Ukigumo

novel by Futabatei Shimei

Also known as: “Japan’s First Modern Novel: Ukigumo of Futabatei Shimei”

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Article History

Japanese:: “The Drifting Clouds”

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Ukigumo, novel by Futabatei Shimei, published in 1887–89. It was published in three parts, at first under the name of the author’s more-famous friend, Tsubouchi Shōyō. It was published in English as Japan’s First Modern Novel: Ukigumo of Futabatei Shimei. Ukigumo was one of the first attempts to replace classical Japanese literary language and syntax with the modern colloquial idiom.

Utsumi Bunzō, the novel’s antihero protagonist, lives in Tokyo and refuses to compromise the ancient code of behaviour ingrained in him by his samurai background. Although he is likable and decent, he is no match for the ambitious Noboru, to whom he loses the love of Osei, a girl who loves Western culture and ideals. The book ends abruptly and some critics feel that it was left unfinished.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.