For beginners, 'Yotsuba&!' is a good choice. It's a manga series that can be considered a 'novel in pictures'. The language used is simple and there are a lot of furigana (the small characters above kanji to show pronunciation), which is very helpful for those just starting to learn Japanese.
The novel 'Kiki's Delivery Service' by Eiko Kadono is also great for beginners. The story is well - known, especially because of the popular Studio Ghibli movie adaptation. The language is not overly complex and it can introduce learners to basic Japanese vocabulary and sentence structures in an enjoyable way.
Well, for starting to learn Japanese to read visual novels, you could check out online platforms such as Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese. It's free and provides in - depth grammar lessons. YouTube channels like Japanese Ammo with Misa are also really helpful. She explains things in a very understandable way and has a lot of content related to learning Japanese for various purposes, including reading visual novels.
I would recommend 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami. It has been widely translated and is quite popular. Murakami's writing style is accessible for Japanese learners. There are many modern Japanese expressions and cultural references in it that can be very educational.
For beginners, 'Katawa Shoujo' can be a great choice. It has a relatively straightforward story with a focus on character relationships. The art is appealing and it gives a good introduction to the visual novel format. Another option is 'Narcissu', which is a short and poignant visual novel that can be easily digested by new players. It tells a simple yet moving story.
For beginners, 'Sword Art Online' is a great choice. It has a straightforward plot that's easy to follow. The action scenes are exciting and it quickly draws you into the virtual world. Another option could be 'Konosuba: God's Blessing on this Wonderful World!'. It's really funny and the humor makes it very accessible. The characters are also very likable. Also, 'The Rising of the Shield Hero' is not too complex. It has a clear goal for the main character and the world - building is easy to understand at first.
Another option for beginners could be 'Another' by Yukito Ayatsuji. The high - school setting might be familiar to many, and the supernatural elements mixed with the thriller aspect are not overly complicated. It builds up the suspense gradually, which is great for those new to Japanese thriller novels.
For beginners, 'Ghost in the Shell' is a great start. It's relatively easy to understand and has a lot of cool concepts about the future of technology and humanity. It also has an iconic anime adaptation that can help you visualize the world better. Another good option is 'All You Need Is Kill'. The time - loop concept is easy to follow and the action scenes are exciting. It was also made into a movie, so you can see a different interpretation of the story.
For beginners, 'Le Petit Nicolas' is excellent. It's written in a simple and humorous style. The stories are about the daily life of a little boy, so the vocabulary used is quite basic and easy to understand. You can easily follow the plot and at the same time learn common French words and phrases.
For beginners, 'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto is a great choice. It has a simple yet engaging writing style. The story revolves around a young woman dealing with loss and finding comfort in the kitchen, which is a very relatable theme.
For beginners, 'Overlord' is a good choice. It has a simple yet interesting premise where a player gets stuck in a medieval - like game world. The main character is overpowered, which can be appealing for those new to the genre. It also has elements of politics, strategy, and humor.
Sure. 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry (it has a Japanese translation and is very popular there). It has simple language and a profound story that's easy to understand. Another good one is 'My Neighbor Totoro' which is based on the beloved Studio Ghibli film. The storybook version has a charming narrative and is a great introduction to Japanese storytelling.