Hideo Furukawa’s Author’s Talk: Samurai Literature in Contemporary Japan
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October 26th, 2017 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm EDT
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Heike Monogatari, or The Tale of the Heike, is an epic of medieval Japanese literature, serving as a fictional dramatization of the battles of the Taira and Minamoto clans for control of Japan during the Genpei War (1180 – 1185). The Tale of the Heike has been an inspiration for centuries, providing the basis for Noh plays, woodblock prints, and many translations and interpretations.
Author Hideo Furukawa translated Heike Monogatari from its original medieval Japanese into modern Japanese, as it is used today, in his 2016 publication. The rich content of Heike Monogatari explores many themes, including the origins of bushido (the way of the warrior) and the notion of Japan as a unified nation.
Hailing from Fukushima, the epicenter of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Furukawa was one of the first authors to respond to the devastation of the area. Thinking of written works and ideologies that emerge from disasters and times of conflict, Furukawa will discuss the power of literature to reflect on and make sense of constant impermanence by soothing the souls of fallen soldiers and victims of both man-made and natural disasters.
The Japan Foundation, Toronto and IFOA (International Festival of Authors) look forward to hosting award-winning author Hideo Furukawa. Hailing from Fukushima, Furukawa is known for his experimental and ever-evolving literary style. Each new book showcases a different style, encompassing prose, essays, critiques, picture books, and plays. Furukawa has received the Japan Science Fiction Grand Prize and the Yukio Mishima award. His most recent publication that has been translated into English is Slow Boat, a remix of Haruki Murakami’s short story Slow Boat to China.
Mr. Furukawa will also be part of a group reading at Harbourfront Centre on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:00pm.
“Around the World” showcases authors whose work has been translated into English. Check the International Festival of Authors website for details: http://ifoa.org/events
