Books matching: early 20th century japan
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- #1
Save:Yukio Mishima's 'Spring Snow' is a beautifully written novel that delves into the forbidden love affair between two aristocratic young adults in early 1900s Tokyo. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Japanese society transitioning from feudal tradition to modernity, the story follows Kiyoaki, an aristocrat's son, and his secret relationship with Satoko, a longtime family friend engaged to a prince. Mishima's prose elegantly portrays the clash between social norms and personal desires, creating a poignant narrative that explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the struggle between tradition and modernization.
The novel is a blend of a tragic romance and a commentary on Japanese society, with Mishima's descriptive writing style capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters and the cultural nuances of the time period. Through the characters of Kiyoaki and Satoko, Mishima weaves a tale of love, manipulation, and impending doom, showcasing the complexities of human emotions and the conflicts between individual desires and societal constraints.
WHEN CONVERSATION at school turned to the Russo-Japanese War, Kiyoaki Matsugae asked his closest friend, Shigekuni Honda, how much he could remember about it. Shigekuni’s memories were vague—he just b... Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination by Edogawa Rampo is a collection of short stories that delve into the realms of horror, mystery, and imagination. The stories are set in early 20th century Japan, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. The book features elements of body horror, psychological suspense, and eerie twists that keep the reader captivated.
The writing style of Edogawa Rampo is described as clever, imaginative, and creative. Each story in the collection showcases his ability to craft narratives with unexpected plot twists, peculiar characters, and a touch of humor. The book presents a mix of horror, grotesque, and macabre themes, offering a captivating reading experience that lingers in the reader's mind long after finishing the stories.
EDOGAWA RAMPO, THE AUTHORof Japanese mystery stories, who is making his debut in the English language with the publication of this book, enjoys wide popularity in Japan. Although the same cannot yet b...- #3
Save:'Runaway Horses' by Yukio Mishima is the second installment in the Sea of Fertility tetralogy, delving into themes of reincarnation, political ideology, and Japanese fanaticism. The story follows Isao, a young ultranationalist and kendo prodigy, who plans a terrorist action against the Japanese financial industry before committing seppuku ritual suicide. Mishima's writing style is described as intense, complex, and evocative, offering insights into the character's beliefs, motivations, and the historical context of 1930s Japan.
While still a law student at Tokyo Imperial University, he had passed the judicial civil service examination, and after graduation he had been given a probationary assignment as a clerk in the Osaka D... - #4
Save:'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki is a narrative that delicately addresses themes such as the indignity of death, sin and redemption, existentialism, self-recrimination, and misanthropy. Set against the backdrop of the Meiji era, the book explores the clash between two generations of Japanese men and the transition from traditional to modern ways of thinking. The story revolves around a mysterious middle-aged man, Sensei, who forms a mentoring bond with the protagonist, leading to a spiritual investigation into the corruption of the human soul. The book unfolds through a series of introspective monologues and a letter from Sensei revealing his past mistakes and the guilt he carries.
The writing style in 'Kokoro' is described as beautiful, graceful, and introspective, with a simplicity of voice that sets it apart. The character development is subtle yet effective, drawing readers in with a feeling of dread that intensifies as the story progresses. The book's structure, with a focus on interpersonal relationships and the responsibilities of friendship, culminates in a thought-provoking and emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Sensei had just taken his clothes off and was about to go for a swim when I first laid eyes on him in the tea house. I had already had my swim, and was letting the wind blow gently on my wet body. Bet... - #5
Save:"I Am a Cat" by Natsume Soseki is a satirical novel set in early 20th century Japan, narrated from the perspective of a nameless housecat. The story unfolds through the cat's observations of his master, an English teacher, and his eccentric friends. The book offers a humorous commentary on human nature, intellectual life during the Meiji era, and the social upheaval in Japan following the collapse of feudalism. Through witty monologues and philosophical discussions, the cat provides a unique lens to critique Japanese society and culture.
The narrative style shifts from focusing on the cat's interactions with other felines to delving into the lives and conversations of the human characters. The cat's perspective allows for a critical examination of human foibles and societal norms, blending elements of satire, social commentary, and existential reflections. As the story progresses, the cat's observations become more thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of human nature and the intellectual bankruptcy of the modernizing Japanese society.
I AM A CAT. As yet I have no name. I’ve no idea where I was born. All I remember is that I was miaowing in a dampish dark place when, for the first time, I saw a human being. This human being, I heard... - #6
Save:The Gate by Natsume Soseki is a novel that delves into the quiet and solitary life of a middle-aged couple, Sosuke and Oyone. The story explores their relationship, which began with passion but evolved into a deep, cherished love. Set in Japan, the novel follows Sosuke's journey of resignation and acceptance as he navigates the challenges of his past choices, including marrying Oyone at the cost of his future possibilities. The writing style of the book slowly reveals the characters' backstories and the reasons behind their unconventional life choices, creating a sense of suspense and depth that culminates in moments of introspection and realization.
'The Gate' is a poignant exploration of love, family, and societal expectations, with themes of resignation, sacrifice, and quiet desperation woven throughout the narrative. Through the lens of Sosuke and Oyone's relationship, the novel paints a vivid picture of Japanese life and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a unique perspective on the human condition and the complexities of personal relationships. The book's portrayal of Zen philosophy and the characters' internal struggles adds a layer of depth to the story, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of love, loss, and self-discovery.
"Confessions of a Yakuza: A Life in Japan's Underworld" by Junichi Saga is a memoir of a Yakuza mob boss from the 1920s to the 1940s, offering a unique perspective on Japanese history during that time. The story follows the life of Eiji, a gambler who ran gambling houses in Japan, providing insights into the underworld activities of the Yakuza and the personal recollections of a real-life gangster. The writing style is engaging, portraying Eiji's life from his early days running card games to his experiences during the occupation of Korea and the firebombing of Tokyo in World War II.
I would have liked to photograph it if possible, but I’d never seen the man before in my life, and something about his air of absolute assurance made me hesitate, so in the end I never got around to m...- #8
Save:The Sea of Fertility series by Yukio Mishima is a tetralogy that follows a soul through four incarnations, exploring themes of reincarnation, aging, and the complexities of Japanese society. The series is known for its intricate storytelling, rich character development, and deep exploration of philosophical concepts such as death, rebirth, and traditional Japanese values. Mishima's writing style is described as beautiful, lush, and ornate, with a focus on portraying the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.
- #9
Save:'Geisha, A Life' by Mineko Iwasaki is an autobiography that provides a first-hand account of Mineko's life as one of Japan's top geisha in the 60s. The book delves into the culture of the geisha world, showcasing the training of women from childhood to adulthood, and offering insights into the motivation behind perfecting traditional Japanese arts.
The narrative in 'Geisha, A Life' is praised for its honesty and clarification of the true lives of geisha, contrasting it with the fictionalized portrayal in 'Memoirs of a Geisha.' The book covers Mineko's journey from being an apprentice maiko to her experiences as a geiko, giving readers a detailed look at the day-to-day life of a geisha and the adventures she embarked on during her career.
- #10
Save:In "In Black and White," Mizuno, a writer, mistakenly uses the real name of his victim, Cojima, in a murder story he sends to a magazine. This leads to a series of events where Mizuno tries to correct his mistake, leading to a complex and convoluted plot involving metafictional elements and explorations of the relationship between an author's creation and reality. The book delves into the Japanese literary world of the early 1900s, blending Eastern and Western cultures before the onset of significant historical events.
This “real name” he was talking about to himself was in a manuscript he’d finished writing a couple of days earlier. The story, which he’d been working on for almost three weeks, was supposed to be in...
