If you’re a fan of Japanese literature but don’t speak Japanese, there’s no need to miss out! Many online bookstores now offer a variety of Japanese books translated into English, giving international readers access to the best of Japan’s literary world. Whether you’re interested in classic Japanese novels, contemporary bestsellers, or niche genres like manga, there are several reliable online stores where you can find English translations of Japanese books. Here’s a guide to the best online Japanese book stores for English translations.
Amazon Japan: Easy Access to English Translations
Amazon Japan is one of the most popular platforms for purchasing Japanese books, and it’s a great place to find English-translated versions of Japanese works. While the main Amazon Japan site is in Japanese, you can easily navigate it using the English version of the site or with the help of a translation tool.
Amazon Japan offers a wide selection of English-translated Japanese books, including novels, manga, and non-fiction works. Some popular titles include works by authors like Haruki Murakami, Yukio Mishima, and Natsuo Kirino. You can also find rare translations and books that aren’t readily available in other online bookstores. Amazon Japan is known for quick international shipping, making it a convenient option for those living outside of Japan.
CDJapan: Specialty Store for Japanese Books and Music
CDJapan is a well-established online store that specializes in Japanese music, films, and books. It offers an impressive selection of Japanese books translated into English, particularly novels, graphic novels, and manga. What sets CDJapan apart is its focus on delivering books that may not be easily found in other stores.
On CDJapan, you’ll find popular translations of works by well-known Japanese authors, as well as unique and lesser-known titles. The store also carries manga and graphic novels, offering English versions of popular series. CDJapan provides international shipping, so customers worldwide can access their collection of English-translated Japanese books with ease.
Honto: A Great Resource for English Translations
Honto is a Japanese online bookstore that offers a vast selection of books, including English-translated titles. While the site is primarily in Japanese, Honto has an English version of its website that makes it easier for non-Japanese speakers to navigate. This site carries a mix of Japanese literature, non-fiction, and manga, with many books available in English translation.
Honto’s selection includes works by Japan’s most famous authors, such as Haruki Murakami, Banana Yoshimoto, and Ryu Murakami, as well as books from emerging writers. Honto often features books that are newly translated, so you can discover the latest works of Japanese authors before they become widely available in other bookstores. They also offer shipping options for international customers.
Kinokuniya Online: A Global Network for English-Translated Books
Kinokuniya is one of Japan’s largest and most popular bookstore chains, and its online store has an extensive selection of English-translated Japanese books. The online store offers books in various genres, from literary fiction to manga and graphic novels. Kinokuniya carries a large number of translations of works by Japan’s top authors and emerging voices.
What makes Kinokuniya stand out is its international presence. The bookstore has locations across the world, including in the United States, Singapore, and Australia. Their online store makes it easy for customers outside of Japan to order English-translated Japanese books. Whether you’re looking for the latest Murakami novel or a translated manga series, Kinokuniya is a trusted option for book lovers worldwide.
Japan Centre: English-Translated Japanese Books Delivered Worldwide
Japan Centre is another great online bookstore that offers a variety of Japanese books in English translation. Although primarily known for selling Japanese food and gifts, Japan Centre has a fantastic selection of English-translated books in its online store. The focus is on Japanese literature, including classics and contemporary novels, as well as a variety of non-fiction works.
The bookstore also offers a curated collection of manga and graphic novels, many of which are available in English. Japan Centre is based in the UK, and they offer international shipping, making it accessible to readers in Europe, the United States, and beyond. If you’re looking for well-known works like “Norwegian Wood” or “1Q84”, Japan Centre is a great place to find them.
Bookwalker: A Leading Manga Store with English Translations
If you’re specifically interested in manga, Bookwalker is one of the best online stores to find Japanese manga titles in English translation. Bookwalker is an ebook platform that allows you to purchase and download English-translated manga directly to your devices. They offer a vast catalog of digital manga in English, from well-known series like “Attack on Titan” to new and lesser-known titles.
The platform is easy to use and regularly adds new English-translated manga releases. Bookwalker often offers sales, discounts, and special promotions for manga fans, and you can access their full catalog from anywhere in the world. The store supports multiple devices, making it convenient to enjoy your digital manga collection wherever you go.
Rakuten Global Market: Find Japanese Books in English
Rakuten Global Market is an international extension of Japan’s popular online marketplace Rakuten. The platform connects users to a wide range of Japanese goods, including books. While the main Rakuten site is in Japanese, you can use the Global Market version to find English-translated Japanese books, as well as manga and art books.
Rakuten Global Market provides a variety of books from Japan, including popular English translations of novels and manga. The platform also offers shipping options worldwide, allowing international readers to access titles that may be harder to find in other online stores.
Japan Bookstore (Japan Books): A Niche for Translated Literature
Japan Bookstore, also known as Japan Books, is a niche online store that offers a carefully curated selection of English-translated Japanese literature. Their catalog includes classic novels, contemporary works, and poetry by well-known Japanese authors like Yukio Mishima, Natsuo Kirino, and Yoko Ogawa.
Japan Bookstore focuses on high-quality translations and provides a selection of books that are harder to find in other bookstores. They also offer international shipping, so readers from all over the world can enjoy Japan’s literary culture. This store is particularly ideal for those looking for rare translations or works that have not yet been widely published in English.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of Japanese literature but don’t speak Japanese, online bookstores have made it easier than ever to access English-translated books. Whether you’re looking for contemporary novels by Haruki Murakami, classic works by Yukio Mishima, or the latest manga series, there are plenty of great options available. Amazon Japan, CDJapan, and Kinokuniya are excellent for finding a variety of English-translated books, while Bookwalker is a fantastic choice for digital manga. Honto and Japan Centre also offer reliable options for both literary fiction and non-fiction. With these online bookstores, you can enjoy the best of Japanese literature in English from the comfort of your home.
