nutshell

mmh I'm fond of japanese literature (and cinema as well for that matter) as it strikes something I share or at least understand and fell, most of times. there are different "kinds of" yet it usually describes feelings in a way that might appear light or superficial, but it's very poetic and spot-on instead.
if you're into reading "literary" authors first, I'd suggest Natsume Sseki.. all of his novels are very flowing, there a smart irony throughout and he's considered one of the most valuable japanese writers. Mishima Yukio's works are good too, yet a bit more heavy and less immediate to cope with imo. Kawabata Yasunari and Inoue Yasushi have a few short novels that might be nice to start with too.

eheh it's usually nicer than the smell of sarcasm, even though that has a point too at times
btw how would you say Scotland is to visit in september? I'm willing to take a quick break in the second half, but still quite undecided on the place