Unhuman Tour (Kusamakura)

by Natsume Soseki

Overview

Soseki's Unhuman Tour (Kusamakura) follows a nameless young artist as he embarks on a contemplative journey through the mountains. Seeking inspiration, he arrives at a hot spring resort, where he becomes entranced by Nami, the beautiful daughter of the innkeeper. Nami's presence becomes the central focus of the artist's musings, as he silently observes her beauty and contemplates the nature of art, love, and impermanence. The novel unfolds like a haiku-elegant, minimalist, and meditative-exploring the fleeting nature of beauty, both in nature and human form. Written during the Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization in Japan, Kusamakura reflects a longing for a simpler, more peaceful past, evoking nostalgia for old Japan. The courtship between the artist and Nami is subtle and silent, underscoring the ephemeral nature of life and love. Through lyricism and introspection, Sōseki creates a deeply philosophical narrative about the transience of beauty and the inner life of the artist.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789368093626
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	11/01/2024
Pages:	114
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.27(d)

About the Author

Soseki Natsume (1867-1916) was a prominent Japanese novelist and scholar, widely regarded as one of Japan's greatest literary figures. Born in Tokyo during the final years of the Edo period, he lived through Japan's rapid transformation during the Meiji era. Sōseki initially studied literature and philosophy at the Tokyo Imperial University before receiving a government scholarship to study in England, where he experienced deep loneliness and cultural alienation. Upon returning to Japan, Sōseki began his literary career, writing novels that reflected the psychological and social upheavals of modern Japan. His works explore themes of alienation, existential despair, and the tension between traditional Japanese values and Westernization. His most famous works include I Am a Cat, Kokoro, and Kusamakura. Sōseki's writing is characterized by philosophical depth, psychological insight, and a profound sensitivity to the human condition. Often seen as a voice for the inner struggles of individuals in a rapidly changing world, his legacy continues to influence Japanese literature today.