In the late nineteenth century Japan had a special fascination for Americans, primarily because they had opened the country to international commerce, but also because of the complexity of its society and excellence of its arts. Another source of fascination was the speed of Japan's modernization: Japan evolved from a vulnerable, newly-opened outpost to a colonial power in less than 50 years. This, the first set in the Japan in American Fiction series, contains nine of the most important works of this kind written between 1880 and 1905, to which a 1910 second novel by one of the authors (Babcock's Tama) is added for good measure. While most of these books fit loosely into the category of romance, seven of them are serious attempts by early residents to describe, explain, and even defend Japan and the Japanese to American readers. In the remaining three, professional writers of popular fiction (Long and Babcock) take up Japanese themes to entertain and win audiences. From a literary and cultural standpoint, the works selected have 'fixed' and continue to influence popular perceptions in the West of Japan as the land of samurai and geisha. The books also reflect the ambiguity of the American venture in Japan: while there was some desire to exploit the country, there were also moves to 'educate' its people in western ways and welcome them as new members to the family of modern nations - a role that appealed to the self-image held by the intruders. Indeed, when analyzed carefully, the works tell as much about Americans as they do about Japanese. These works present a range of perceptions and opinions. Some encourage Japanese to adopt American models while others warn such imitation will destroy the Japanese culture. Some call for the Japanese to convert to Christianity while others warn that missionary educators may ruin their students, or claim that Christianity has no role if it refuses to acknowledge the worth of Japanese culture. Historical romances alternate with love romances. Japanese women are shown as obedient love objects, as exploited or abused victims, and as loving wives and mothers who have valuable roles within the culture. Males are depicted as brave soldiers and statesmen on the one hand and corrupt tyrants and panderers on the other. Contents: Volume 1: Edward Greey, Young Americans in Japan, or the Adventures of the Jewett Family and Their Friend Oto Nambo(1882) Volume 2: Louis Wertheimber, A Muramasa Blade: A Story of Feudalism in Old Japan (1887); Edward Howard House, Yone Santo: A Child of Japan (1888) Volume 3: Arthur Collins Maclay, Mito Yashiki: A Tale of Old Japan (1889) Volume 4: William Elliot Griffis, Honda the Samurai: A Story of Modern Japan(1890) Volume 5: William Elliot Griffis, In the Mikado's Service: A Story of Two Battle Summers in China (1901) Volume 6: Winnifred Eaton Babcock, ('Onoto Watanna') A Japanese Nightingale (1901) & Tama (1910) Volume 7: John Luther Long, Madame Butterfly; Purple Eyes; A Gentleman of Japan and a Lady; Kito; Glory (1898); together with Madam Butterfly: Opera in Three Acts (1904), Italian libretto by L. Illica & G. Giacosa with an English version by R. H. Elkin; Alice Mabel Bacon, In the Land of the Gods: Some Stories of Japan(1905)

After her performance at a beautiful tea house, Yuki, a Japanese dancer, is followed and harassed by a businessman. Claiming that they could make a lot of money together if Yuki went to America with him, the man does not intend to take no for an answer. When Jack, an awkward but friendly man, witnesses the harassment, he steps in to encourage the man to leave her alone. They then part ways, and Jack assumes they will never see each other again, but Yuki has a plan. Jack is one of the wealthiest foreigners in Japan, which Yuki learns through a mutual friend. When that mutual friend reintroduces Jack and Yuki, Yuki declares her intent to marry Jack. This was a common tradition among Western men—they would marry a Japanese woman, use her, and then leave the country without a second thought. Aware of the discrimination and racism that his fellow Americans practice, he tries to be careful not to partake in such heinous beliefs; therefore, he initially is opposed to the idea. Yuki, however, is persistent. Arguing that it would be mutually beneficial, Yuki admits that she is seeking financial stability. Upon her insistence, Jack finally gives in and agrees to marry. The two decide that it will be an open and honest relationship; Yuki is interested in Jack’s money, and he is interested in her appearance. But as they grow closer, the couple realize that their no-strings attached arrangement might not work out as planned. Onoto Watanna’s A Japanese Nightingale explores themes of gender, race, and sexuality, as well as addressing the constructs and exploitation of Asian femininity. With descriptive prose and powerful themes, A Japanese Nightingale empowers Asian identity and influenced current cultural movements. Published in 1904, A Japanese Nightingale became Onoto Watanna’s claim to fame. The novel was a big commercial success, and even inspired a silent film adaptation. However, despite its popularity, A Japanese Nightingale is rarely found in print. This edition of Onoto Watanna’s A Japanese Nightingale features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in a contemporary font, making it both readable and modern.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

After her performance at a beautiful tea house, Yuki, a Japanese dancer, is followed and harassed by a businessman. Claiming that they could make a lot of money together if Yuki went to America with him, the man does not intend to take no for an answer. When Jack, an awkward but friendly man, witnesses the harassment, he steps in to encourage the man to leave her alone. They then part ways, and Jack assumes they will never see each other again, but Yuki has a plan. Jack is one of the wealthiest foreigners in Japan, which Yuki learns through a mutual friend. When that mutual friend reintroduces Jack and Yuki, Yuki declares her intent to marry Jack. This was a common tradition among Western men--they would marry a Japanese woman, use her, and then leave the country without a second thought. Aware of the discrimination and racism that his fellow Americans practice, he tries to be careful not to partake in such heinous beliefs; therefore, he initially is opposed to the idea. Yuki, however, is persistent. Arguing that it would be mutually beneficial, Yuki admits that she is seeking financial stability. Upon her insistence, Jack finally gives in and agrees to marry. The two decide that it will be an open and honest relationship; Yuki is interested in Jack's money, and he is interested in her appearance. But as they grow closer, the couple realize that their no-strings attached arrangement might not work out as planned. Onoto Watanna's A Japanese Nightingale explores themes of gender, race, and sexuality, as well as addressing the constructs and exploitation of Asian femininity. With descriptive prose and powerful themes, A Japanese Nightingale empowers Asian identity and influenced current cultural movements. Published in 1904, A Japanese Nightingale became Onoto Watanna's claim to fame. The novel was a big commercial success, and even inspired a silent film adaptation. However, despite its popularity, A Japanese Nightingale is rarely found in print. This edition of Onoto Watanna's A Japanese Nightingale features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in a contemporary font, making it both readable and modern.