The Setting Sun By Osamu Dazai
A family's fall is the focus of Osamu Dazai's book The Setting Sun, which is set in post-World War Two Japan. Upon her return to Japan from her affluent life in China, the protagonist, Kazuko, discovers that her family is having a difficult time adjusting to the country's shifting political and social landscape. While her mother, who is accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle, must deal with the realities of poverty, her brother Naoji is a frustrated writer. Even with dealing with their own problems and setbacks, they learn about the more significant societal changes that are reshaping Japan. The Setting Sun presents a touching and perceptive analysis of post-war Japanese society and identity through its vivid descriptions and reflective storytelling.
Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Toshikazu Kawaguchi's collection of interrelated short stories "Stories from the Café" is set in a little Tokyo cafe with the power to take its patrons back in time to relive old memories. Each tale delves into the individual backgrounds and experiences of the different clientele of the cafe, giving them the chance to reflect on key moments in their pasts and rediscover old ones. Through these tales, Kawaguchi investigates issues of nostalgia, memory, and the human experience while also illuminating Tokyo's various cultures and districts. Overall, "Stories from the Café" is a fascinating and thought-provoking collection of tales that presents a distinct viewpoint on the value of human connections and the power of memory.