The Japan Society

Upcoming Events

IN-PERSON EVENT - The Japan Society Book Club: Places by Jakucho Setouchi

Monday 14 October 2024 / 7:00pm
IN-PERSON EVENT - The Japan Society Book Club: Places by Jakucho Setouchi

Date
Monday 14 October 2024
Time
7.00pm

Venue
The Japan Society
13 / 14 Cornwall Terrace
London NW1 4QP

Booking Details
Free for members of The Japan Society

Book available from Bookshop.orgAmazon, and AbeBooks (translated by Liza Crihfield Dalby)
Japanese version available here

Book online here

Please help us to keep this event free and open to all!

The activities of The Japan Society are made possible thanks to the support of its members. If you are planning to attend this event and are not a member (as an individual or through your employer), please consider becoming a member or making a donation if you can - the recommended donation is £5. Thank you!

   

In this captivating blend of autobiography and fiction, writer, translator, feminist, peace activist and Buddhist nun Jakucho Setouchi vividly reminisces on her past, reliving scenes with near-photographic precision. From her rural upbringing in Tokushima during the 1920s as a craftsman's daughter to the liberating college days in Tokyo, she recounts the tumultuous escape to Kyoto after a failed arranged marriage and a doomed romance. Returning to Tokyo, she immerses herself in the vibrant artistic community, striving to establish her career as a novelist driven by an unwavering passion to write. Setouchi's sharp, evocative recollections paint a vivid panorama of pre-World War II Japan, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life amidst her quest for literary fulfillment.

Jakucho Setouchi (1922-2021) was a revered Japanese writer, Buddhist nun, and literary figure. Renowned for her evocative storytelling and contemplative themes, she gained acclaim for works blending autobiography and fiction, delving into poignant human experiences. Her life's trajectory spans from rural Tokushima upbringing to Tokyo's vibrant art scene, marked by a pursuit of literary excellence. Setouchi's prolific career, characterized by a unique blend of spirituality and narrative depth, earned her prestigious awards and global recognition. A devout Buddhist, her literary legacy remains a testament to profound introspection, societal observations, and a profound exploration of the human condition.

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.


Booking Info

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  • If you are not a member of The Japan Society (as an individual or through your employer), please consider becoming a member or making a donation if you can - the recommended donation is £5.
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