Would you like to explore Japan and Japanese culture through books? You are warmly invited to join the IJA Japanese Book Club – a vibrant community of book lovers who share a passion for Japanese literature, culture, philosophy, business, history, and more.
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We are dedicated to exploring a diverse range of books, engaging in thoughtful discussions, expanding our knowledge, and fostering friendships among members. What’s more, we won’t limit ourselves to just Japanese authors; we will also delve into the works of Irish authors with connections to Japan. We believe that sharing our reading experiences with others can deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature.
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Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this exciting literary journey with us? Whether you are a seasoned reader or just starting to explore the world of books, our book club welcomes everyone. Together, we will embark on a fascinating exploration of Japanese literature and beyond.
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HOW TO REGISTER
Please let us know if you are interested in joining our book club and send us an email to: info@ija.ie. We look forward to having you as a fellow book enthusiast and a valued member of our growing community. Open to the IJA members (18+) only.
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Meetings take place once every quarter and the date, time and Zoom link are shared with registered club members via email. The meetings are conducted in English, and all selected books can be read in either Japanese or English.
OCTOBER 2026
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We are delighted to announce that the IJA Japanese Book Club will return this autumn, with our next online meeting taking place on Thursday, 22nd October. We warmly invite all interested IJA members to join us for an evening of literature and conversation!
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The IJA Japanese Book Club is a relaxed and open space where members can share their thoughts, exchange ideas, and enjoy conversation. During the meetings, we discuss not only the selected book of the month but also wider themes related to Japanese literature, culture, history and society.
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Date: Thursday, 22nd October 2026
Time: From 7 PM
Format: Online talk & discussion via Zoom. The Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants closer to the date.
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Book of the Month | The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
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For our autumn meeting, we will turn our attention to one of Japan’s great literary classics. After exploring several modern Japanese novels in recent Book Club meetings, this time we will discover the work of one of Japan’s most celebrated writers. You are also very welcome to join the discussion if you have read other works by Akutagawa rather than The Life of a Stupid Man.
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About the author
Ryūnosuke Akutagawa (1892–1927) is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern Japanese literature and is often described as the ‘father of the Japanese short story.’ He has been celebrated for his technical skill and imaginative storytelling, in which he combines traditional Japanese and historical material with a distinctly modern sensibility, often exploring themes of human nature, egoism and the value of art. His literary legacy continues to have a significant influence on Japanese writers today. Interestingly, the book we discussed at our previous meeting, The Woman in the Purple Skirt, was the winner of the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, named in his honour and one of Japan’s most important literary awards.
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About the book
The Life of a Stupid Man is a semi-autobiographical short story composed of fragmented vignettes. It reflects the author’s inner turmoil, depression, and growing sense of alienation toward life. Through 51 brief sections, the narrative offers glimpses into the protagonist’s memories, emotions, and thoughts, blending reality with fiction. It explores themes such as loneliness, regret, fear of death, and the struggle for meaning. The fragmented structure mirrors the disjointed state of the protagonist’s mind, making the story an introspective and poignant meditation on the fragility of life.
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