or two but so few Japanese books available second hand may visit library next month see what I can find ,all the best stu
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Stu – Good to hear – I'm sure you'll enjoy it 🙂
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I've been so out of it (new job, new house, etc.) that I completely missed the J-Lit Challenge 7… But I did read a bunch of Japanese literature so I might make a post in retrospect 😉
Anyway, I actually came here to say: yay another January in Japan! I can't wait and will definitely be participating again 🙂
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Carola – Please do – I'd love to know what you've been reading 🙂
January in Japan will (hopefully) be bigger and better this year, and more information will be coming out on the JinJ site very soon…
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Hi Tony, I do not have my own blog but I publish my reviews at TheReadingRoom.com (where I also work, although my reviews are my personal opinions) Could I contribute to your challenge here? Is Natsuo Kirino acceptable or is she too main stream? I loved Out and this will give me a perfect excuse to read Grotesque.
@AnnaOGrady1
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I went right into writing a quick&dirty flashback on the J-lit I've been reading since January in Japan. Check it out (although it doesn't actually… say much haha).
I'll keep an eye on January in Japan (already following on Feedly, so I definitely can't miss it!)
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Anna – No problem – all are welcome to read and review , wherever, whenever 🙂
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Carola – Will do 🙂
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What? No women? Do you need me to write about Banana Yoshimoto?
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Unknown – Not sure how much of a giant she is, really 😉 However, I'd be happy to have you write about her.
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Provided my book group doesn't land me with another Les Miserables, I hope to participate more fully this time around.
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Lizzy – Perhaps you should suggest 'The Tale of Genji' instead this year 😉
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