Five must-read books from Japanese literature www.bbc.com

Understanding Japanese culture has fascinated the Western world ever since the country’s trading doors opened up in the 1800s.
Another way of looking inside this enigmatic culture, from the everyday to the sensationalised, is through its literature.
This simple zen-like logic on the transient nature of all things permeates all generations and facets of Japanese culture.
It seems strange that English would unlock the mystery of the Japanese sentiment, yet this enigma is precisely so Japanese.
The recommended books are all available in English – many translated by Japan enthusiasts, guiding our understanding with added definitions and helpful footnotes.