Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
← Back
| Original Title | 上海游記 |
|---|---|
| Author | 芥川 竜之介 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | Acclaimed Japanese writer Akutagawa Ryunosuke embarks on a much-anticipated travelogue to Shanghai, envisioning a city steeped in poetic tradition and ancient grace. But from the moment he endures a brutal sea voyage, his journey descends into a disorienting clash between literary fantasy and a vibrant, often vulgar, reality. Plagued by illness and besieged by aggressive rickshaw drivers, perplexing customs, and a society grappling with profound decay, Akutagawa's romantic ideals are swiftly dismantled. He observes China's raw vitality, its unexpected cruelties, and its bewildering blend of East and West, finding his very artistic sensibilities challenged. Will this celebrated author manage to reconcile the glorious China of his imagination with the gritty, modern metropolis before him, or will his spirit be irrevocably altered by its unvarnished truths? |
← Return to List
← Return to TOP