Ichiyō Higuchi (1872–1896) was a female author of the Meiji era. Despite living in poverty, she supported her family while continuing to write, publishing notable works such as Takekurabe (Growing Up) and Nigorie (Troubled Waters). Her delicate prose and focus on women’s perspectives drew considerable attention. Tragically, she died of tuberculosis at the young age of 24. Though her life was brief, she is highly regarded as Japan’s first great woman writer.
How Higuchi Ichiyō Is Viewed Overseas
1. The Beginnings and Limitations of Her Introduction Abroad
Higuchi Ichiyō began to gain recognition outside of Japan from the mid-20th century onward.
During a boom in the translation of Japanese literature, she attracted attention as a female writer alongside figures such as Kawabata Yasunari and Tanizaki Jun’ichirō.
Her major works, including Takekurabe (Growing Up) and Nigorie (Troubled Waters), were translated into English, French, German, and other languages.
However, Ichiyō’s writing style is complex.
She employed classical grammar, native Japanese vocabulary, and archaic expressions, all of which require a high level of skill to translate accurately.
As a result, the number of translations of her work remains relatively small compared to other authors.
Furthermore, since her stories are set in the downtown culture of the Meiji era, background knowledge is often required, which has limited her readership to some extent.
2. Reappraisal by Literary Scholars
Since the 1970s, with the development of feminist literary criticism, Ichiyō’s work has attracted renewed attention.
Her portrayals of daily life and emotion from a woman’s perspective became subjects of gender studies.
In universities in the U.S. and Europe, her works are used as core texts in Japanese literature courses.
In particular, stories such as Jūsan’ya (The Thirteenth Night) and Nigorie are highly regarded for their depictions of patriarchy and the oppression of women.
Many express astonishment that, despite dying at the young age of 24, she left behind such highly accomplished works.
Her lyrical rhythm and emotionally rich descriptions are also praised for their literary excellence.
3. Her Significance and Future in the Modern World
Today, Higuchi Ichiyō is recognized as “Japan’s first great female literary figure,” and she is increasingly featured in contexts that introduce Japanese culture to the world.
There is a growing movement to re-evaluate her work through international literary festivals and translation prizes.
Moreover, her writings serve as valuable resources for understanding Japanese perspectives on gender and modernization.
Ichiyō is more than just a female author.
She is a figure who embodied how “being a woman” and “literary expression” are deeply intertwined.
With continued translation and scholarly work, it is likely that appreciation for Ichiyō will deepen and expand further across the world.
Three Representative Works by Higuchi Ichiyō
1. Takekurabe – The Bittersweetness of a Young Girl’s Coming of Age
Takekurabe (Growing Up) is one of Ichiyō’s most renowned works.
The story is set in Ryūsenji-chō, a downtown district of Tokyo (present-day Taitō Ward), an area rich with the atmosphere of pleasure quarters and townspeople culture.
The protagonist is Midori, a beautiful young girl.
Though the daughter of a brothel, she is at an age when her heart is torn between her studies and first love.
Her love interest is Nobuyoshi (Shinnyo), a boy from a local temple.
The two share a tender affection for each other,
but family background and social circumstances stand in their way.
Eventually, each chooses a different path, and they part ways.
The story delicately portrays the emotional turmoil of adolescence.
At the same time, it reveals the constraints and hardships women faced in society.
Ichiyō’s distinctive use of classical literary language gives the work a refined elegance.
It is a masterpiece where her aesthetic sensibility and realism come together in perfect harmony.
2. Nigorie – The Sorrow of a Woman Living in the Red-Light District
Nigorie (Troubled Waters) is a short story centered on Oriki, a barmaid in a poor, working-class neighborhood.
Oriki is a strong-willed and beautiful woman who works at a small tavern.
She is persistently pursued by a middle-aged man named Gen’ichi,
while unresolved emotions remain between her and her former lover, Kisuke.
The narrative explores the tension between male desire and a woman’s struggle for independence.
Though Oriki appears tough, she carries deep loneliness within.
The story ends in tragedy, with Oriki’s fate left uncertain.
It leaves a heavy, lingering impression on the reader.
Ichiyō portrays the inner lives of women with profound empathy.
Her writing gives voice to the silent, unseen struggles of real women in society.
3. Jūsan’ya – A Woman Bound by Family and Duty
Jūsan’ya (The Thirteenth Night) depicts the anguish of a married woman.
The main character is Oseki, a young wife trapped in an unhappy marriage.
One night, she returns to her family home with her child,
but her father scolds her, saying that “a woman returning to her parents is a disgrace.”
In the end, Oseki resigns herself to returning to her husband.
“Living by suppressing oneself”—
this phrase captures the harsh reality many women faced in that era.
Ichiyō does not focus on dramatic incidents;
rather, she masterfully conveys the quiet suffering buried deep within the heart.
In a time when women had few choices,
she portrays their quiet yet determined efforts to live with dignity and strength.
A Literary Journey in the Footsteps of Higuchi IchiyōTravel Guide
Model Course ① – Explore the Ichiyō Memorial Museum and Downtown Culture
(Ryūsen Area, Taitō Ward)
- Ichiyō Memorial Museum (Ryūsen, Taitō Ward)
Located in the area where Higuchi Ichiyō wrote most of her works.
Features handwritten manuscripts, personal diaries, period clothing, and more.
English pamphlets and multilingual information are available. - Former Site of the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters
The setting for stories such as Nigorie and Takekurabe.
The original street layout remains, allowing visitors to feel both the literary and urban history. - Iriya Kishimojin Temple
A temple that Ichiyō herself visited.
Offers a serene and local atmosphere—perfect for a peaceful stroll. - Food Recommendations
- Iseya Main Store: A soba restaurant with over 100 years of history. Enjoy the ambiance of the Meiji era.
- Kayaba Coffee: A café housed in an early Shōwa-era building. Popular with international tourists.
Model Course ② – From Sendagi to Nezu: Tracing the Spirits of Literary Figures
(Bunkyō Ward)
- Site of Ichiyō’s Former Residence (Sendagi, Bunkyō Ward)
A stone monument marks the spot where Ichiyō lived at age 17.
Combine your visit with a walk through Yanaka and Nezu for a richer sense of Japan’s modern literary atmosphere. - Mori Ōgai Memorial Museum (Hongō, Bunkyō Ward)
Dedicated to Ichiyō’s contemporary, Mori Ōgai.
Learn about Ichiyō’s place within the broader movement of modern Japanese literature.
Permanent exhibits include English explanations. - Nezu Shrine
A historic shrine with roots in the Edo period.
Standing here connects you with the space and time Ichiyō herself lived in. - Food Recommendations
- Nezu no Taiyaki: Handmade one by one. A traditional Japanese sweet popular among foreign visitors.
- Yanaka Beer Hall: Enjoy Japanese craft beer with traditional side dishes in a cozy setting.
Model Course ③ – Bridging Literature and Modernity in Jinbōchō
- National Diet Library, Tokyo Main Building
Access Meiji-era documents and literary magazines.
Some of Ichiyō’s manuscripts are available digitally (advance registration required).
Ideal for researchers and serious literature enthusiasts. - Jinbōchō Book Town
Japan’s largest secondhand book district.
Discover modern literature, woodblock-printed books, and rare foreign-language editions—like a literary treasure hunt.
More bookstores now offer English support. - Meiji University Museum (Surugadai Campus)
Offers rich exhibitions on publishing culture and Meiji-period daily life.
Gain a multifaceted understanding of the intersection between literature and society. - Food Recommendations
- Sabouru: A nostalgic coffee shop preserving the Showa-era atmosphere. A great place to relax.
- Bondy Jinbōchō: A famous European-style curry house. Choose your spice level—popular among international visitors.
Tips for Travelers
- Many sites offer English and Chinese guide materials.
- Free English-speaking volunteer guides are available upon reservation in Taitō and Bunkyō Wards.
- Consider planning your visit to coincide with literary festivals or special exhibitions for a more immersive experience.
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