About This Page
This page introduces the variety of essays written by popular contemporary authors. Unless noted, all are in Japanese.
さくらももこ
The author, さくらももこ, is known for writing a comic titled 『ちびまる子ちゃん』. The comic is based on her own childhood experiences and depicts the everyday life of a girl with a nickname of Chibi Maruko-chan. The author has been constantly writing casual and humorous essays, often recollecting her childhood memories. We have both the『ちびまる子ちゃん』 comic series and other essays by the author.
To see a sample text in a new tab, please click on the cover image or the title.
中島（なかじま）らも
中島らも(1952-2004) started his career as a copyrigher but changed his path to become a prolific writer, publishing novels, essays, drama scripts and rakugo stories. He became popular with his "twisted sense of humour." He is also active in the music industry when he formed his own band. He received the 13th Eiji Yoshikawa New Author Prize with his 『今夜、すべてのバーで』 and Mystery Writers of Japan Aaward with 『ガダラの豚』.
To see a sample text in a new tab, please click on the cover image or the title.
東海林（しょうじ）さだお
東海林さだお(1937-) is a well-known cartoonist, but he is also famous for his essays on food. His writing style is light and humorous and tends to pay particular attention toward regular food, such as bananas, miso soup, and eggd in udon noodles, rather than talk about gourmet meals. (added 5/2/2014)
To see a sample text in a new tab, please click on the cover image or the title.
鯛ヤキの丸かじり by Call Number: GT2853.J3 S49487 1997Publication Date: 1997Sample text is taken from page 10.
ホットドッグの丸かじり by Call Number: GT2853.J3 S49483 2008Publication Date: 2008Sample text is taken from page 10.
ゴハンの丸かじり by Call Number: GT2853.J3 S49484 2006Publication Date: 2006Sample text is taken from page 10.
Collection of Essays: 天声人語 = Vox Populi, Vox Deli (Bilingual)
A collection of essays which appear on the front page of Asahi Shinbun. Each essay is approx. 600 words. KU has collections published around 2000. Seach KU Online catalog with call number AC145 .T46 for more details.
To see a sample text, please click on the cover image or the title.
天声人語 = Vox Populi, Vox Dei 2001 春Call Number: AC145 .T46 v. 124 Spring 2001Publication Date: 2001Sample text is taken from page 150.
Other Essays
村上ラヂオ by Call Number: PL856.U673 M894 2001Publication Date: 2001A collection of essays by Murakami Haruki who is a best-selling contemporary Japanese writer. Each essay, originally published in a women's magazine "an-an" from 2000 to 2001, is approx. 4-8 pages. No furiganas are provided. (added 4/8/2014)
To see a sample text in a new tab, please click on the cover image or the title.
Sample text is taken from page 26.
Online Essay
- 村上さんのところ "Mr. Murakami's Place" -- Haruki Murakami's Advice ColumnPart of Haruki Murakami's official site. He answers questions sent to this site. He will also take questions in English. Questions will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2015.