Katai Tayama: 2 works in the original Japanese, with translation
Katai Tayama (born Rokuya Tayama, 22 January 1872 – 13 May 1930) was a Japanese author. He is noted for establishing the Japanese literary genre of naturalistic I novels, which revolve around the detailed self-examinations of an introspective author; his most famous works include Futon (The Quilt) and Inaka Kyōshi (Rural Teacher), and he also wrote about his experiences in the Russo-Japanese War.
Works in the library
- The QuiltKatai Tayama · Advanced
- Country TeacherKatai Tayama · Advanced
Cultural notes (selection)
「セル」is a transliteration of the English word "serge," a thin wool fabric; 「縞セルの背広」means a pin-striped serge suit. 「麦稈帽」is a straw hat woven from wheat straw.
In the Meiji period, the town of Hanyū in Saitama Prefecture was famous for its periodic markets selling aosema—blue-and-white striped cotton cloth—which were an important trade in local products. The text uses the market to highlight Hanyū's distinctive local industry.