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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.
By Alison Fincher4.8
2121 ratings
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.

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