So you want to explore Aozora

out of copyright
aozora bunko
old writing
advanced
upper intermediate
bycat
23 items
40
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This is a list based on my own preferences as a person who likes to read random things from Aozora. It will grow as I continue to read more things from it. There is a bias towards short stories and essays. It is in no particular order.
沼地
Short Story
Level 34
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By 芥川, very famous, Japanese people who care about literature will probably be happy you read something by him. I liked this one most of what I've read from him so far.
By 芥川, very famous, Japanese people who care about literature will probably be happy you read something by him. I liked this one most of what I've read from him so far.
流言蜚語
Nonfiction
Level 35
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Highly recommend looking up the history behind why this essay was published
Highly recommend looking up the history behind why this essay was published
反スタイルの記
Nonfiction
Level 32
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If you're curious about drug use in ~1930-50s Japan
If you're curious about drug use in ~1930-50s Japan
頭ならびに腹
Short Story
Level 34
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For an unusual writing experience.
特攻隊に捧ぐ
Nonfiction
Level 37
If you're curious about immediately post war perspectives on kamikaze pilots
If you're curious about immediately post war perspectives on kamikaze pilots
「女らしさ」とは何か
Nonfiction
Level 38
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A pre-war feminist essay
メリイクリスマス
Short Story
Level 31
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A melancholy 太宰
嘘
Short Story
Level 33
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An atmospheric war time piece. Does not take place on the front lines.
An atmospheric war time piece. Does not take place on the front lines.
猫の事務所
Children's book
Level 29
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I hated this and loved it too.
毒もみのすきな署長さん
Short Story
Level 33
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Another work from 宮沢賢治 that I hated and then loved.
Another work from 宮沢賢治 that I hated and then loved.
悪妻論
Nonfiction
Level 38
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The essay that got me into reading 坂口安吾
朝
Short Story
Level 31
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Another gorgeous piece of writing from 太宰
ごんぎつね (おはなし名作絵本 1)
Children's book
Level 20
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I absolutely loved this and hated this (I enjoy emotional conflict, what can I say) and think it's worth reading for that fact alone, but it's also a story most Japanese people will be familiar with so culturally relevant.
I absolutely loved this and hated this (I enjoy emotional conflict, what can I say) and think it's worth reading for that fact alone, but it's also a story most Japanese people will be familiar with so culturally relevant.
人間椅子
Short Story
Level 36
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I recommend reading lots of 乱歩, but this is a good starting point
I recommend reading lots of 乱歩, but this is a good starting point
怪人二十面相
Novel
Level 29
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If you're not ready for 乱歩's adult works, or you just want to enjoy something more light, this book is a delight.
If you're not ready for 乱歩's adult works, or you just want to enjoy something more light, this book is a delight.
セメント樽の中の手紙
Short Story
Level 31
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I liked the conflicting vibes between the open/ending sequence and the middle bulk of the piece.
I liked the conflicting vibes between the open/ending sequence and the middle bulk of the piece.
サラダの謎
Nonfiction
Level 27
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This was just cute and fun to read. Pretty modern language.
This was just cute and fun to read. Pretty modern language.
待つ
Short Story
Level 30
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Yet another 太宰. I'd say this is one of his shorts with the broadest appeal I've seen on here.
Yet another 太宰. I'd say this is one of his shorts with the broadest appeal I've seen on here.
痴人の愛
Novel
Level 41
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Absolutely ridiculous, horny, 1920s love story that really doesn't feel like a love story at all. Highly recommend giving this a chance if you want to read a classic that will make you laugh.
Absolutely ridiculous, horny, 1920s love story that really doesn't feel like a love story at all. Highly recommend giving this a chance if you want to read a classic that will make you laugh.
マスク
Nonfiction
Level 31
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About the 1918 flu pandemic. Hits different after living through corona.
About the 1918 flu pandemic. Hits different after living through corona.
ピアノ
Short Story
Level 33
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Takes place after the great Kanto Earthquake. Eerie, but also charming.
Takes place after the great Kanto Earthquake. Eerie, but also charming.
白いシヤツの群
Short Story
Level 36
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A taste of some of the old horror available on Aozora. Note that it's probably not going to satisfy modern horror fans, but it's got the right spooky vibes.
A taste of some of the old horror available on Aozora. Note that it's probably not going to satisfy modern horror fans, but it's got the right spooky vibes.
春の鳥
Short Story
Level 31
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Interesting story that I suspect is autobiographical. One of the few Aozora pieces I've come across that directly discusses developmental disabilities.
Interesting story that I suspect is autobiographical. One of the few Aozora pieces I've come across that directly discusses developmental disabilities.
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