13 Japanese YA Fantasy Books You Can Read in English

Japanese YA fantasy novels possess unique traits that set them apart from their Western counterparts. These stories often draw from rich Japanese mythology and folklore, weaving captivating narratives that blend magic, adventure, and romance.

Additionally, their intricate character development, emotional depth, and distinctive settings make them truly memorable reads. As you delve into these books, you’ll discover a wealth of enchanting tales that transport you to magical realms, immerse you in rich mythology, and introduce you to unforgettable characters.

As a long-time fan of anime (since 1998!), I’ve always been captivated by the distinctive storytelling and enchanting worlds that Japanese creators have to offer. This passion led me to explore Japanese literature, especially fantasy and romance novels, which opened up a whole new realm of fascinating stories for me.

Today, I’m going to share with you 13 Japanese YA fantasy novels that have been translated into English.

13 Japanese YA fantasy novels translated into English

1. Guardian of the Spirit (Moribito: Seirei no Moribito) by Nahoko Uehashi

Guardian of the Spirit tells the story of Balsa, a skilled bodyguard who embarks on a mission to protect Prince Chagum from assassins. Chagum carries a mysterious spirit, believed to bring catastrophe to his kingdom.

Throughout their journey, Balsa and Chagum learn about the spirit’s true nature and the importance of fulfilling their destinies. This is the first book in the Moribito series, which is filled with action, adventure, and a richly detailed fantasy world.

2. The Beast Player (Kemono no Soja) by Nahoko Uehashi

In The Beast Player, we follow Elin, a girl with a unique ability to communicate with magical beasts. When her mother is executed for allegedly controlling these creatures to attack their kingdom, Elin is forced to flee.

As she navigates this dangerous world, she uncovers her true potential and works to restore the balance between humans and beasts. This gripping tale blends fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, showcasing Uehashi’s masterful storytelling.

3. Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

When I first watched the movie, I didn’t know there was a book about that. To be honest, I purchased the Kindle edition with hesitation, as I knew the story already, and it wouldn’t be much fun.

Boy, was I wrong! The book takes the story to a whole other level, and it was a genuine pleasure experiencing Kiki’s journey through words on pages (well, in my case, it was words on the screen of my Kindle and iPad). Kiki’s delivery service follows the charming adventures of Kiki, a young witch-in-training. As part of her rite of passage, Kiki must leave home and spend a year living independently in a new town.

With her trusty broomstick and talking cat Jiji, she starts a delivery service, helping her new community while discovering her own strengths. If you are a fan of coming-of-age stories and magical adventures, this whimsical, heartwarming tale is perfect for you.

4. Sea of Shadow (The Twelve Kingdoms Series) by Fuyumi Ono

To be honest, I did not like the anime. I stopped watching after 3 episodes, maybe. However, the journey of Yoko in the book series is much more thrilling and intense, and I loved every moment of it.

Yoko Nakajima, the main character of this series, starts off as an ordinary high school girl, but a few pages into the book, she is suddenly whisked away to a mysterious, magical world called the Twelve Kingdoms. As she struggles to survive and find her way home, she discovers her destiny as the ruler of one of the kingdoms.

Sea of Shadow is the first book in the Twelve Kingdoms series, filled with political intrigue, mythical creatures, and Yoko’s journey of self-discovery. This enchanting fantasy series is perfect for fans of immersive world-building and complex characters.

5. Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe

This one feels like a beautiful yet gloomy dream. Brave Story follows Wataru, a young boy who stumbles upon a magical realm called Vision. Desperate to change his broken family life, Wataru embarks on a quest to find the elusive Goddess of Destiny and make a wish.

Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and makes some really strange but fascinating friends. This captivating tale of adventure and self-discovery offers a perfect blend of fantasy and reality, making it a must-read for anyone who loves magical adventures with a dreamlike beauty.

6. The Secret of the Blue Glass by Tomiko Inui

This one is an unusual story. I have read more than a thousand books, and I find it hard to think of many books like this. It’s sweet, sad, and, above all, beautiful. Set in Tokyo during World War II, The Secret of the Blue Glass follows the lives of the Little People, tiny beings who live in a world hidden within a blue glass bottle.

When the human family protecting them is forced to leave their home, the Little People must learn to survive in a dangerous and unfamiliar world. This heartwarming story seamlessly blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, creating an unforgettable reading experience.

7. Dragon Sword and Wind Child (Tale of the Magatama #1) by Noriko Ogiwara

In this mesmerizing novel, the main character, a beautiful young maiden, Saya, discovers she’s a reincarnation of the Water Maiden, destined to challenge the oppressive rule of the God of Light.

As she navigates her newfound powers, Saya must decide where her loyalties lie and uncover the secrets of her past. Dragon Sword and Wind Child is the first book in the Magatama Trilogy, a series full of mythology, magic, and captivating characters.

8. Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince (Tale of the Magatama #2) by Noriko Ogiwara

Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince is the second book in the Magatama series. Set in the same mythical world as Dragon Sword and Wind Child, this novel introduces a new cast of characters, including Oguna, a prince prophesied to bring disaster, and Toko, a girl with the power to command shadows.

As their destinies intertwine, they must navigate a world of magic, politics, and war. Rich in Japanese mythology and captivating storytelling, this novel will delight fans of the first book and attract new readers to the series.

9. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl by Tomihiko Morimi

This surreal, dreamlike novel follows a college student known as The Girl with Black Hair as she explores Kyoto’s nightlife. Along the way, she encounters a cast of eccentric characters and embarks on bizarre adventures.

While not a traditional fantasy, The Night is Short, Walk on Girl delves into the fantastical and absurd, creating an unforgettable reading experience for fans of unique storytelling.

10. The Book of Heroes (Eiyū no Sho) by Miyuki Miyabe

When the main character Yuriko’s older brother Hiroki goes missing, she discovers a magical book that transports her to a fantastical world where heroes and villains are not what they seem.

Yuriko must summon her courage and wits to save her brother and uncover the truth behind the mysterious Book of Heroes. With its enchanting blend of magic, adventure, and intriguing characters, this novel is sure to captivate any YA fantasy fan.

11. The Clockwork Planet (Tokei Wakusei) by Yuu Kamiya and Tsubaki Himana

In a world where Earth has been reconstructed using gears and clockwork mechanisms, high school student Naoto Miura discovers a mysterious automaton girl named RyuZU.

As they work together to uncover the secrets of their world, they are drawn into a conspiracy that threatens the delicate balance of their clockwork existence. The Clockwork Planet is a thrilling blend of fantasy, steampunk, and mystery, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read for any fantasy reader.

12. The Violet Knight (Shi no Kishi) by Yohna

The Violet Knight is the first book in a captivating fantasy series that follows Yuki, an ordinary high school girl with unusual violet eyes and an inexplicable resistance to aging, who is thrust into a world of magic and danger when her father reveals his otherworldly origins.

After being thrown from her 14th-floor balcony, Yuki is rescued by the dashing Fourth Prince of Adolunde and finds herself bound by a contract with him. Soon, Yuki is swept into a war she knows nothing about, all while trying to evade the sinister First Prince of Adolunde, who is determined to sacrifice her due to her striking resemblance to the Legendary Witch.

The Violet Knight is a fascinating Josei Japanese light novel series that masterfully blends romance, adventure, and intrigue, inviting you to explore a world of magic and peril through Yuki’s eyes.

13. ICO: Castle in the Mist by Miyuki Miyabe

Inspired by the beloved video game, ICO: Castle in the Mist follows Ico, a young boy with horns who is imprisoned in a mysterious castle. There, he meets Yorda, a girl with a strange power.

Together, they attempt to escape the castle’s curse and discover its secrets. This haunting, atmospheric novel combines fantasy, mystery, and adventure, making it a captivating read for any YA fantasy addict!

Wrapping up:

So, there you have it, 13 incredible Japanese YA fantasy books translated into English, offering a diverse range of stories that will transport you to magical realms, immerse you in rich mythology, and introduce you to unforgettable characters.

Whether you’re a fan of adventure, romance, mystery, or magical realism, there’s something here for everyone. I hope you’ll discover a new favorite among these captivating tales!