For more magical realism, definitely give Gabriel Garcia Marquez a try. It doesn't feel quite as foreign as Japanese culture, but it definitely captures the sam

For more magical realism, definitely give Gabriel Garcia Marquez a try. It doesn't feel quite as foreign as Japanese culture, but it definitely captures the same kind of mystery. One Hundred Years of Solitude is generally regarded as a good place to start. It's one of my favorite books and has so much character and imagery that sticks in your head.