So, what's it all about? Pretty simple, really. You just have to read, and review, any work of Japanese literature next January and then post the review to the January in Japan Blog. Last year, we had about seventy reviews, of all kinds of books (classics to crime, romance to non-fiction), and I'm hoping for more this time around. Remember - anything is OK, as long as it's made in Japan ;)
That's not all though. Last year saw the start of the J-Lit Giants project, easy introductions to big names in Japanese literature, with seven posts contributed by myself and a few other bloggers. This year, I hope to continue the series, and I'd appreciate your help with this. If anyone is interested in submitting a piece, please let me know, and we can arrange for you to add to the list of biographies. I'd be particularly interested in having people write about female writers as there was no giantess among the first group of giants...
Once again, I'll be trying to keep up with the literary news from Japan (and it's amazing how much there is when you actively look for it). If anyone has any favourite sites, just send me the links as I'd love to add them to the list (which badly needs overhauling...). I'm also sure that Momotarō will be back each Sunday with his Nichi-Yōbi News segment, keeping us all up-to-date with what's happening ;)
In short, then:
- Keep a reading spot in January free for J-Lit
- Think about who should be in the next group of inductees for our Hall of Fame
- Send me your links to great J-Lit sites
Oh, and there may well be a readalong and (if you're lucky) also a prize or two. So, what are you waiting for? Bookmark the January in Japan blog today:)
