Japan's first modern novel : Ukigumo of Futabatei Shimei

Author / Creator

Futabatei, Shimei, 1864-1909, author

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Summary

This book was published in Japanese in 1887. Based on the story of four very ordinary characters, "Ukigumo" is a realistic portrayal of emerging modern Japan. Just as Meiji-era Japan was struggling...

This book was published in Japanese in 1887. Based on the story of four very ordinary characters, "Ukigumo" is a realistic portrayal of emerging modern Japan. Just as Meiji-era Japan was struggling with the positions of it's non-shogun classes, characters Bunzo and Noboru work together in cushy government positions, however soon Bunzo is laid off while the boss-schmoozing Noboru retains his job. As Meiji-era Japan was becoming increasingly educated to Western ideals, daughter Osei is caught between studying for her English classes and her mother Omasa's attempts to arrange a traditional marriage for Osei. Reflecting the old and new of Meiji-era Japan, characters appear in traditional dress in one scene and in Western clothes in the next. Bunzo struggles to find work and Osei drops English classes in order to take up knitting. The Japanese word "ukigumo" means "floating clouds" which is precisely what it seems these characters really are as they drift through life. --Pamela S. at Amazon.com.

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