15 Best Japanese Literature Podcasts

1. Read Japanese Literature

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Apple Spotify Episodes
A podcast about Japanese literature and some of its best works New episodes more-or-less monthly
Producer/Network Alison Fincher
Estimated Monthly Listeners 1k-10k
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 44 Avg Length 48 min Format Long form Get Email Contact Get access to full database of 2.7M podcastsCreate podcast lists, export in spreadsheet or CSV file with email contacts and start your podcast outreach in minutes.Sign Up for Free with Email Continue with Google

2. Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji)

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Apple Episodes
Delve into the enchanting world of The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), a timeless masterpiece of Japanese literature crafted by the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early eleventh century, during the illustrious Heian Period. Often hailed as the worlds first novel, this work intricately weaves a rich tapestry of characters and events that echo the complexities of life and love. Written primarily for the aristocratic women of the time, Genji features a vast array of characters—over four hundred—with deep and nuanced development...MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 127 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

3. I Am A Cat (excerpt)

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Apple Episodes
Dive into the whimsical world of Natsume Sōsekis I Am A Cat, where the story unfolds through the sharp observations of a cat navigating human society. This excerpt features the first two chapters of Sōsekis celebrated work, a cornerstone of modern Japanese literature, rich with humor and profound insights. Originally serialized between 1905 and 1906, the complete text remains elusive in English translation, yet this standalone excerpt beautifully captures the essence of the narrative. Experience the clever commentary and unique perspective of a feline observer, narrated by Peter Eastman.MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 184 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

4. Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan

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Apple Episodes
Step into the intriguing world of the Heian Period with Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan, a captivating collection of three translated diaries penned by remarkable women of the Japanese court. Written during the 11th century A.D., these diaries offer a rare glimpse into the lives of their authors Sugawara no Takasue no musume, Murasaki Shikibu, and Izumi Shikibu. Renowned for their contributions to literature, Murasaki and Izumi not only chronicled their daily experiences but also crafted exquisite novels and poetry that continue to resonate today...MORE Email ****@podcastlibrary.org
Avg Length 205 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

5. Paulownia- Seven Stories from Contemporary Japanese Writers

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Apple Episodes
Dive into Paulownia, a captivating anthology featuring seven remarkable tales from three influential Japanese authors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mori Ōgai, an army surgeon turned literary enthusiast, offers profound insights through his celebrated works, including The Wild Geese (Gan). This collection showcases his compelling short stories such as Takase Bune, Hanako, and The Pier. Nagai Kafū immerses readers in the vibrant world of Tokyos entertainment districts, capturing the lives of geisha and prostitutes in his evocative stories The Bill-Collecting and Ukiyo-e...MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 112 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

6. Wabi-Sabi & Wired: Japanese Classics Re-hacked

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Apple Episodes
Japanese Classics Re-hacked by a Toxic OtakuWelcome to Wabi-Sabi & Wired, the only comedy podcast dragging legendary Japanese literature out of the classroom and into the toxic trenches of internet culture.Join our high-velocity Manzai banter:The Expat MC: A cheerful lover of Wabi-Sabi, searching for Zen in every masterpiece.Neko: A terminally online otaku ruining the canon through the lens of gacha gaming, anime tropes, and internet drama.From Soseki Natsume to Osamu Dazai, we audit the 'Greats' with zero respect and 100% savage energy. Is it a soul-searching journey, or just a massMORE Email ****@gmail.com
Avg Length 12 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

7. Romances of Old Japan

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Apple Episodes
Discover a captivating collection of timeless romances from Japan, beautifully translated into English by Yei Theodora Ozaki. This anthology is rich with tales of honor, adventure, heartbreak, and love, offering a window into the intricacies of Japanese culture and literature. Perfect for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story, these narratives promise to provide both insight and enjoyment to every listener. (Summary by mlcui)MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 27 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

8. Warriors of Old Japan, and Other Stories

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Apple Episodes
Discover a captivating collection of tales that delve into the lives of the Samurai, the legendary warrior class of ancient Japan. Translated into English by Yei Theodora Ozaki, these stories are rich in vivid imagery and whimsical expressions. As the author notes in her preface, In picturesqueness of conception Japanese stories yield the palm to none. Join us on this enchanting journey through time, where honor and valor come alive. - Summary by mlcuiMORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 113 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

9. Tales of Old Japan

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Apple Episodes
Dive into the enchanting world of Tales of Old Japan, a captivating collection by Lord Redesdale that explores the rich tapestry of Japanese life during the Edo period (1803 - 1868). This anthology features timeless Japanese stories, fairy tales, and folklore, alongside insightful sermons and non-fiction pieces that illuminate significant ceremonies in Japanese culture, such as marriage and harakiri. Among these tales, the renowned story of The Forty-seven Ronins stands out—a gripping true account of samurai vengeance from the early 18th century...MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 21 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

10. American Diary of a Japanese Girl, The by Yone Noguchi (1875 - 1947)

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Apple Episodes
This is the fictional diary of a young Japanese woman, first published in installments before being published in a single volume. The book describes Morning Glory's preparations, activities and observations as she undertakes her transcontinental American journey with her uncle, a wealthy mining executive.MORE Avg Length 15 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

11. Nō Plays of Japan

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Apple Episodes
Noh (Nō), or Nogaku, is a captivating form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been enchanting audiences since the 14th century. Originating from the Sino-Japanese term for skill or talent, Noh was developed by the visionary duo Kanami and his son Zeami, making it the oldest major theatrical art still performed today. A traditional Noh performance typically features five Noh plays interspersed with comedic kyōgen pieces, though modern presentations often showcase a more abbreviated format of two Noh plays and one kyōgen...MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 14 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

12. In Ghostly Japan

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Apple Episodes
Dive into a captivating collection of 14 stories curated by Lafcadio Hearn, where the realms of Japanese folklore and non-fiction intertwine. Hearn not only shares chilling ghost tales, such as A Passional Karma, which explores the theme of eternal love between a young couple, but also offers insights into Japanese culture through Buddhist proverbs, the significance of incense, and the nations deep appreciation for poetry. This enchanting anthology promises to transport you to a world where the supernatural and the cultural coexist harmoniously. (Summary by Availle)MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 19 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

13. Gleanings in Buddha Fields

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Apple Episodes
Discover the captivating insights of Lafcadio Hearn, one of the first Westerners to immerse himself in Japanese culture during the early Meiji era. A prolific writer, Hearn is best known for his haunting collections of Japanese ghost stories, particularly Kwaidan. However, his literary contributions extend far beyond the supernatural. In this collection, he presents 11 thought-provoking essays that delve into his experiences in Japan, exploring vibrant cities like Kyoto and Osaka, the nuances of Japanese art, and profound reflections on Buddhism and the concept of Nirvana...MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 154 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

14. Book of Tea

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Apple Episodes
The Book of Tea, written by Okakura Kakuzo in the early 20th century, is a profound exploration of the art and philosophy surrounding tea in Japanese culture. First published in 1906, this timeless work has captivated readers across generations. Kakuzo introduces the concept of Teaism, illustrating how tea has permeated nearly every aspect of Japanese life, from thought to aesthetics. His unique background‚being born and raised in Japan yet fluent in English‚allows him to bridge cultural gaps, making the book accessible to Western readers...MORE Email ****@adfreesounds.com
Avg Length 223 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

15. Book of Tea (Version 2)

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Apple Episodes
The Book of Tea is more than just a guide to enjoying a beverage; it is a profound exploration of philosophy, art, and religion. This remarkable work traces the journey of tea from a medicinal drink to a celebrated practice known as teaism. The author beautifully articulates its essence, noting, Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage. By the eighth century in China, tea inspired poetry and social gatherings, and by the fifteenth century, Japan had elevated tea into a spiritual practice—Teaism...MORE Email ****@podcastlibrary.org
Avg Length 19 min Format Short form Get Email Contact