Top 10 Books to Read Before Studying Abroad in Japan

If the books listed above feel too mature for you, try reading 'Learning Life in Japan' by the young author Lê Nguyễn Nhật Linh. The insights shared by this 1992-born writer about Japan will surely offer you fascinating information in a fresh and relatable way. Through Linh Kô I (Lê Nguyễn Nhật Linh’s pen name), we see Japan as a country where politeness, attention to detail, principles, and aestheticism reign. These qualities are evident in small acts, such as returning change down to the last coin or the frequent use of 'sorry' and 'thank you'.

It’s these small, unique moments that form the essence of Japan, a nation that continuously astonishes. Linh’s book also paints a beautiful picture of the blend between Japan’s ancient traditions and modern values, where old customs still quietly exist in a country with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The book was published by NXB Trẻ, priced at 85,000 VND

Link: https://tiki.vn/den-nhat-ban-hoc-ve-cuoc-doi-tai-ban-2017-p540327.html

Another non-professional writer making an appearance on this list is Dương Linh with her book 'Japan: Arriving and Falling in Love'. The book compiles the author’s experiences through many awkward, laughable, and sometimes emotional situations. The content is divided into two distinct parts: one focuses on the author’s initial fascination with the Japanese language, preparations for a new journey, and the other recounts stories from her time living in Japan.

This book is especially useful because Dương Linh shares a wealth of practical advice on effective language learning, vocabulary retention, and more. In addition to highlighting the admirable qualities of the Japanese people, she also reveals the darker sides of life in Japan, discussing potential pitfalls and risks that Vietnamese people may face when abroad.

Thus, the book serves as a comprehensive guide, answering questions about the language, employment, and lifestyle, giving you the confidence to enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling experience in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The book was published by Alphabooks and is priced at 79,000 VND.

Link: https://tiki.vn/nhat-ban-den-va-yeu-p515850.html

This book also explores Japan’s remarkable Meiji Restoration, a topic that consistently sparks conversation when discussing the Land of the Rising Sun. However, in this work, the Meiji Restoration only takes up a portion of the content, which is used to explain the foundational factors that transformed Japan into a global powerhouse. The remaining sections focus on Japan during the two World Wars, its desperate attempts to invade Greater East Asia, the complete collapse in 1945, and the nation’s impressive recovery following World War II.

Most importantly, the book paints a picture of modern Japan, which is grappling with urgent issues that must be addressed to maintain its position as an economic leader in the world.

The book is published by Thái Hà with a retail price of 69,000 VND.

Link: https://tiki.vn/nhat-ban-can-dai-p397489.html

“Encouragement of Learning” is undoubtedly one of the most famous books whenever it comes to works about Japan. The book caused a real sensation upon its release and constantly sold out. When it was first printed, it sold 3.4 million copies in Japan, at a time when the population was around 35 million people. This book is considered to be the bedside companion for everyone in Japan during the Meiji Restoration. What was the secret to its success?

In “Encouragement of Learning,” Fukuzawa Yukichi emphasizes equality, human rights, and the shared responsibilities of the people and government in a law-abiding society. The book helped many Japanese break free from the chains of class discrimination, subjugation, and fear of authority. Most importantly, he argued that all people are born equal, and what differentiates them is their level of education.

The progressive ideas of Fukuzawa Yukichi are regarded as having awakened the Japanese people, playing a significant role in the Meiji Restoration. He also discussed concepts such as independence, reverence for science, and the practical applications of education.

The book is priced at 52,000 VND and can be purchased at Nhã Nam bookstores nationwide.

Link: https://tiki.vn/khuyen-hoc-tai-ban-2014-p391900.html

Culture is an incredibly vast subject, requiring considerable time and effort to understand. If you're interested in learning about Japanese culture, this book might be a helpful starting point. “Japanese Culture,” translated by Vũ Hữu Nghị and edited by Lưu Ngọc Trịnh, is a comprehensive yet accessible work. It doesn't focus on academic analysis, but instead shares light, everyday stories that are both captivating and insightful. This book offers a deep dive into Japan’s rich and unique culture, highlighting both its vibrant aspects and its darker, lesser-known sides. It's a great resource for those who are studying, working, or planning to live in Japan.

The book is available for purchase at a cover price of 149,000 VND at Alphabooks stores.

Link: https://tiki.vn/van-hoa-nhat-ban-p420912.html

"Arigato Japan" is written by Hùng Yuki, whose real name is Phạm Nguyễn Hùng. He moved to Japan as a student years before the unification of Vietnam. Now a permanent resident, Hùng Yuki shares his personal perspective on Japanese culture and people, from the viewpoint of a Vietnamese who has lived far from home. The book highlights the charm of the Japanese people, including the ubiquitous greeting 'Arigato' and the deep respect shown to customers. However, it also presents the more honest and darker aspects of Japanese society.

The book is priced at 48,000 VND and is published by Phương Nam Publishing Company. It is available for purchase at their bookstores.

Link to Tiki.vn: https://tiki.vn/arigato-nhat-ban-p441353.html