The Columbia Anthology of Modern Japanese Literature: From Restoration to Occupation, 1868-1945

This comprehensive volume offers outstanding translations of classic texts by such celebrated writers as Nagai Kafu, Shimazaki Toson, Natsume Soseki, Kawabata Yasunari, and Yosano Akiko. Selections reflect the major political, social, and intellectual changes of the period, including exposure to Western ideas and literature, the rise of nationalism, and the complex interaction of traditional and modern forces. The editors also introduce readings from lesser-known women writers, many of which have never been available in English. Divided into four sections, the anthology begins with the early modern texts of the 1870s, continues with works written during the years of social change preceding World War I and the innovative writing of the interwar period, and concludes with texts from World War II. Each chapter features a helpful critical introduction, situating the works within their literary, political, and cultural contexts.