This study explores the connections between Japan's modern literary tradition and its national cinema. The first part offers a historical and cultural overview of the working relationship that developed between pure literature and film. The second analyzes 12 literary works and their adaptions.

Stephen Snyder examines Kafu's fiction in terms of narrative strategy, placing him squarely within some of the most important currents of literary modernism--at the nexus of Naturalism and the largely antithetical development of the modernist reflexive novel.

Komayo is a former geisha who, upon the death of her husband, returns to the "world of flower and willow" to escape poverty. A chance encounter with an old patron, Yoshioka, leads to a potentially profitable relationship: Yoshioka believes Komayo can restore his lost innocence; Komayo uses Yoshioka's patronage to compete in elaborate music and dance performances. As Komayo considers Yoshioka's offer, she falls in love with Segawa, a young actor who promises to turn the talented geisha into the finest dancer in the Shimbashi quarter. Komayo is eager to become the lead performer among her peers. Her ambition even tempts her to assume a third patron known as the "Sea Monster," a repellent but wealthy antiques dealer. As she grows to realize a glittering career, Komayo becomes the target of her three lovers' bitter rivalry, which leaves her both thrilled and exhausted, brutalized and redeemed. Nagai Kafu's captivating tale moves from the intimate corners of the geisha house to the back rooms of assignation, from the dressing areas of the great kabuki theaters to the lonely country villa of a theater critic and connoisseur of Shimbashi women, detailing one woman's absorbing quest to find fame, affection, and financial security.

Geisha in Rivalry, first published as Udekurabe in 1918, has a secure place among Kafu Nagai's masterpieces. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo's Shimbashi geisha district, a company of vivid characters play out their drama of illicit love, shady intrigue, and unrelenting rivalry. In the forefront are the geisha: some powerful and spiteful like the imperious Rikiji, some crude and obvious like the gaudy Kikuchiyo, some naive and pathetic like the heroine Komayo, and all engaged in finding a place for themselves in a world that offers no easy route of escape from their profession. Here, too, are the patrons of the geisha: the playboys, the actors, the successful businessmen, and the "upstart gentlemen" of late Meiji society. And here, again, are those who make the machinery of this world function: the geisha house proprietors, the teahouse mistresses, the actors' retainers, the servants. And, finally, here are the parasites of the demimonde, who live off its other denizens through guile and deceit. Through this often sordid but fascinating pageant move the figures of the geisha Komayo, her lovers, and the women who conspire to steal them from her.

Ann Sherif discusses the life and work of Kòda in light of changes in critical horizons, readerly communities, and especially constructions of gender and the family in the latter half of the twentieth century. Excellent translations of some of Kòda's most provocative short works are included.

Tokyo is one of the most fastest-paced cities in Asia. Keep up to speed with City Guide Tokyo - a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of this extraordinary city. Experience the mega-wattage of neon lights in Shibuya, take a soothing dip at Odaiba's Oedo Onsen and marvel at the resplendent Senso-ji temple with a guide that explores all these sights and more using detailed, narrative text, easy-to-use maps and stunning full-colour photography. City Guide Tokyo fully explores the history, people and culture of the city, so you can discover everything you need to know to appreciate kabuki theatre, learn the difference between sushi and sashimi and delve into the world of manga and anime. In-depth chapters cover all of Tokyo's wards and suggest excursions to surrounding regions; fashionistas should head for stylish Harajuku, night owls can make a beeline for bustling Roppongi, history and architecture buffs will adore the Old Tokyo of Asakusa, whilst those seeking fresh air and gorgeous scenery will want to explore Mount Fuji. The Best Of section helps you to prioritise what to see and the Travel Tips offer selective listings of where to stay and eat out, plus essential advice on what you need to know before you go and how to get around the city once you are there.