Involves a famous Catholic writer whose comfortable life is shattered when a drunken woman crashes a reception in his honor, claiming that he frequents the red-light district of Tokyo and that his portrait is exhibited in a gallery there. The result: his reputation as a writer, his marriage, and his sense of identity all are placed at risk. A psychological thriller and a literary work of art which, as it subtly peels off layers of the dark side of human nature, grips and propels the reader.
This anthology is the first extensive collection of Japanese short stories translated into English in over eight years, featuring twenty-five stories from the Showa period (1926-1989) by some of Japan's finest writers. Most stories are newly translated, showcasing the resilience of Japanese literary tradition and the ability of writers to incorporate contemporary techniques. The works reflect the tumultuous nature of modern Japanese history. Included are renowned authors like Nobel laureate Kawabata Yasunari and Endo Shusaku, alongside lesser-known but significant figures such as Kajii Motojiro and Shimao Toshio, with six stories by women writers highlighting their growing influence in postwar literature. These authors excel at crafting rich vignettes rather than expansive narratives, creating a complex portrait of human experience through interconnected scenes. The stories span various styles, from autobiographical sketches to surrealism, lyrical prose to intellectual discourse, and pastoral themes to war studies. Translated by leading younger scholars, these works appeal to diverse literary tastes and illustrate the evolution of Japanese literature over the past fifty years, demonstrating its resilience amid societal changes and technological advancements.
