Japanese fantasy literature (in Japanese) similar to Tolkien etc.

9 comments

1. Dragon Sword and Wind Child by Noriko Ogiware, I read its influenced by Narnia too.

2. Guin Saga perhaps

3. I think 上橋菜穂子’s books would match what you are looking for, despite not being “classic” fantasy. She is an ethnology professor in addition to being a fantasy writer and this really comes through in her books where her rich world-building shines. The 精霊の守り人, 鹿の王, and 獣の奏者 series are all fun reads with 獣の奏者 being the easiest and a good starting point!

4. [The Record of Twelve Kingdoms (⼗⼆国記)](https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/12kokuki/series/) by 小野 不由美 is a fantasy series with really fascinating worldbuilding. The world and magic is based on Chinese folklore, and the author deeply explores how each of the magical elements would affect society, government, family structure, etc.

   A few of the arcs in the series _technically_ count as isekai, but only on the same way that Narnia does – it’s an older story, and it doesn’t follow the tropes that are popular right now.

5. Isekai Night Lovels.

6. Harry Potter Japanese edition

7. I haven’t seen アルスラン戦記, ロドス島戦記, and Slayers recommended yet. Classic fantasy novels with anime/manga adaptions.

   Japanese sci-fi has great stuff too with a similar feel to the authors you describe. 銀河英雄伝説 and タイタニア, both written by the same author as アルスラン戦記, are fun reads if you like the futuristic space opera / epic kind of fiction.

8. Record of Lodoss War?

9. Wouldn’t translated Tolkien works be a good choice? Since you’re familiar with them it will help you understand what you’re reading when you come across confusing sentences