I wouldn’t say they’re essential, but I encourage you to read them regardless because they are all interesting stories that serve as the blueprint for many of the Japanese novels, movies, and even manga that we know and love today.

As for book recommendations, I definitely recommend starting with the popular classics like ‘No Longer Human’ and ‘The Setting Sun’ by Osamu Dazai, ‘Kokoro’ by Natsume Soseki, and the short stories of Yukio Mishima, Ryuunosuke Akutagawa, and Edogawa Ranpo. I could never pass up an opportunity to recommend Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa either since it’s also a classic, and one of my favorite stories of all time. I wish you the best of luck on your reading journey! 🙏