Earlier on in the year, I spent some happy reading time discovering a new publisher with a very novel method of bringing translated Japanese literature to Anglophone readers. The venture is Red Circle Authors, and I wrote about their ethos and their first three books for Shiny New Books, as well as for the Ramblings.
The works they issue are called the Red Circle Minis; bite-size pieces of new writing by a variety of esteemed Japanese authors, these stories are being published for the first time in English, which is really innovative. I found the first three Minis fascinating; and now RCA have issue two more titles, both of which provide much food for thought, as well as being entertaining reading.
At first glance, the two books seem very dissimilar; one is the tale of a warlord from the past, based on a real historical figure; the other looks to future society and the ravages inflicted on our poor planet and much of its population by those in control. The differing subject matter of these two books really does show the range and variety of Japanese literature, and the admirable willingness of Red Circle Authors to embrace that.
First up, “The Refugees’ Daughter” by Takuji Ichikawa, translated by Emily Balistrieiri (Mini 4). The author is a high-flier in the world of Japanese literature, although his work doesn’t seem readily available in English. “The Refugees’ Daughter” is set in a future time, where society has collapsed, climate change has wrecked the ecosystems, and groups of refugees try to avoid the warring factions and find some place of sanctuary. The daughter of the title, Aimi, is gifted with a way to communicate with those who might help them escape their dystopian landscape; and when she receives a communication which may guide them to a mythical gate, Aimi and her family plus another group must try to escape the soldiers and make their way to safety.
We took such a beautiful planet of water and, in a matter of a hundred years, we turned it into a grimy mud ball.
My somewhat simplistic description belies the depth and compexity of “Refugee…”; tense as it is, this is not just an adventure story. As the group travel, it becomes clear that humanity is almost split into two types: there are the aggressors, those in charge who just want to destroy and control; and those who resist, almost hippie-like and pacifist in tendency, who want a peaceful and fair world. The group discuss their fears, beliefs and ideals as they travel, and it’s hard not to see parallels with our own world; it did seem that the time portrayed in the book is a look forward at what may be the inevitable result of our current state. I sensed threads of criticism of the patriarchal system and celebration of a matriarchal alternative, which was fascinating. There are elements of magic realism in the book, which sit naturally in the story, and it’s actually a very uplifting read.
Hateful words are just like bullets. The media has been at the beck and call of The Complex for ages now. The more hate speech spreads, the more hate grows in people’s hearts. It’s like a zombie virus.
In complete contrast, “The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro” by Kanji Hanawa, translated by Meredith McKinney (Mini 5) looks back to a time when Japan was ruled by powerful warlords. However, the story captures the country in a time of change; although the titular lord inherits a kingdom, he’s as unlike his powerful father as it’s possible to be. He prefers a life of luxury amongst concubines to a samurai-style life; and instead of fighting battles and extending his kingdom, his main achievement seems to be the production of a prodigious amount of children! The story gently critiques not only the heroic tales of warlords of old; it also questions how many of us, if placed in a situation of power like Lord Asunaro, would simply enjoy excess and the luxuries riches and power bring. It’s very entertaining on the surface, yet thought-provoking underneath.
…. this had been a moment when the earth chose to assert itself a little and remind everyone that it is a living being.
I found the two new minis an excellent and contrasting pairing; both authors obviously deserve their high status in the world of Japanese literature, and the stories made excellent, enjoyable and intriguing reading; I kept thinking about both books long after finishing them. I’ve read a reasonable amount of Japanese authors over the years, though fewer modern ones, and it’s a country which has produced some of my favourites; and it’s reassuring to see, from the Red Circle Minis, that Japan is still producing most wonderful writing!
NB I always try to credit the translator in my posts, as I certainly wouldn’t have the breadth of reading I enjoy without them. D’oh – I forget this time, so post amended and thanks to Simon for nudging me by asking who was responsible! 😀
Tony
Dec 19, 2019 @ 07:12:29
Looking forward to trying these once mine arrrive – part of my January in Japan reading 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 19, 2019 @ 11:11:00
I should have saved them for January really! I’m feeling very drawn to join in with the challenge, as I do have a lot of Japanese lit on the TBR! 😀
Tony
Dec 19, 2019 @ 22:39:32
Kaggsy – Well, it’s not a challenge as such, although I did actually run it as an event for a few years. I wish I had the time to do it again, but January is actually one of my busiest months of the year now 😉
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 20, 2019 @ 09:11:16
Yes, I may well have taken part when it was a challenge – who knows! But I do need to read more Japanese lit, even if I don’t manage it in January!
Tredynas Days
Dec 19, 2019 @ 07:34:32
Good to see the toxicity of hate speech identified: its use by prominent politicians is particularly worrying. These sound like salutary stories. Who translated them?
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 19, 2019 @ 11:10:21
It is – I can’t bear all the hate that’s going around at the moment. And how remiss of me to not name the translator, as I always try to…. 😦 I will update the post later – thanks for the nudge!
Silvia
Dec 19, 2019 @ 12:07:44
I too experience that with any Japanese lit, I usually keep thinking about the books long after I close the last page.
More worth titles for the 3 months Japanese lit challenge or for anytime. I’m very excited to up my Japanese lit reading this year. I agree, it’s a country that produces good writers.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 19, 2019 @ 14:27:46
It does indeed – some of my favourite books and authors are from Japan. Mishima is possibly my favourite, but I do want to keep exploring more widely. And I’m finding tha these Minis are a particularly good way to discover contemporary authors!
Silvia
Dec 19, 2019 @ 12:08:15
Are any of those women? Just curious.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 19, 2019 @ 14:28:07
I don’t think the Minis are yet.
Silvia
Dec 19, 2019 @ 12:08:46
I mean not these two, any of the Japanese books you have read.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 19, 2019 @ 14:31:01
That I’m not sure about. I’d need to check the shelves…. I’ve read mainly what are classed as classics from Japan, and these seem to be mostly written by men. But I haven’t even read The Tale of Genji or The Pillow Book, so I really need to do something to rectify this in 2020!
heavenali
Dec 19, 2019 @ 21:40:11
These both sound really interesting and thought provoking.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 20, 2019 @ 09:12:04
They are – very different but both absolutely fascinating!
Jane
Dec 19, 2019 @ 21:44:37
Thank you I must investigate the red circle authors, sounds like a very good idea.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 20, 2019 @ 09:11:48
I think so – most of my Japanese reading is in the classics so it’s wonderful to get to know some modern authors!
Radz Pandit
Dec 20, 2019 @ 09:02:49
These Red Circle Minis look very intriguing Karen! off to look them up.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 20, 2019 @ 09:10:36
They’re intriguing and very varied – highly recommended! 😀
Radz Pandit
Dec 25, 2019 @ 11:36:30
I couldn’t resist and bought Backlight by Hanawa😊
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 26, 2019 @ 10:45:19
Yay! It’s fab!
Liz Dexter
Dec 20, 2019 @ 19:26:28
What a lovely way to bring these books to a wider audience – a great find there.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 21, 2019 @ 15:58:43
I think it is – and if you’re unsure whether you’ll like a writer, the commitment is not to huge so not offputting. An excellent idea.
Nanosecond
Dec 22, 2019 @ 05:21:37
Silvia, maybe you have read these already, but here goes:
Sawako Ariyoshi is a 20th century Japanese female author whose work I recommend. Her “The Twilight Years” — about a woman caring for her elderly father-in-law — is terrific. “The Doctor’s Wife” is also good. I am currently reading “The River Ki” and loving it. Her books may no longer be in print; I am in the US and ended up purchasing all three books used.
Another novel I adored by a 20th century Japanese female author is “The Waiting Years” by Fumiko Enchi.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 22, 2019 @ 11:26:56
Thanks so much for the suggestions! I guess there are so many great writers out there still to be discovered!
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