best historical fiction japan

Best Historical Fiction Novels Set in Japan

Japan is a country steeped in rich history and fascinating traditions. For those who love historical fiction, exploring the world of samurais, geishas, and emperors can be an enchanting experience. If you're looking for the best historical fiction novels set in Japan, here are some recommendations that will transport you to a bygone era:

1. "Shogun" by James Clavell:
Set in feudal Japan, "Shogun" follows the story of John Blackthorne, an English navigator who becomes embroiled in the political and cultural struggles of samurai and warlords. With its well-researched historical backdrop and intricate plot, this novel offers a vivid portrayal of 17th-century Japan.

2. "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden:
Delving into the secretive world of geishas, Golden's novel introduces us to Chiyo, a young girl who, through determination and perseverance, becomes the renowned geisha Sayuri. This captivating story not only explores the life of geishas but also provides insights into Japanese culture and society during the 20th century.

3. "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa:
Based on the life of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, this epic novel takes readers on an enthralling journey through 17th-century Japan. Yoshikawa's detailed storytelling and fascinating characters bring to life the tumultuous era of the samurai, their battles, and the quest for personal enlightenment.

4. "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet" by David Mitchell:
Set in the late 18th century, this novel follows the story of Jacob de Zoet, a Dutch clerk stationed at Nagasaki's Dejima trading post. Mitchell intricately weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and adventure while providing a captivating glimpse into the complex relationship between the Dutch and Japanese during the period of Japan's isolation.

5. "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu:
Considered the first novel ever written, "The Tale of Genji" is a timeless classic. Written by a noblewoman during the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD), the story follows the life and romantic exploits of Hikaru Genji, showcasing the intricacies of court life and relationships in medieval Japan.

In addition to these recommended novels, there are several authors who have dedicated their careers to writing outstanding historical fiction set in Japan. Some notable authors include Kazuo Ishiguro, with his novel "An Artist of the Floating World," and Lian Hearn, known for her captivating "Tales of the Otori" series.

For those interested in exploring more historical fiction novels set in Japan, websites like Goodreads and BookBub offer curated lists and reviews. Historical fiction enthusiasts can also consider joining online book communities or forums to exchange recommendations and insights with fellow readers.

Immerse yourself in the vivid world of historical Japan through these captivating novels, written by both Japanese and non-Japanese authors. Experience the beauty, culture, and tumultuous periods of Japan's history while discovering the incredible tales woven within its ancient past.
Ambitious in a foreign land Fiction
Ambitious in a foreign land

A candidate who had just finished the college entrance examination was transported to a strange planet through a crash accident. When he woke up, he discovered that he had gained an additional soul chip in his brain. In order to return home, he fought for supremacy on the continent, climbed the technological tree, embraced the beauty of the world, and used his soul chip and knowledge from Earth to accumulate wealth, develop his power. Let's see how he eventually manages to return to his home - Earth.

10.42 Million words | 2023-03-20 05:30Update

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Time travel to 1853. Fiction
Time travel to 1853.

In the 19th century, it was a time when Western powers divided the world and also the beginning of the downfall of the Chinese nation. If a time traveler were to come to 19th century China, could he change China's fate? In the spring of that year, the Taiping Army attacked Nanjing. Secret agent Wang Feng, in the moment of life and death, resolutely opened the city gates and surrendered, gaining the appreciation of Yang Xiuqing, the Eastern King, and becoming one of his attendants. However, their differing ideologies and the corruption of the top brass of the Taiping Army gradually distanced him from them, and he embarked on his own entrepreneurial path. Throughout his life, he made countless enemies, including Hong Xiuquan, Yang Xiuqing, Wei Changhui, Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtang, Li Hongzhang, Sengge Rinchen, Xianfeng, Lincoln, Victoria, Nicholas Yevgenyevich, Louis Bonaparte, Toshimichi Okubo, and Nogi Maresuke. But he also had friends all over the world, including Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, Sheng Xuanhuai, Hu Xueyan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Army, the Ottoman Sultan, the Tokugawa Shogunate, Nobel, and Bismarck. Lincoln: I strongly condemn Wang Feng's barbaric acts of dividing nations by force! Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Army: Oh! Wang Feng is the most sincere friend of the people of the American South!

257.78 Million words | 2021-09-22 20:06Update

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Go back to the end of the Ming Dynasty and join the army. Fiction
Go back to the end of the Ming Dynasty and join the army.

From a small soldier, he achieved extraordinary feats! A modern special forces soldier transmigrated to the Ming Dynasty and became a low-ranking border soldier. Without any external assistance, all he had was the physique of a special forces soldier and a heart burning with military zeal. The dynasty was plagued by corruption, internal strife, external threats, natural disasters, and numerous problems. The Ming Dynasty was like a candle in the wind... But who cares? Since fate brought me to this chaotic era, as a soldier,

168.46 Million words | 2021-10-08 04:33Update

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Counterfeit Empire Fiction
Counterfeit Empire

In the late Qing Dynasty, amidst widespread turmoil and fires of war, a decadent young man from a declining family pondered his path ahead. As the nation teetered on the brink of survival, a counterfeit manufacturing expert was reborn, ready to unleash a monumental upheaval. Faced with the rampant aggression of foreign

215.23 Million words | 2021-03-17 07:47Update

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Holy Tang Dynasty. Fiction
Holy Tang Dynasty.

Mei Tianlang, a narcotics police officer, was injured in the head and traveled back to the Tang Dynasty, becoming the only descendant of the usurper Yuwen Huaji, a figure never recorded in history. He discovered that the Tang Dynasty he found himself in had significant differences from what he knew. Was it due to historical inaccuracies or the influence of his time travel? In his early days, he encountered a Turkic invasion at the Wei River, leading to

155.81 Million words | 2020-08-09 04:24Update

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Three Kingdoms Great Inventor Fiction
Three Kingdoms Great Inventor

In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the decline of the Han Dynasty became inevitable. Liu Yao, a historian in his previous life, sacrificed himself to protect an ancient book. With the book tattooed on his body, he was reborn in the imperial family as the older brother of Emperor Ling, Liu Bian. Will he succumb to destiny or rise up in rebellion? My fate lies in my own hands, not in the heavens. The world is at my mercy. Let us witness how Liu Yao establishes his dominance over the Three Kingdoms with great wisdom and strategy.

150.04 Million words | 2023-04-01 08:25Update

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I am the master of the world in the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
I am the master of the world in the Three Kingdoms.

The talented young martial artist, Gao Yuan, unexpectedly travels back in time to the Three Kingdoms era and is reborn as the son of Gao Shun, who happens to be married to Lu Bu's

289.50 Million words | 2022-04-09 14:26Update

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The Rise of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms Era Fiction
The Rise of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms Era

At the age of ten, I began reading the Three Kingdoms. It has been ten years now, and my admiration for the heroes of the Three Kingdoms has grown strong. By a fortunate coincidence, this young man has returned to the Three Kingdoms. Though originally a lowly individual, I have an extensive knowledge of the Three Kingdoms, aware of past and future events. I desire to assist Liu Bei in unifying the world. However, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang, and others are all different from what I know. In a moment of uncertainty, I do not know who is good and who is evil. Within this world, there are those who fight for their survival, those who resort to any means for their beliefs, even accepting eternal infamy, and those who take risky actions for personal gain. Who among them will have the last laugh, I wonder!

424.76 Million words | 2021-09-28 14:38Update

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Dai Zhou Fiction
Dai Zhou

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Liang, Tang, Jin, Han, Zhou. The darkest period in Chinese history. Over fifty years, five dynasties came and went. Wars and rebellions plagued the land, with the common people living in dire situations, longing for salvation. Four women, each with different personalities and charms, who is the protagonist's true goddess? Brotherhood, who will accompany the protagonist to the end? Dai Zhou tells the story of a modern person's helplessness in ancient times, and their struggle in the face of adversity. What will be the outcome? Perhaps unimaginable. "Why not carry a Wu hook, claim fifty states of the mountain pass. I invite you to ascend the Lingyan Pavilion momentarily, becoming a nobleman of countless households?" Join "Dai Zhou" and experience a different journey through time and space.

137.92 Million words | 2022-03-27 13:10Update

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Sky Official Fiction
Sky Official

In the 13th year of the Zhengde reign, Emperor Zhengde of the imperial Yanjing City led the border patrol. The Duke of Nanchang, Ning, plotted a rebellion, while the Duke of Anlu, Xing, became obsessed with alchemy. Outside the Anlu Prefecture in the western mountain temple, a young monk emerged. He returned to the ever-changing world and recited a fictional sutra. Amidst the turbulence of the mortal realm, who is the true performer on this stage? In short, it is the story of a young monk rising to the rank of high official... During the release of the new book, I am in urgent need of recommendations, views, and collections. (*^__^*) I sincerely ask for your generous support...

54.87 Million words | 2022-05-09 08:52Update

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Battleground Career Fiction
Battleground Career

A ordinary peasant family, after being ravaged by the Japanese invaders, adopts a surviving orphan and forms a militia to resist the Japanese. With outstanding achievements and exceptional abilities, they catch the attention of the Nationalist and Communist forces. Faced with a dilemma, they temporarily refuse and resolve to train harder and pursue personal heroic feats. Against the backdrop of a growing movement, they come to realize the importance of teamwork and eventually join the Communist Party to fight against the Japanese together. After the war, they return alone to

547.78 Million words | 2023-04-27 22:46Update

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Wolf King of Special Forces Fiction
Wolf King of Special Forces

Iron-blooded Blade, Jungle War God, Special Operations Wolf King, who can contend with them. Jungle boy Wu Fei possesses unmatched throwing knives, wolf-driving techniques, and formidable martial arts skills. In a fortuitous event, he is pursued by his enemies, resulting in the death of his grandfather. Without hesitation, Wu Fei enters the military camp. Through intense training and his unique skills, he rises as the Wolf King of the Special Operations world. Amidst the generational vendetta, Wu Fei's love affairs, the tender and ruthless nature of soldiers, the intertwining of life and death on the battlefield, cruelty and bloodshed forge him into an indomitable warrior of steel. The Special Operations Wolf King leads his team, traversing every obstacle and crafting magnificent stories of steel-hearted warriors. Special Operations Wolf King Reader Group ( ) QQ Communication Group.

382.36 Million words | 2022-06-23 11:39Update

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defiance Fiction
defiance

The land of Yan and Zhao, where brave warriors abound. With resounding music and passionate singing, their heroic spirit soars high! Amidst shattered mountains and rivers, like a broken golden bowl, heroes rise with a furious sword! With the blood of invaders staining their sharp blades, their pursuit of vengeance knows no end!

200.14 Million words | 2022-06-14 09:16Update

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The Expeditionary Army: Brothers in Defeat Fiction
The Expeditionary Army: Brothers in Defeat

A group of defeated soldiers from an expeditionary force, driven by brotherhood, fought valiantly in the vast jungles of Myanmar, reliving a different chapter of the War of Resistance. Never forget the past hardships of our homeland and the Anti-Japanese War, nor the century-old battlefields where bullets flew like rain. This book is respectfully dedicated to the martyrs who fought for our nation and homeland. Also, please consider checking out my new book: "Mercenaries of Iron and Blood in the War of Resistance." New book link: http://www.k.com/book/.html

499.36 Million words | 2022-09-05 08:17Update

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Adorable Master is here: Rebel, don't mess around. Fiction
Adorable Master is here: Rebel, don't mess around.

Entering the cultivation novel, I definitely had to compete with the protagonist for opportunities! I couldn't be the male version of Long Aotian, so why not be the female version? Unfortunately, my wishful thinking was shattered when I was ultimately defeated by the male lead and became the boss! Luckily, I was reborn and went back to when the male lead was a child! Looking at the skinny little figure before me, with a hint of kingly aura shining through his brows, I had two options. Kill him and see how arrogant he'll be in the future! Nurture him and demand repayment openly and honestly in the future! Thinking about the treasures that only the male lead could unlock, my greed got the best of me and I ultimately chose to nurture him. Little did I know, with one wrong move, I turned the righteous and adorable little boy into a cunning and scheming wolf! When he grew up, he even used treasures to entice me! "Master, want it? If you do, then let's cultivate together?" Tears filled my master's face. If she had known that trading her looks for treasures would work, what would she have done as a boss in her previous life? Master and disciple, nurturing, V, a sweet and pampering story. Welcome to adopt! W

277.63 Million words | 2021-12-21 21:56Update

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The geometric coins on the edge of the crown. Fiction
The geometric coins on the edge of the crown.

Born in the European century Kolen dynasty, "Royal Watchdog" Bella Bell, a young tormentor, mistakenly believed he was in a chaotic era of the century. After discovering the truth, she still persisted in her own attitude and completed her absolute loyalty to the royal family and the king. With the education and assistance of Kellys Sion, the first counselor of Count Bella, she stepped onto the center of the political stage step by step and quickly replaced her father, Count Stéphane, as an important part of Prince Vila's ship-handling in the competition for the throne. The unexpected loss of the symbol of royal inheritance, the geometric coin, dragged various forces, even foreign forces, into the quagmire of contention. However, the earth-shattering secret hidden behind the

498.80 Million words | 2020-12-31 07:17Update

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Invincible Demolition Worker Fiction
Invincible Demolition Worker

Notice: In light of the strong protests from the Asian people regarding the severe air pollution caused by Yasukuni Shrine, in order to safeguard the physical health of the people in the Asia-Pacific region, the Demolition Office of the Tang Dynasty Empire stationed in Japan has decided to carry out the demolition of the illegally constructed Yasukuni Shrine and construct a large-scale public sanitation facility in its place to alleviate air pollution, address the issue of land scarcity caused by the surging population in Tokyo, and improve personal hygiene for the local residents. From the date of issuance of this notice, all relevant individuals are required to bring their ownership certificates to the Demolition Office of the Tang Dynasty Empire within three days to complete the necessary procedures for demolition compensation agreements. Failure to complete the relevant procedures within three days will result in the initiation of legal proceedings for forced demolition by the Tang Dynasty Empire. The Tang Dynasty Empire stationed in Japan will collaborate with the city management personnel from the Demolition Office for the execution of the forced demolition. We urge all relevant countries, such as the Angle Tower, to refrain from challenging the bottom line of the Tang Dynasty Empire. Otherwise, they shall bear the consequences themselves. This notice is hereby issued. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Demolition Office of the Tang Dynasty Empire stationed in Japan

248.76 Million words | 2021-06-24 10:16Update

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Thundering War Soldier Fiction
Thundering War Soldier

Hulei Taiji: A martial art focused on practical combat, alternating between hardness and softness, speed and slowness, with resounding strength. Yen Nianlang: An orphan raised by wolves, who rounded off his edges in society while keeping his wild nature hidden. This is the story of a common soldier, who, through unexpected events, transformed from an ordinary to a legendary soldier, from a forest guard to a determined special forces warrior. This story is highly realistic, but please do not identify with it. I will also never admit it, so it is a fabricated reality.

295.29 Million words | 2023-06-12 05:35Update

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The Blissful Life of a Junior Official in the Northern Song Dynasty Fiction
The Blissful Life of a Junior Official in the Northern Song Dynasty

This is a golden age for Chinese literati. The artistic youth travels back to the Qingli period of the Northern Song Dynasty. From then on, they flourish and achieve an extraordinary life.

249.13 Million words | 2022-11-25 01:10Update

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Great Ming Fireworks Fiction
Great Ming Fireworks

Zhu Yuanzhang: 'A group of corrupt officials who embezzle and pervert the law, I want to kill them all.' Han Du: 'Your Majesty, hold your anger. Instead of killing them, it's better to exploit their remaining value and squeeze them dry.' Zhu Yuanzhang: If my dear readers think 'Great Ming Fireworks' is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your QQ groups and friends on Weibo! w.

500.10 Million words | 2022-03-29 20:29Update

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