About this episode
In this episode, we’re talking about Japan’s bubble economy of the 1980s and the work of Banana Yoshimoto.
Runaway consumer spending.
Everything kawaii.
A Nobel laureate’s contempt.
And a young author whose career challenged the publishings powers that be.
Content warning: This episode addresses transphobia as well as hate crimes against Asian Americans and trans women.
Notes and sources at the podcast episode website.
Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)
Please note that text messages are for feedback only. RJL can't respond directly.
Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Read Japanese Literature publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Read Japanese Literature
Japanese Monster Stories on the Big Screen
Read Japanese Literature
The Japanese Cell Phone Novel
Read Japanese Literature
Lafcadio Hearn—The Master of the Japanese Ghost Story
Read Japanese Literature
Bullying in Japanese Literature
Read Japanese Literature