Tokyo Stories: A Literary Stroll Volume 12

This anthology of short stories is a brilliantly selected set of works. I was introduced to this novel because it was a required text for Rogers-sensei's Japanese Literature class. I opened the novel and was immediately intrigued; for every short story, Rogers includes an introduction that is very helpful in understanding the text. Rogers includes well-known authors such as Kawabata Yasunari and Ihara Saikaku, but also some pretty amazing writers I have never heard of. My favorite translation is Mishima Yukio's "Fountains in the Rain." I heartily recommend this short anthology to anyone interested in understanding Japanese culture through literary works.

I read this book before I enrolled in any classes with Dr. Rogers, before I ever moved to Hilo, Hawai'i to persue a Japanese Studies major. My opinion may still be biased, but I was highly enamoured from the very beginning, before even meeting or talking to him. I really love the selection of authors. Some are well-known, although these pieces are not. Others are not well-known, at least in America. Sensei chose material that would be largely unfamiliar to an American audience, which suits me just perfectly. If I wanted things I'd already read, why would I bother? I had read none of these stories, however, and was unknowledgable with more than half of the authors. The translations are highly readable. I'm impressed at what a good writer Sensei is. As I haven't read the Japanese originals, nor am I immediately capable of reading them, I can't comment on their accuracy, however, I am Dr. Rogers' student, after all, and I know his fastidious habits. One of the best features of this text is the large introduction Sensei has penned. Interesting, insightful, readable and charming, it shows that Sensei is not just a translator and re-writer but a writer himself, and as I said above, I was delighted by his skill. I'd happily devour an entire book of his essays on Japan. I have so much to learn from him! I couldn't recommend this any more highly. While the stories are readable and entertaining in their own right, they'll also give you insight into Tokyo, the main thrust of the book. Their organization by geography of the city is a cute bonus. Kore wa totemo hontouni ii desu yo!