With FX's enthralling adaptation of "Shōgun," fans find themselves at a crossroads and want another gripping drama with intricate characters and a mesmerizing historical backdrop that captivates viewers. The series took viewers to the period of Japan's Sengoku era. As a result, this series also served as the opening to the vast space of jidaigeki or Japanese period dramas. 

Since nothing has been decided yet whether the show will have another season, we curated a list of works for everyone who wants to discover this incredible era. From classic books to modern works, we picked five readings that will bring you back to the era of samurai reign.

Help yourself to some tea, nestle into your chosen reading corner, and participate in a literary adventure that further captures the heart of "Shōgun."

Taiko by Eiji Yoshikawa

Civil disorder and war erupted in Japan at the end of the 16th century as the shogunate council was dissolved and the warlords crowded around the throne. Three men stood out in this tumultuous landscape: the ruthless Nobunaga, the wise Ieyasu, and the unlikely hero Hideyoshi. His talent, charm, and tenacity established him as a brilliant strategist and a skillful manager of men, allowing Hideyoshi to restore the country, squashed by internal conflicts.

The novel is a grand epic that combines dramatization of historical events with memorable characters. It shows how the country changed after the war with the help of one person's unyielding will and humanity.

Memories of Silk and Straw by Dr. Junichi Saga

This book offers a window into a vanished world through over 50 firsthand accounts from diverse individuals, including cotton dyers, blacksmiths, and geishas. Compiled by a small-town doctor, these oral histories capture life memories in a lakeside town northeast of Tokyo, revealing the stark contrast between the old feudal Japan and the modern era.

The stories, ranging from amusing to poignant, depict a harsher past marked by poverty and traditional customs. Accompanied by illustrations by Dr. Susumu Saga, this book serves as a valuable bridge connecting Japan's rich history with its contemporary identity.

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Out by Natsuo Kirino

This book unfolds a gripping tale of a Tokyo suburban mother who, after murdering her husband, enlists her coworkers to dispose of the body. Masako Katori, the mastermind behind the cover-up, stands out as a compelling character, navigating the constraints of her stagnant life.

The novel intertwines the gritty underworld of Japan's yakuza with a psychological exploration of violent crime, portraying a tense cat-and-mouse chase between detectives and amateur criminals. Natsuo Kirino's narrative skillfully blends dark humor with profound insights into societal pressures and female friendship.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

This book introduces us to Keiko Furukura, a Tokyo resident who finds solace and purpose working at a local convenience store. Despite societal pressures to conform, Keiko thrives in the store's structured environment, meticulously following its guidelines to fit in. For over 18 years, she has immersed herself so deeply that the store becomes an extension of her identity.

Meanwhile, she feels the burden from her parents to get married and follow the way of becoming a real lady. This novel is a moving paradigm depicting society, work culture, and self-discovery. This book also presents a protagonist who captures your soul from the beginning.

Geisha, A Life by Mineko Iwasaki

This book unveils the hidden world of the karyukai through Mineko Iwasaki's groundbreaking account. Trained as a geisha from age five in Kyoto's Gion Kobu district, Iwasaki rose to fame, captivating kings, princes, and statesmen with her artistry. While she had already achieved so much as a geisha, she finally realized that the lifestyle was not for her. She decided to retire before she turned 30 to blaze a trail for her future.

The memoir provides a rare perspective into the life of a geisha, offering both heart-breaking and triumphant moments; it combines it all to create an honest and captivating account.

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