Scheduled for Jul 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Patreon, next day at iTunes podcasting channel, then unscheduled release at YouTube
Transcript
Kafu NAGAI
永井荷風
“ Ink, Romance, and Nostalgia: The Kafū Nagai Story ”
Hello, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of 南風舎 (Nanpusha). I’m Kaseumin, your host. Today, we’re diving into the life and works of a literary giant in early 20th-century Japanese literature, Kafū Nagai.
Kafū Nagai, born in 1879 into a good family in Tokyo, is celebrated not only for his captivating novels and stories set in the pleasure quarters but also for his beautifully written essays and meticulously detailed diaries. These works provide a vivid and nostalgic portrayal of Tokyo during times of rapid change.
Nagai’s early life was marked by his education at Keio University, where he developed a profound appreciation for Western literature and culture. This curiosity led him to America and France, where he observed the lives of independent and vibrant women. This experience profoundly influenced his writings, leading him to critique Japanese society, which, at that time, expected women to marry men chosen by their families. His plays challenged these societal norms, advocating for greater autonomy and individuality for Japanese women.
Despite his frail health, Nagai lived through the tumultuous Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa eras. His literary career is characterized by a deep sense of nostalgia for the Edo period and an acute awareness of Tokyo’s urban transformation. His works often reflect a melancholic tone, exploring themes of modernization, cultural conflict, and the ephemeral nature of beauty and pleasure.
Now, let’s delve into his relationships with two other literary giants: Jun'ichirō Tanizaki and Kyōka Izumi.
Kafū Nagai was instrumental in recognizing and promoting Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, one of the most renowned authors in modern Japanese literature. Nagai was the first to acknowledge Tanizaki's talent in the literary world, helping him gain the recognition he deserved. This support was crucial in Tanizaki’s early career, providing him with the platform to showcase his unique narrative style and thematic explorations.
In addition to supporting Tanizaki, Nagai also extended a helping hand to Kyōka Izumi during difficult times. When Izumi faced challenges in publishing his works, Nagai provided assistance, ensuring that Izumi’s voice continued to be heard in the literary community. This act of camaraderie not only helped preserve Izumi’s legacy but also strengthened the bonds within the literary circle of that era.
Let’s now take a closer look at some of Kafū Nagai’s major works:
First, we have“ Sumidagawa ” or“ The River Sumida, ” published in 1909. This novel paints a nostalgic picture of the Sumida River and the traditional life along its banks. It’s a beautiful reflection of a time when the old ways still lingered in the bustling city.
Then there’s“ Bokutō Kidan ” or“ A Strange Tale from East of the River, ” published in 1937. This novel delves into the lives of geisha and the entertainment district of Tokyo, offering a detailed and intimate portrayal of these hidden worlds.
Another significant work is“ Amerika Monogatari ” or“ Tales of America, ” a collection of essays and stories based on his travels in the United States and France. Through these writings, Nagai reflects on Western society and critiques the rapid modernization happening in Japan.
One of my personal favorites is“ Hiyori Geta ” 『日和下駄』or“ Fair Weather Clogs. ” This essay collection, beloved by 周作人 ( Zhou Zuoren ) , captures Nagai’s strolls through Tokyo, allowing readers to see the remnants of the Edo period in the modern cityscape.
In“ Shotaku ” 『妾宅』or“ The Mistress' House, ” Nagai introduces William Morris’s concept of “ living art.” He questions whether the pleasures and pastimes of Edo-period homes, now disappearing due to modernization and Westernization, should not be preserved.
Lastly, we have“ Danchōtei Nichijō ” 『断腸亭日乗』or“ The Diary of Danchōtei. ” This diary, kept from age 39 until the day before his death at 79, offers a detailed insight into the prices and lifestyle of the time. It also details his friendships with literary figures like Mori Ōgai and, of course, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, making it a valuable historical document.
Kafū Nagai’s personal life was as intriguing as his literary career. He married twice, but both marriages ended in failure, and he remained single until his death. Known for his affinity for women and the pleasure quarters, it’s remarkable that he avoided harm despite his lifestyle.
After deciding never to marry again, Nagai built a house called Henkikan to live in as a bachelor from 1918. Unfortunately, this house and his precious book collection were destroyed in the Tokyo air raids of 1945.
Kafū Nagai’s legacy endures through his rich body of work, which continues to be studied for its artistic merit and historical insights. His vivid descriptions and melancholic reflections provide a unique window into the transformation of Japanese society in the early 20th century, making him an indispensable figure in Japanese literature.
Thank you for joining me today on this journey through the life and works of Kafū Nagai. I hope you enjoyed learning about this remarkable literary figure. Don’t forget to subscribe to 南風舎 (Nanpusha) for more episodes on Japanese literature and culture.
Until next time, take care and happy reading!