This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Housekeeper And The Professor

   

   The story revolves around the unique relationship between a brilliant mathematics professor, who suffers from a memory condition that resets his memory every 80 minutes, and his housekeeper, who is hired to care for him. Despite his condition, the professor's passion for numbers and baseball creates a bond between him, the housekeeper, and her young son. Through their interactions, they form an unconventional yet profound family, finding beauty and connection in the world of mathematics and the simplicity of everyday life.

   The 3416th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Revenge

   Eleven Dark Tales

   

   This collection delves into the unsettling corners of the human psyche through eleven interconnected stories that explore themes of desire, pain, and retribution. Each tale weaves a haunting narrative where characters confront peculiar incidents and twisted relationships, often finding themselves entangled in situations where the line between reality and the surreal blurs. The stories, set against the backdrop of everyday life in Japan, reveal the quiet horror lurking beneath the surface of ordinary encounters, as the protagonists grapple with the consequences of their dark obsessions and the inexorable pull of vengeance.

   The 5289th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Diving Pool

   

   The book is a collection of three novellas that explore themes of isolation, longing, and the darker sides of human nature. Each story delves into the inner lives of its protagonists, who grapple with complex emotions and unsettling situations. The narratives are marked by Ogawa's characteristic blend of haunting beauty and quiet menace, as characters navigate their desires and the boundaries of their moral landscapes. The stories are unified by their exploration of the hidden depths of the human psyche and the often-unseen undercurrents of everyday life.

   The 7056th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Memory Police

   

   In this dystopian novel, an unnamed island is under the control of a mysterious authoritarian force known as the Memory Police, who systematically eliminate objects from the world, erasing memories associated with them from the minds of the populace. The story follows a young novelist who struggles to retain her memories and maintain her identity in a society where both are under constant threat. As more and more disappears, she becomes involved in a dangerous endeavor to hide her editor, who is unable to forget, risking everything to preserve the remnants of their shared past and the essence of their humanity.

   The 9257th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Mina's Matchbox

   

   In the spring of 1972, twelve-year-old Tomoko travels from Tokyo to the coastal town of Ashiya to stay with her aunt's family. Her aunt's home is a grand mansion filled with German furnishings, sprawling gardens, and even a zoo with a pygmy hippopotamus. The family is as intriguing as their home, with Tomoko's dignified aunt, her German grandmother, and her charming uncle. At the heart of the family is Mina, Tomoko's thirteen-year-old cousin, who draws her into a world of secret crushes and imaginative stories. As Tomoko navigates this captivating environment, she begins to uncover hidden complexities within the family, including her uncle's mysterious absences and her aunt's unhappiness. Through Tomoko's eyes, we witness a poignant and transformative period in her life, capturing the magic and mystery of youth against the backdrop of a family on the brink of change.

   The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Hotel Iris

   

   The novel explores the unsettling relationship between a young girl named Mari, who works at her family's rundown seaside hotel, and a mysterious older man who is a translator. After a chance encounter, Mari becomes drawn into the man's dark and secretive world, leading her to confront her own desires and the boundaries of power and submission. Set against the backdrop of a quiet coastal town, the story delves into themes of isolation, longing, and the complexities of human connection, all while maintaining an atmosphere of haunting beauty and tension.

7. 7. 竜の子幼稚園

   

   The story revolves around a unique kindergarten where the children, each with their own peculiar traits and backgrounds, are nurtured in an environment that celebrates individuality and imagination. The narrative delves into the lives of these children and their interactions with the compassionate teachers who guide them, creating a tapestry of whimsical and poignant moments. Through a blend of magical realism and tender storytelling, the book explores themes of innocence, growth, and the profound impact of understanding and acceptance in early childhood education.

8. 8. Augenblicke In Bernstein

   

   Set in a world where memories are as fragile as the amber that encases them, this poignant narrative explores the intricate tapestry of human emotions and relationships. Through the eyes of a young protagonist, the story delves into the depths of love, loss, and the passage of time, capturing fleeting moments that are both beautiful and haunting. As the characters navigate their intertwined lives, they grapple with the impermanence of memory and the enduring impact of the past, ultimately discovering the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.

9. 9. Das Geheimnis Der Eulerschen Formel

   

   Set in a quaint Japanese town, this novel weaves together the lives of a brilliant yet reclusive mathematician and his devoted housekeeper. The mathematician, whose memory resets every 80 minutes due to a traumatic brain injury, finds solace and connection through the beauty of numbers, particularly Euler's formula. As the housekeeper and her young son become entwined in his world, they discover the profound impact of mathematics on human relationships, exploring themes of memory, love, and the enduring power of intellectual curiosity.
10. 10. Kameliowy Sklep Papierniczy

    

    Set in a quaint, mysterious town, the story follows a young girl who discovers a peculiar stationery shop filled with enchanting and otherworldly items. As she becomes more involved with the shop and its enigmatic owner, she unravels secrets that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The narrative weaves themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, inviting readers to explore the delicate interplay between the tangible and the ethereal in a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

11. 11. Muzeum Ciszy

    

    In a remote village, a young man is tasked with curating a unique museum dedicated to preserving the memories of the deceased. As he delves into the lives of those who have passed, he uncovers a tapestry of secrets, regrets, and unfulfilled desires, each story more haunting than the last. The museum becomes a sanctuary for silence, where the echoes of the past linger, and the boundaries between life and death blur, challenging the curator's understanding of memory, loss, and the human condition.

12. 12. Yum Yum Bento Box

    Fresh Recipes for Adorable Lunches

    

    Yum Yum Bento Box is a delightful guide that introduces readers to the art of creating charming and visually appealing bento lunches. With a focus on creativity and fun, the book provides step-by-step instructions and vibrant photographs to inspire both novice and experienced bento makers. It covers a variety of themes and techniques, from crafting adorable animal-shaped rice balls to arranging colorful vegetables and proteins in a harmonious and appetizing manner. This book not only offers practical tips for assembling bento boxes but also encourages readers to embrace the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of sharing beautifully prepared meals.

13. 13. Le Goûter Du Lion

    

    In this evocative and introspective narrative, a group of strangers find themselves on a secluded island, each carrying their own burdens and secrets. As they gather for a mysterious tea party hosted by an enigmatic figure, the island becomes a backdrop for exploring themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. Through a series of poignant interactions and revelations, the characters confront their pasts and the ephemeral nature of life, leading to a profound meditation on human connection and the enduring impact of shared experiences.

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14. 14. 僕が七不思議になったわけ