Partings at Dawn: An Anthology of Japanese Gay Literature

by Stephen Miller (Editor), Paul Gordon Schalow (Introduction)

Partings at Dawn is a brilliant collection of literature on gay themes covering eight hundred years of Japanese culture---from 1200 to the last decade of the 20th century. It includes stories such as "The Tale of Genmu" and "The Story of Kannon's Manifestation as a Youth"---how a Buddhist Bodhisattva gives his blessing to a gay relationship. The renowned 17th century writer Ihara Saikaku is well represented with his stories of samurai and actors and their boyloves. The amazing 17th century collection Wild Azaleas (the world's premier gay anthology of stories and poems) is presented here for the first time within the pages of a book. There is an indepth section of 20th century writers, including Mishima Yukio's story "Onnagata," and the erotic stories/poems of Takahashi Mutsuo. His massive poem of gay sex, "ODE," is consider by publisher Winston Leyland as "the single great gay poem of the 20th century." Masterfully rendered into English by twelve translators---all scholars of Japanese literature---this pioneering anthology deserves a wide readership.

Genres: LGBT, Queer, Japanese Literature, Anthologies, Gay, Fiction, Japan

351 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is very little modern Japanese gay literature available in English translation, besides the two famous novels by Mishima. This anthology remains virtually the only survey to date, even though it was published in 1996. Some of the poetry of Takahashi is available, still not completely, but you can forget about finding complete translations of the several novels from other authors tantalizingly excerpted in this anthology. Very frustrating.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of a GR Japanese Literature discussion in relations to The Changelings (Torikaebaya monogatari, tr.Willig, 1983). I have only read through the introduction and the first translation which lent its name to the larger volume. My rating should not be taken for the whole text which would likely be 4 or perhaps higher.

It seems that both tales are more about gender bending in the small community of aristocracy and court roles rather than homosexual relations. Translator notes on Parting at Dawn indicates that in the untranslated part of the monogatari, Ariake has same gender encounters when they are Empress. Further reading and investigation of the art from that era would help to apprise the extent of then cultural norms and acceptance. In that, they might be disappointing to a modern reader, however, this limited translation is a fascinating snapshot in the context of the literature of the elite community of the times.

[Yuuma shinkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very strong window into the life of homosexual men in the country of Japan.
not light reading.
watch out for vivid
The story onnagata is a beautifully written story. I loved it a lot, it has sensuality rather than sex itself.
descriptions of the acts otherwise okay

[m schippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

an essential that will stir you and, once stirred, will not stop

[Lulu]

Partings at down - 1190s