Japanese mythology is full of powerful gods, fearsome yokai, and legendary warriors, making it the perfect foundation for breathtaking stories. These retellings bring ancient myths to life, blending folklore with modern storytelling to create tales of adventure, romance, and mystery.
Whether you’re fascinated by kitsune tricksters, sun goddesses, or epic samurai legends, this list has something for every reader. Dive into these ten captivating books and experience the magic of Japanese mythology in a whole new way.
1. The Shadow of the Fox – Julie Kagawa
This action-packed fantasy follows Yumeko, a half-kitsune girl tasked with protecting a powerful scroll that could summon the great dragon and change the fate of the world. She joins forces with a mysterious samurai, and together they embark on a perilous journey filled with demons, spirits, and dangerous magic. Drawing heavily from Japanese folklore, this novel is an immersive adventure with rich world-building and unforgettable characters.
2. Empress of All Seasons – Emiko Jean
Mari has trained her whole life to win the emperor’s deadly competition, where women must survive the trials of four seasonal rooms to become his bride. But Mari hides a secret—she is a yokai, a supernatural being the empire despises. Inspired by Japanese myths and folklore, this novel blends action, romance, and political intrigue into an unforgettable story of identity and rebellion.
3. Seven Deadly Shadows – Courtney Alameda & Valynne E. Maetani
When shy teenager Kira learns her family’s shrine is threatened by an ancient demon, she seeks the help of seven powerful shinigami to stop an apocalyptic war. With a mix of Japanese mythology, ghostly warriors, and thrilling battles, this fast-paced retelling of the classic Seven Samurai delivers an electrifying journey filled with spirits, demons, and a determined heroine.
4. The Night Parade – Kathryn Tanquary
Saki never believed in the old stories—until she is cursed during a summer visit to her grandmother’s village. Now, she must travel through the spirit world’s legendary Night Parade, encountering trickster foxes, river dragons, and ancient gods, to break the curse before it’s too late. A modern coming-of-age tale with a beautifully woven mythological backdrop, this novel is perfect for fans of Spirited Away.
5. Wicked Fox – Kat Cho
Inspired by the Korean and Japanese myth of the gumiho, or nine-tailed fox, this novel follows Miyoung, a girl who survives by feeding on the energy of humans. When she saves a boy from a demon attack, she loses her fox bead—her only way to stay alive. A blend of mythology, romance, and urban fantasy, this story explores fate, love, and what it means to be human.
6. Red Winter – Annette Marie
Raised in isolation, Emi has spent her life preparing to become a kamigakari—a human destined to become the vessel of a goddess. But when she uncovers a hidden truth about her fate, she finds herself on the run with an enigmatic yokai. Filled with stunning Japanese folklore, breathtaking magic, and a forbidden romance, this trilogy is an epic journey through the world of spirits and gods.
7. Tales of the Otori: Across the Nightingale Floor – Lian Hearn
Though not a direct retelling, this historical fantasy series is deeply influenced by Japanese legends and samurai traditions. It follows Takeo, a young man caught between two worlds—his warrior upbringing and his mystical abilities inherited from a secretive clan. Featuring political intrigue, sword fights, and supernatural elements, this novel beautifully captures the essence of feudal Japan and its mythological roots.
8. Spirit’s Chosen – Esther Friesner
Himiko is a young shamaness with the ability to speak to spirits, a rare gift that makes her a target in her ancient society. When she is taken from her village, she must harness her powers and fight against those who seek to destroy her people. Inspired by early Japanese history and mythology, this novel blends adventure, mysticism, and a strong heroine’s journey of self-discovery.
9. The Goddess Chronicle – Natsuo Kirino
This haunting retelling of the myth of Izanami and Izanagi, the deities who created Japan, follows a young woman betrayed and sent to the underworld. There, she becomes the assistant to the goddess of death and is drawn into the cosmic struggle between life and destruction. A dark, lyrical reimagining of one of Japan’s most ancient legends, this novel offers a thought-provoking take on fate and vengeance.
10. The Fox Wife – Yangsze Choo
Inspired by Japanese folklore and the legend of the kitsune, The Fox Wife follows a mysterious woman with a hidden past and a detective investigating a string of unusual deaths in 1908 Japan. As their fates intertwine, secrets unravel, and the line between myth and reality blurs. This beautifully written novel is filled with atmospheric storytelling, supernatural intrigue, and a haunting exploration of love, loss, and transformation.