Subject
Japanese fiction -- Translations into English Books
Best books
Asataro Miyamori
Tales of the Samurai Stories Illustrating Bushido, the Moral Principles of the Japanese Knighthood
"Tales of the Samurai" by Asataro Miyamori is a collection of traditional Japanese stories that illustrate the moral principles, or Bushido, of the samurai class, likely written in the early 20th century. Each tale draws on historical themes and character archetypes that embody the virtues of loyalty, honor, and bravery, offering insight into the cultural significance of the samurai in Japanese society. The opening story introduces Daté Masamuné and his sandal-bearer, Heishiro, setting up a narrative of conflict, revenge, and ultimately a complex transformation of character. The beginning of the book presents the story of Daté Masamuné, a young daimio who, captivated by the beauty of a snowy landscape, harshly punishes his loyal servant Heishiro under the mistaken belief that he has been dishonored. This incident ignites Heishiro's desire for revenge, leading him to join a temple and transform into a highly respected priest. However, after years of seeking vengeance, he realizes that his anger has been misplaced and that his suffering was a catalyst for personal growth. This opening tale underscores the themes of redemption and transformation while hinting at the deeper philosophical lessons inherent in the samurai ethos.
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Romances of Old Japan Rendered into English from Japanese Sources
"Romances of Old Japan" by Yei Theodora Ozaki is a collection of stories derived from traditional Japanese narratives, likely written in the early 20th century. The tales encapsulate themes of love, loyalty, and tragedy set against the backdrop of historical Japan. The opening portion introduces a variety of characters embroiled in conflicts derived from honor and affection, notably focusing on the loyalty of vassals and the devastating sacrifices that often accompany love. The beginning of the work presents a gripping narrative that unfolds with the character Jurobei, a ronin, who embarks on a perilous quest to recover a lost family sword, crucial to the honor of his master, Shusen Sakurai. The plot thickens as Jurobei finds himself in a complex web of loyalty, deceit, and violence, culminating in an emotional climax where he makes harrowing sacrifices for his master. The dynamics between characters, such as the bond of retainer and lord, alongside the struggles faced by Jurobei and his wife as they navigate the dire consequences linked to honor, set the stage for a poignant exploration of duty and love in feudal Japan. The narrative is rich in cultural elements and lays a strong foundation for the tales that follow in the collection.
Soseki Natsume
Unhuman tour : $b (Kusamakura)
"Unhuman tour : (Kusamakura)" by Soseki Natsume is a novel published in 1906. An artist retreats to a remote mountain hotel, seeking inspiration for his work. There he encounters the enigmatic hostess O-Nami, who captivates his imagination. Instead of painting, he writes poetry and contemplates art's place in society through philosophical meditations. The novel weaves together scenes of reclusive life with literary reflections, referencing Japanese, Chinese, and European artists and writers in exploring the tension between artistic sensibility and common reality.
Jun'ichiro Tanizaki
A spring-time case : $b (Otsuya koroshi)
"A Spring-Time Case" (Otsuya koroshi) by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki is a novel written in the early 20th century, during the Taisho era of Japan. It centers around the complex lives of its characters, particularly focusing on a young man named Shinsuké who is in love with Tsuya, the daughter of his employer. The story explores themes of passion, societal expectations, and the tensions between personal desires and societal norms in the context of the geisha culture of Japan. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Shinsuké, who is navigating the emotional turmoil of his unfulfilled love for Tsuya while managing the constraints of his societal position as a servant. As both he and Tsuya express a desire to escape their current lives, the narrative sets the stage for their relationship's complexity and the struggles they face. Shinsuké grapples with his feelings of inadequacy and conflicting desires while the details of their lives unfold in the backdrop of a shifting societal landscape. The beginning hints at the intertwining destinies of the characters, indicating a rich narrative full of cultural nuance and personal conflict.
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