"The Floating World" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and cultural identity, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America. The narrative follows a Japanese-American family as they travel through the United States in search of economic stability, living out of their car and taking on menial jobs. Through the eyes of a young girl, the story delves into themes of displacement, resilience, and the search for a sense of belonging in a country that is both home and alien. The family's journey is a testament to their enduring spirit and the challenges faced by immigrants in a landscape marked by prejudice and change.

In this introspective novel, a diary washes ashore on a remote Canadian island, bridging two disparate worlds. The journal, written by Nao, a troubled Japanese teenager, chronicles her life, her contemplation of suicide, and her relationship with her great-grandmother, a Zen Buddhist nun. The diary is discovered by a novelist, who becomes engrossed by Nao's story and is compelled to unravel the mysteries of Nao's fate and her own connection to the young girl. As the novelist reads, the boundaries between writer and reader, past and present, fiction and reality blur, creating a meditation on time, loss, and the intricate threads that connect human lives across the globe.

Soldiers in Hiding is a narrative set in Japan during World War II, revolving around three American jazz musicians who are trapped in the country during the war. The story explores their experiences, the cultural differences they encounter, and the personal transformations they undergo to survive in a hostile environment. The novel is a profound exploration of identity, survival, and the human capacity to adapt and change in extraordinary circumstances.