Can you recommend some of the best Japanese fantasy novels for beginners?

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.

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.

Sure. 'Yotsuba&! 'is a great choice for beginners. It has a simple and heartwarming story about a young girl named Yotsuba and her daily adventures. The art is cute and easy to follow.

For beginners, 'Kiki's Delivery Service' in novel form can be a great start. It's a simple yet charming story about a young witch starting her own delivery business. The magic in it is not overly complicated and it gives a warm feeling of a small - town magical world. Another good option is 'The Cat Returns' novel. It has some light - hearted magic with talking cats and a magical world that is easy to get into.

For beginners, 'Sakura Wars' is quite accessible. It combines elements of strategy and visual novel storytelling. The story is set in a steampunk - like world and is full of action and interesting characters. 'Utawarerumono' is also a great pick. It has a fantasy - based story with elements of politics, war, and romance, but it's presented in a way that newbies can easily get into.

'A Bride for the Samurai' by Vickie Hinze is another option. It presents a fictional story set in Japanese historical times. It has elements of romance, family, and Japanese traditions, which can help beginners get a taste of Japanese history in an accessible and enjoyable way.

I would recommend 'The Devotion of Suspect X' to beginners. The story is about a murder and how a brilliant mathematician gets involved. It's written in a way that is accessible even if you're new to Japanese crime novels. 'Out' is also a good start. It shows the lives of ordinary women who get caught up in a criminal situation. And 'Snow Country' can be considered too. It has elements of mystery which can draw in new readers.

For beginners, 'The Tale of Genji' is a great start. Despite being written long ago, it gives a comprehensive view of early Japanese court culture. It has been translated many times, so it's accessible. Another good one is 'Botchan'. It's a simple and humorous story that shows the values and social norms in Meiji - era Japan. And 'Kitchen' is also suitable. It's a relatively short and easy - to - read novel that still contains a lot of Japanese cultural elements.

For beginners, 'Kiki's Delivery Service' is a great choice. It has a simple and charming story, and the translation is easy to understand. Another good one is 'My Neighbor Totoro'. These are often recommended as they are family - friendly and the translations are accessible. 'The Cat Returns' is also a nice option. The translated light novel has a whimsical story that is easy to follow for those new to Japanese light novels.

I would recommend 'Patlabor: The Mobile Police' novels. They introduce the idea of robots in law enforcement in a very accessible way. The characters are well - developed, and the stories are more about how humans interact with these advanced machines rather than complex scientific jargon. Another one is 'Planetes'. It gives a unique view of space exploration that is not overly complicated, and it has relatable characters dealing with the challenges of their jobs in space.