Free delivery on all orders above $30
Get 10% off all year round! Join Thryft Club
Get 10% off all year round and $10 off your next order! Join Thryft Club
Buy 3 Get Another Free On All Under S$10

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Check out these collections!

Bestselling Fiction
Bestselling Nonfiction
Bestselling Books for Children
Vintage and Rare Books
Vinyl Records
Women's Clothing
Men's Clothing

Stay in touch and win free books

Keep up with our latest sales and events, and receive
recommendations direct to your inbox. We'll only send the good stuff, promise!

By completing this form, you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time

Likely to Sell Fast

Discover books that readers consistently add to cart! This collection features highly sought-after titles that tend to move quickly, from Booker Prize winners to TikTok sensations. With prices starting from just $3.90 and limited copies available, these popular reads don't stay on our shelves for long.

37 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!
Japanese Literature
Clear all

37 Results

No results

Japanese Literature
Clear all
Western Lane
Chetna Maroo | Picador

Western Lane

from $9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

from $9.90

43% off est. retail

In stock: Like New

Empty string
Snow Falling on Cedars
David Guterson | Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Snow Falling on Cedars

$8.90 from $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$8.90 from $6.90 22% off

62% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If the intertwining of history and personal stories captures your thoughts, "Snow Falling on Cedars" would resonate with you. Picture the foggy, cedar-laden landscape setting the scene for a mystery that delves deep into human emotions and historical wounds. It's not just the suspense of the murder trial that will hold you; the poignant exploration of love and prejudice in this community will stay with you long after the last page.
The Field - Thryft
Robert Seethaler | Picador

The Field

$8.90 from $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 3.52

$8.90 from $3.90 61% off

74% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Field" brings a poignant exploration of existence through voices that no longer walk among us. It's a touching mosaic of memories, each unique and deeply human, composing the narrative of an entire community. Imagine a book where the past echoes alongside the present, stitching together the fabric of an entire town through whispers from beyond the veil; that's the haunting beauty of Seethaler's writing.
The Fraud
Zadie Smith | Hamish Hamilton

The Fraud

$13.90 from $10.90 28% off

Goodreads rating: 3.3

$13.90 from $10.90 28% off

62% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're the kind of reader who relishes diving into the layered complexities of history, fiction, and morality, then Zadie Smith's "The Fraud" could be a compelling pick for you. Imagine the swirl of Victorian London's societal facades mixed with the gritty truths of colonial Jamaica, all while wrestling with themes of identity and deceit. This isn't just a peek into the past; it's a mirror held up to the timeless nature of human pretense and the quest for truth.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Richard Flanagan | Vintage

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.03

from $8.90

41% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

Flanagan's "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" speaks to more than just historical fiction aficionados; it's a poignant narrative for anyone intrigued by the profound effects of war on the human psyche. Through the eyes of Dorrigo Evans, you'll explore an intense love affair, the brutal reality of a Japanese POW camp, and the haunting repercussions of surviving amidst the unimaginable. It's a tale that promises to stay with you, challenging your perceptions of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Mr Muo's Travelling Couch
Dai Sijie, Ina Rilke  | Vintage

Mr Muo's Travelling Couch

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 2.8

from $8.90

72% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you appreciate the fusion of humor and a touch of absurdity with a serious quest, "Mr Muo's Travelling Couch" might just be the adventure for you. This novel blends cultural commentary with the whimsy of fantasy, offering a unique exploration of love and corruption through the eyes of China's first fictional psychoanalyst. You'll find yourself pondering deeper societal issues while chuckling at the protagonist's quirky misadventures.
The Hungry Tide
Amitav Ghosh | Harper Collins

The Hungry Tide

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.98

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"The Hungry Tide" whisks you away to the enigmatic Sundarbans, a maze of tiny islands in Eastern India, where the lives of outsiders and locals intertwine amidst the treacherous tides. Amitav Ghosh's storytelling is immersive, weaving together the struggle for survival, the rich tapestry of the region’s history, and the complexities of human and animal life. This novel is perfect if you revel in layered stories that mix personal drama with larger environmental and cultural dynamics.
Bright Shiny Morning
Sold out
James Frey | John Murray

Bright Shiny Morning

$8.90 from $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$8.90 from $6.90 30% off

63% off est. retail

Out of stock

"Bright Shiny Morning" is a visceral tapestry of Los Angeles, capturing the city's multifaceted charm and chaos through interwoven narratives. It's a book for those fascinated by the thin line between success and despair in the urban jungle. Frey's unique storytelling grips you with intense characters and their poignant, often shocking, life stories, unpacking the contradictions of the American Dream.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - Thryft
Sold out
Jay Rubin, Haruki Murakami  | Vintage

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

from $8.90

Out of stock

Recommended for those who enjoy unique, philosophical reads that explore the intricate aspects of human existence. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking book that will take you on a surreal journey unlike any other. Murakami's writing style is poetic and captivating, as he weaves together a complex and intriguing tale filled with distinctive characters and unexpected twists. A must-read for lovers of magical realism and philosophical literature.
Mina's Matchbox
Sold out
Yōko Ogawa, Stephen Snyder  | Harvill Secker

Mina's Matchbox

from $9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.81

from $9.90

Out of stock

"Mina's Matchbox" would resonate with you if you've ever faced major life changes, especially as a child. Yoko Ogawa's storytelling gently immerses you into Tomoko's world, drawing you into the experiences of loss, adaptation, and discovery. The quaint backdrop of Ashiya with its colonial mansion and unexpected pet hippo adds a layer of wonder, making Tomoko's transformative year one you'll likely find both nostalgic and heartwarming.
Goodbye Tsugumi - Thryft
Sold out
Banana Yoshimoto | Faber

Goodbye Tsugumi

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.76

from $8.90

Out of stock

"Goodbye Tsugumi" is a brilliant choice if you're interested in exploring intricate family dynamics set against the backdrop of a small seaside town in Japan. Banana Yoshimoto's delicate style captures the depths of human ties, offering a poignant, bittersweet novel that delves into the essence of change and acceptance.
Strange Weather in Tokyo
Sold out
Hiromi Kawakami, Allison Markin Powell  | Portobello Books

Strange Weather in Tokyo

from $6.90

Goodreads rating: 3.71

from $6.90

Out of stock

"Strange Weather in Tokyo" could be just the book for you if you're intrigued by explorations of poignant human connections set against the backdrop of cultural rituals and seasonal change. Hiromi Kawakami has crafted a narrative that's both delicate and deeply resonant, capturing a romance that defies societal norms. It's a tale that invites introspection and offers a gentle, thoughtful dive into the complexity of love and loneliness.
Men Without Women : Stories - Thryft
Sold out
Haruki Murakami | Vintage

Men Without Women : Stories

from $8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.76

from $8.26

34% off est. retail

Out of stock

Across seven tales, Haruki Murakami brings his powers of observation to bear on the lives of men who, in their own ways, find themselves alone. Here are vanishing cats and smoky bars, lonely hearts and mysterious women, baseball and the Beatles, woven together to tell stories that speak to us all.Marked by the same wry humor that has defined his entire body of work, in this collection Murakami has crafted another contemporary classic
Klara and the Sun
Sold out
Kazuo Ishiguro | Vintage

Klara and the Sun

from $9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.74

from $9.90

Out of stock

"Klara and the Sun" could resonate deeply with you if you're intrigued by the intersection of technology and humanity. Kazuo Ishiguro has crafted a narrative that's not only sophisticated in its portrayal of artificial intelligence but also poignant in its meditation on love and loneliness. Ishiguro's storytelling might change the way you perceive the world, with Klara's perspective providing a unique and touching outlook on what it means to be truly connected.
The Makioka Sisters
Sold out
Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, Edward G. Seidensticker  | Vintage

The Makioka Sisters

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.03

from $8.90

46% off est. retail

Out of stock

"The Makioka Sisters" offers a glimpse into a world where tradition grapples with the tide of change. It's a book that unwraps the layers of a family's struggle to uphold their fading aristocratic values amidst the relentless march of time. Jun'ichiro Tanizaki's rich narrative invites you into the intimate lives of these four sisters, making their dilemmas and the cultural shifts they face feel incredibly personal and compelling. If you appreciate nuanced character exploration and the meticulous depiction of a bygone era, this novel will resonate deeply with you.
Inheritance From Mother
Sold out
Minae Mizumura | Other Press

Inheritance From Mother

from $16.90

Goodreads rating: 3.79

from $16.90

46% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you've ever felt conflicted by familial duty and personal fulfillment, "Inheritance from Mother" resonates deeply. Mizumura's incisive narrative cuts to the heart of generational and cultural expectations, crafting a story that questions societal norms and the intricate roles within family. It's an enlightening read for anyone grappling with their own identity amidst traditional obligations.
The Real Story of Ah-Q and Other Tales of China: The Complete Fiction of Lu Xun
Sold out
Lu Xun, Julia Lovell, Yiyun Li  | Penguin Classics

The Real Story of Ah-Q and Other Tales of China: The Complete Fiction of Lu Xun

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

from $8.90

47% off est. retail

Out of stock

Lu Xun is a titan in Chinese literature, and this collection offers a window into both the soul of China and the human condition. His portrayal of societal issues with a satirical edge makes it not only insightful for those interested in China's cultural and historical context but also a compelling read for anyone who appreciates deep, thought-provoking stories that challenge social norms. Each tale is a masterclass in storytelling that's as relevant today as it was when first penned.
Braised Pork
Sold out
An Yu | Harvill Secker

Braised Pork

from $9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.45

from $9.90

Out of stock

"Braised Pork" is both a contemplative and ethereal journey that could resonate deeply if you've ever felt adrift in the wake of loss. An Yu's prose weaves a spell that carries you alongside Jia Jia through the streets of Beijing and the mountains of Tibet, blending the real with surreal in a quest for meaning. If the idea of a transformative narrative that marries the everyday with the otherworldly intrigues you, this might just be your next treasured read.
How We Disappeared
Sold out
Jing-Jing Lee | Oneworld Publications

How We Disappeared

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.2

from $8.90

Out of stock

"How We Disappeared" is not just an exceptional historical fiction read; it's a poignant exploration of resilience and memory. Lee Jing-jing's seamless weaving of dual timelines connects deeply with the human spirit's ability to endure amidst atrocity. Anyone seeking a story that honors the past with a tender, yet unflinching gaze, will find themselves absorbed by the haunting journey of its characters.
Life Ceremony
Sold out
Sayaka Murata | Granta Books

Life Ceremony

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

from $8.90

Out of stock

Sayaka Murata has a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. If you're drawn to tales that examine the everyday with a sense of wonder and a touch of the bizarre, "Life Ceremony" is up your alley. It's a good read for anyone who enjoys storytelling that makes you ponder the oddities of our world.
Trust
Sold out
Hernan Diaz | Penguin

Trust

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

from $8.90

Out of stock

"Trust" invites you to unravel the enigmatic lives of New York City's elite during the intoxicating era of the 1920s and the Great Depression. With its layers of narrative that cleverly intersect, diving into this book is like piecing together a sophisticated literary mosaic. As you explore the shifting truth beneath a world of opulence, your own perceptions of intimacy, capitalism, and history will be artfully challenged. This isn't merely a historical tale; it's an intellectual expedition designed to enthrall even the most avid puzzle solvers.
Earthlings
Sold out
Ginny Tapley Takemori, Sayaka Murata  | Granta

Earthlings

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.61

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you've ever felt like an outsider, "Earthlings" by Sayaka Murata might resonate with you deeply. It's a tale that defies the norms, wrapped in an eerie narrative that challenges our notions of society and identity. The book isn't just a story—it's an experience that confronts the shadows of the past, delivering an unexpected twist that will make you question what it really means to belong. It's for the brave readers who appreciate a dive into the darker side of human psyche with a touch of the extraterrestrial.
Korean Teachers
Sold out
Elizabeth Buehler, Seo Su-Jin  | Harriett Press

Korean Teachers

from $13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.87

from $13.90

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by what goes behind the scenes in the world of language instruction, 'Korean Teachers' weaves a fascinating tapestry of four educators' lives, giving you a season-by-season insight into their personal and professional challenges. Seo Su-jin's narrative is gripping, filled with the rich, deep nuances of Korean culture and the unique experiences of teaching. The four distinct perspectives form a vibrant mosaic that beautifully represents the changing seasons of life and academia.
The Boy and the Dog: A Novel
Sold out
Alison Watts, Seishū Hase  | Viking

The Boy and the Dog: A Novel

from $12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.02

from $12.90

Out of stock

If you cherish stories that demonstrate the profound connections between humans and animals, "The Boy and the Dog" will warm your heart. It's a tale that celebrates resilience, showcasing how a single canine can mend broken spirits and unite disparate lives. The book stitches a tapestry of emotions with threads of love and belonging, inviting you to walk alongside Tamon on a transformative journey through a vividly depicted Japanese landscape.
One Man's Bible
Sold out
Gao Xingjian | Harper

One Man's Bible

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.7

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you're drawn to narratives that blend personal history with larger historical events, "One Man's Bible" may resonate with you. Gao Xingjian's steady prose will guide you through a poignant exploration of memory, suffering under Mao's regime, and the redemptive power of storytelling. This novel is particularly suited for those interested in the psychological impact of political turmoil and how it shapes a life in self-imposed exile.
Wind/Pinball: Two Novels
Sold out
Ted Goossen, Haruki Murakami  | Knopf

Wind/Pinball: Two Novels

from $13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.53

from $13.90

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by the way everyday moments can transform into surreal worlds brushed with a tinge of nostalgia, "Wind/Pinball" could be your gateway to Murakami's unique style. These early novels lay the groundwork for his later, more complex works, offering a look into the quiet lives of characters who find significance in the mundane, with undercurrents of longing and the oddity that's so quintessentially Murakami.
Hear the Wind Sing / Pinball - Thryft
Sold out
Haruki Murakami | January 1, 2015

Hear the Wind Sing / Pinball

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.53

from $8.90

Out of stock

Delving into Murakami's first two novels is like sipping a fine spirit that leaves a peculiar, yet memorable aftertaste. It speaks to anyone who's ever found themselves lingering over life's minutiae, or who appreciates the beauty in the everyday laced with an undercurrent of the strange. The novels' exploration of youth, fleeting connections, and subtle surrealism will resonate deeply if you're the introspective kind.
Death in Midsummer : And Other Stories - Thryft
Sold out
Donald Keene, Ivan Morris, Yukio Mishima  | New Directions

Death in Midsummer : And Other Stories

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.04

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you're intrigued by the nuances and depths of human emotion against a culturally rich backdrop, Mishima's collection will likely resonate with you. Each story is a carefully crafted gem, shining light on the struggles and beauties of life, revealing the delicate balance between modernity and tradition. Consider this a cross-cultural journey that navigates the complexities of the human condition with both subtlety and profound insight.
Death in Midsummer : And Other Stories - Thryft
Sold out
Donald Keene, Ivan Morris, Yukio Mishima  | New Directions

Death in Midsummer : And Other Stories

from $7.74

Goodreads rating: 4.04

from $7.74

Out of stock

Recognized throughout the world for his brilliance as a novelist and playwright, Yukio Mishima is also noted as a master of the short story in his native Japan, where the form is practiced as a major art. Nine of his finest stories were selected by Mishima himself for translation in this book; they represent his extraordinary ability to depict, with deftness and penetration, a wide variety of human beings in moments of significance. Often his characters are sophisticated modern Japanese who turn out to be not so liberated from the past as they had thought.In the title story, "Death in Midsummer," which is set at a beach resort, a triple tragedy becomes a cloud of doom that requires exorcising. In another, "Patriotism," a young army officer and his wife choose a way of vindicating their belief in ancient values that is as violent as it is traditional; it prefigured his own death by seppuku in November 1970. There is a story in which the sad truth of the relationship between a businessman and his former mistress is revealed through a suggestion of the unknown, and another in which a working-class couple, touching in their simple love for each other, pursue financial security by rather shocking means.Also included is one of Mishima's "modern Nō plays," remarkable for the impact which its brevity and uncanny intensity achieve. The English versions have been done by four outstanding translators: Donald Keene, Ivan Morris, Geoffrey Sargent, and Edward Seidensticker.Photograph on back cover by T. Kamiya; cover design by David Ford
I Am China
Sold out
Xiaolu Guo | Vintage

I Am China

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.72

from $8.90

34% off est. retail

Out of stock

"I Am China" delves deeply into the complexities of love against the backdrop of political upheaval. If you enjoy stories that span countries and cultures, threading personal connections through the eye of a broader socio-political needle, then Xiaolu Guo's intricate storytelling is set to captivate you. Through Iona's translations we get to piece together the poignant narrative, and this book could be especially engaging if you have an interest in contemporary Chinese history told through a personal lens.
Ghost Girl, Banana
Sold out
Wiz Wharton | Hodder & Stoughton

Ghost Girl, Banana

from $11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.04

from $11.90

44% off est. retail

Out of stock

If you're drawn to stories that feel like they speak directly to your heart, "Ghost Girl, Banana" could resonate with you. Wiz Wharton delicately unwraps the complexities of family and identity, merging humor and poignancy in a way that lets the narrative glow. It's a contemporary tale that might just redefine how you think about what it means to find where you belong.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Sold out
Richard Flanagan | Vintage

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.03

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you're drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of life, love, and memory, especially against the backdrop of war's unforgiving nature, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" may resonate deeply with you. As you follow Dorrigo Evans' life, his trials as a POW, and the rippling effects of war on both captors and captives, you'll find a narrative woven with such emotional gravity that it sticks with you long after the last page. This book doesn't just recount history; it explores the human condition in the face of it.
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories
Sold out
Ken Liu | Head Of Zeus

The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.37

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you're yearning for stories that challenge the boundaries between the fantastical and the normal, "The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories" is tailor-made for you. Ken Liu's craft navigates emotion and intellect, gifting readers with narratives that resonate long after the last page. This collection isn't just entertainment; it's a series of journeys into the very heart of human experience.
The Vegetarian
Sold out
Han Kang | Hogarth

The Vegetarian

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.57

from $8.90

Out of stock

"The Vegetarian" isn't just a novel; it's an experience that lingers, reminiscent of Kafka's work. It speaks powerfully on the themes of personal autonomy and the complexities of human relationships. Peeling back the layers of societal norms, it captures the profound effects of a simple, yet radical, change in one's life – choosing not to eat meat. This act sets off a deeply psychological journey that challenges readers to reconsider autonomy, mental health, and the boundaries of the self. If you're up for a daring literary exploration, this one will get under your skin and stay there.
The Great Reclamation
Sold out
Rachel Heng | Riverhead Books

The Great Reclamation

from $16.90

Goodreads rating: 4.01

from $16.90

Out of stock

Set against a changing Singapore, a sweeping novel about one boy's unique gifts and the childhood love that will complicate the fate of his community and country. Ah Boon is born into a fishing village amid the heat and beauty of twentieth-century coastal Singapore in the waning years of British rule. He is a gentle boy who is not much interested in fishing, preferring to spend his days playing with the neighbor girl, Siok Mei. But when he discovers he has the unique ability to locate bountiful, movable islands that no one else can find, he feels a new sense of obligation and possibility—something to offer the community and impress the spirited girl he has come to love. By the time they are teens, Ah Boon and Siok Mei are caught in the tragic sweep of history: the Japanese army invades, the resistance rises, grief intrudes, and the future of the fishing village is in jeopardy. As the nation hurtles toward rebirth, the two friends, newly empowered, must decide who they want to be, and what they are willing to give up. An aching love story and powerful coming-of-age that reckons with the legacy of British colonialism, the World War II Japanese occupation, and the pursuit of modernity, The Great Reclamation confronts the wounds of progress, the sacrifices of love, and the difficulty of defining home when nature and nation collide, literally shifting the land beneath people's feet.
A Horse Walks Into a Bar
Sold out
Jessica Cohen, David Grossman  | Vintage Publishing

A Horse Walks Into a Bar

$8.90 from $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.52

$8.90 from $6.90 30% off

Out of stock

Imagine a stand-up set unfurling into an unexpected narrative pulling you deep into the troubled psyche of a comic. Grossman's mastery lies in blending laugh-out-loud moments with a dive into somber childhood memories. As you encounter Dov's life through his raw, almost frenzied performance, you'll find yourself enveloped not just in his humor, but in a moving tale of survival and memory. It's a book that beckons the empathetic reader, promising an experience both profound and jarring.
The Diving Pool
Sold out
Yōko Ogawa, Stephen Snyder  | Vintage Publishing

The Diving Pool

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.69

from $8.90

Out of stock

If you're drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of human emotion and the darker edges of love and obsession, Yoko Ogawa's "The Diving Pool" could be a gripping read for you. It's not just a book; it's an experience that stays with you, unsettling yet beautiful in its narrative elegance. These are stories that might make you look closer at the seemingly mundane, revealing the eerie and haunting that lingers beneath the surface.