The Way To Go: Mei Yumi’s Japanese Literature

by Hguchi Ichiyō, mei yumi (Translator)

The Way to Go was published in January, 29 Meiji, 1896, in the magazine, Kokumin’no’tomo Friend of the Nation. The main character, O’Kyō’s way of living as a working woman was not easy in the patriarchy society at that time. From that perspective, the last scene might be able to be understood. A 20-year-old stylish seamstress likely came from a good family. Once she said, “My heart burns with anger very often.” A 16-year-old employee of an umbrella shop was a foundling. One day, he wondered, “Whether I was born from a crotch of a tree.” Their relationship was over all too soon. O’Kyō decided to live a better life as a concubine. Japanese readers are moved by Kichizō’s final remark, “O’Kyō’san, please take your hands off my shoulder.”

Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2021