Nov 7 2024
“ Lemon ” ( Complete version ) by Motojiro KAJII English translation
Introduction of the audiobook Kajii Motojiro, born in 1901 in Osaka, is an extraordinary figure in modern Japanese literature whose brief life ended at only 31 due to tuberculosis. Though his professional writing career was cut short before he could publish widely in mainstream literary magazines, he left a profound legacy through a series of powerful short stories published in smaller literary magazines. Today, authors including Yukio Mishima consider his work among the finest of Japan’s Showa period, a time when Japanese literature was undergoing a deep transformation and exploration of new forms and themes.Kajii’s writing stands out for its lyrical sensitivity and immersive calm, bringing readers into a world where the tangible meets the intangible, and small, vivid details evoke complex emotions. His well-known short story Lemon, for instance, captures a moment of defiance, beauty, and melancholy in the simplest of objects—a lemon placed at a bookstore. This story has resonated with many for its subtle rebellion against the pressures of modern urban life and its delicate portrayal of the artist’s inner world.Despite the praise from figures like Mishima, Kajii is not as widely recognized as his contemporaries, such as Akutagawa Ryunosuke. Some speculate that his appearance may have played a role in this. With features that some might describe as “rakkan” or roguish, Kajii’s looks did not align with the stereotypical image of a refined, introspective writer. This may have made it harder for the public to connect his external image with the sensitivity and depth present in his stories. Furthermore, he doesn’t appear in popular depictions like the manga Bungou Shikkaku, which has brought many literary figures back into modern cultural awareness.Special thanks / スペシャルサンクス :Translation by Max Blivenマックス・ブリヴェン(翻訳)Intro music “ 7b2 ”by kuma (イントロ音楽) https://soundcloud.com/sbarbery/7b2♣️️Subscribe to my literature channel 南風舎 at iTunes to dive deep into the Japanese literature. Weekly updates.🔗 iTunes: https://apple.co/3YTK6tW 🎙️ My reading in the original Japanese 梶井基次郎『檸檬』" Lemon " by Motojiro KAJII (Copyright Free)https://youtu.be/BBwOMVvvcI8🎙️ Playlist :梶井基次郎 ( Motojiro KAJII )https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwqiwuMgsh-KT6mNeAj_-SKWmtJ4j42L6“ A note on the translation : I began translating this story several years ago, so the first third of my translation has a different rhythm and feel than the latter half or more, which I translated in just the past year. ” by MaxTranscript https://japaneseclassicallit.blogspot.com/2023/02/lemon-by-motojiro-kajii-translation-by.htmlAbout Kasumi Kobayashi – Narrator at 南風舎 (Nan’pusha)Welcome! I’m Kasumi Kobayashi, a passionate narrator and podcaster dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japanese literature, culture, and philosophy with a global audience. Through my storytelling, I bring both classic and modern Japanese works to life, weaving in my personal experiences with Iaido and Noh to offer deeper connections to Japan’s timeless traditions.🎧 Where to Listen and Follow:iTunes (Main Channel):南風舎 - Nan’pusha features all my programs in one place. Enjoy weekly narrations and bonus episodes for subscribers, perfect for immersing yourself in Japanese stories.👉 iTunes: https://apple.co/3Nzqh6BPatreon:Dive deeper with exclusive content! Supporters enjoy weekly episodes, early access, and bonus features that enrich the exploration of Japan’s literary and cultural heritage.👉 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kasumikobayashiYouTube:Explore 南風舎 on YouTube, where visual and audio content bring Japanese culture to life at your own pace. Exclusive, unlisted content is available to iTunes and Patreon members.👉 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kaseuminSocial Media:Stay connected with updates and behind-the-scenes insights:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseumin/