If you’re interested in Japanese literature but don’t speak Japanese, many bookstores in Japan offer English-translated books. These stores carry a wide variety of genres, from manga to novels, non-fiction, and academic texts. Whether you’re new to Japanese literature or an experienced reader, these bookstores are perfect for finding English translations of popular Japanese works. Here are the top Japanese book stores for English translations that you should check out.
1. Kinokuniya – A Global Favorite for English Translations
Kinokuniya is one of Japan’s largest and most popular bookstore chains, with branches worldwide. It’s known for its extensive collection of English-translated Japanese books. You can find both bestselling and classic novels, manga, and Japanese poetry translated into English.
Kinokuniya offers a wide selection of genres, including mystery, romance, historical fiction, and science fiction, all in English. If you’re looking for English-translated versions of popular Japanese authors like Haruki Murakami or Banana Yoshimoto, Kinokuniya is a great place to shop. With international shipping, it’s convenient for readers outside Japan to access the store’s diverse collection.
2. Maruzen & Junkudo – Famous for Foreign Language Books
Maruzen & Junkudo is a well-known Japanese bookstore chain that specializes in a range of books, including English-translated literature. They have a large selection of books in foreign languages, making it easy to find translations of Japanese works.
The store offers novels, manga, and non-fiction books in English, catering to readers who want to explore Japanese literature without knowing Japanese. Maruzen & Junkudo also stocks academic texts and language-learning books in English, making it a popular choice for international students and researchers.
3. Book Off – Affordable English-Translated Books
Book Off is a famous second-hand bookstore chain in Japan. While it’s best known for used books, it also offers a significant collection of English-translated Japanese novels and manga. The store is an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable copies of popular works.
You’ll find a variety of English-translated titles, from Haruki Murakami’s books to Akira Kurosawa’s scripts and even some rare editions. Whether you’re looking for well-known authors or lesser-known Japanese voices, Book Off has something for everyone. With locations throughout Japan and an online store, it’s a great way to explore Japanese literature on a budget.
4. CDJapan – A Popular Online Source for English-Translated Books
CDJapan is an online store that specializes in anime, music, and Japanese books. It has an excellent collection of English-translated manga and novels. Whether you’re into mystery, romance, or historical fiction, CDJapan offers international shipping to make it easy for overseas readers to access Japanese works in English.
One of the standout features of CDJapan is its ability to offer limited-edition releases and special collections. You can find special manga volumes and exclusive English-translated editions that aren’t widely available in other stores. If you’re an anime fan or a collector, CDJapan is a great place to find rare English translations of Japanese works.
5. Rakuten Books – Japan’s E-Commerce Giant for English Books
Rakuten Books is part of the larger Rakuten e-commerce platform, one of Japan’s biggest online shopping sites. Rakuten Books offers a wide selection of English-translated Japanese novels and manga. They carry both bestselling titles and classic works by famous Japanese authors, all translated into English.
Rakuten also offers exclusive deals and rewards programs for customers, so it’s a great option for those who want to save while purchasing English translations of Japanese literature. With their global shipping options, Rakuten Books makes it easy for people outside Japan to access Japanese books in English.
6. Honto – A User-Friendly Store for English Translations
Honto is another popular Japanese bookstore with a significant online presence. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and its ability to offer a wide variety of books in English and Japanese. Honto has a dedicated section for foreign-language books, where you can find many English-translated Japanese novels.
Whether you’re looking for the latest Haruki Murakami novel or older works by Yukio Mishima, Honto offers a great selection of translated works. The store also offers eBooks and physical books, so you can shop according to your preferred format.
7. Shosen Grande – Specializing in Manga and Translated Fiction
If you’re a manga fan, Shosen Grande is one of the best places to look for English-translated manga. Located in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, Shosen Grande is known for its extensive manga collection, including English versions of popular series.
While it’s especially well-known for its manga, Shosen Grande also stocks translated Japanese novels. Whether you’re looking for classic works or contemporary Japanese fiction, you’ll find a great selection of English-translated books here.
8. Tsutaya – Books and More, Including English Translations
Tsutaya is another massive Japanese bookstore chain with a fantastic collection of English-translated books. Known for its wide selection of manga, novels, and pop culture books, Tsutaya offers a solid range of foreign language books, including English versions of Japanese titles.
What makes Tsutaya special is its focus on pop culture and lifestyle books, so if you’re interested in Japanese pop culture or the creative industries, Tsutaya has a lot to offer. The store carries books in English, making it easier for international readers to enjoy the best of Japanese literature and pop culture.
9. Mandarake – The Ultimate Place for Manga and Anime Fans
If you’re a fan of manga and anime, Mandarake is a must-visit. While the store specializes in second-hand items, it offers a wide range of English-translated manga and anime books. The store is especially popular among collectors, offering rare editions and hard-to-find volumes of manga in English.
Mandarake has locations throughout Japan, and its online store makes it easy for international customers to shop. If you’re looking for unique English-translated manga or special editions, Mandarake is the place to go.
10. Village Vanguard – A Quirky Bookstore with English Translations
Village Vanguard is a quirky and popular Japanese bookstore chain known for its unique and eclectic collection of books. The store offers a great selection of English-translated novels and manga. Village Vanguard is famous for carrying books on niche topics and offering limited-edition items, so if you’re looking for something a bit different, it’s worth checking out.
They offer books in both Japanese and English, making it easier for international customers to find books that suit their tastes. Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, or pop culture, Village Vanguard’s collection will not disappoint.
Conclusion
Japan’s bookstores offer a wealth of English-translated books, from manga to novels and non-fiction works. Whether you’re in Japan or shopping online, the stores listed here provide a wide selection of translated titles that bring Japanese literature to the global stage. So, if you want to explore the world of Japanese authors in English, these bookstores are the best places to start!
