Why this Japanese author is more popular overseas than in her own country

Mieko Kanai was seen as a contender for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, but in Japan her books are rarely even reviewed

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Mieko Kanai, a prominent Japanese writer and essayist, is more popular overseas than in Japan. Photo: Stone Bridge Press

Published: 4:15pm, 4 Dec 2024

Although becoming a household name in her home country has never seemed a realistic ambition for Japanese author Mieko Kanai, she has nonetheless managed to captivate overseas readers with her uncanny, often mesmerising style of prose.

Kanai, who has a narrow but dedicated following in Japan, recently saw her name appear towards the top of a list compiled by a major British betting firm of likely contenders for this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature.

Known for her detailed descriptions and surrealistic writing style, Kanai, 77, saw her status jump following the publication last year of her 1997 work Mild Vertigo in an English translation by British-born writer Polly Barton.

In early October, just before the announcement of the Nobel Prize winner, Ladbrokes ranked Kanai 13th most likely to claim the award. She trailed compatriot and perennial betting favourite Haruki Murakami, 75, who ranked second, but was higher ranked than eventual winner Han Kang, 54, of South Korea.

The cover of Mieko Kanai’s book Mild Vertigo. Photo: Fitzcarraldo Editions

In contrast to Kanai’s lacklustre reception at home, the English translation of her book is winning her accolades abroad.