Thank you, Holly. I'm thrilled that you like that line from her and the self portrait. And yes, komorebi is a great idea as well as a lovely word. It crops up in Wim Wenders' beautiful film, Perfect Days.
Before the end of the first paragraph and BAM! you’ve already taught me something — “Thanks to her, in the typically brilliant winter sunshine of Tokyo, I was able to enjoy the komorebi (木漏れ日, the Japanese word for the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees)” — what a wonderful word, I wish there was an English equivalent!
So many of Hayashi’s lines that you shared were so beautiful and infused with such depth. I also especially like what you said here about some of her writing — “The compassion of the writing shines through here, as well as a determination to see the brighter side of life, despite the darkness that surrounded her. Perhaps this was a survival strategy that drove her on through the hard times she had to endure.”
Loved this literary postcard and the photos, and the introduction to this under-appreciated writer, along with the fascinating comparison to Orwell. A gem!
An exquisite profile, Jeff! I loved your use of the 'komorebi' notion to link the depths, the lights and shadows, the 'chiaroscuro', of a writer's life, works, and of the very essence of being human. That quote from 'Diary of a Vagabond'? Divine. Thank you!
Thank you for this moving and thought-provoking essay, Jeffrey. With all the contemporary women writers being translated today, I hope Western publishers won’t forget about Hayashi.
It's great to see the spotlight on a Japanese woman writer of such poetic elegance. Thanks for this post. I hope there is an English compilation or selected of her best writing in the works somewhere somehow.
Thank you, Larry. And I hope so too. At the moment, tracking down her works in English takes some effort, which is not likely to encourage the casual reader.
Wonderful essay, Jeffrey. Very moving. I’m reminded of the brilliant Tillie Olsen, especially of her famous story “I Stand Here Ironing.” What an extraordinary life. To explore one’s past without bitterness or shame is remarkable; to hold it with tenderness is a gift. Thank you for bringing us one more writer who deserves to be known beyond the boundaries of language and geography.
Hayashi sounds like my kind of writer, my kind of woman. I'll have to seek out her work because the parts you quoted do speak to me. Thanks, Jeffrey!
Thank you, Lani. Here's one link to the late story I quoted from https://archive.mith.umd.edu/gcr/text/text_1395119557.html
"komorebi (木漏れ日, the Japanese word for the dappled sunlight"
Of course, we need a word for such sensory delicacy and we would find it in Japanese. Thank you for another introduction, Jeffrey.
Thank you, Jay, for reading and commenting. Writers like Hayashi need readers like you.
Oh, wow. Those last lines. And that self portrait. And just what a beautiful tribute, Jeffrey.
Oh and komorebi! I adore that this word exists.
Thank you, Holly. I'm thrilled that you like that line from her and the self portrait. And yes, komorebi is a great idea as well as a lovely word. It crops up in Wim Wenders' beautiful film, Perfect Days.
So young! Beautiful portrait of this writer, Jeffrey - it is a shame she's not more readily available outside Japan.
Thank you, Troy. Yes, her life was very full, but short.
Before the end of the first paragraph and BAM! you’ve already taught me something — “Thanks to her, in the typically brilliant winter sunshine of Tokyo, I was able to enjoy the komorebi (木漏れ日, the Japanese word for the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees)” — what a wonderful word, I wish there was an English equivalent!
So many of Hayashi’s lines that you shared were so beautiful and infused with such depth. I also especially like what you said here about some of her writing — “The compassion of the writing shines through here, as well as a determination to see the brighter side of life, despite the darkness that surrounded her. Perhaps this was a survival strategy that drove her on through the hard times she had to endure.”
A great piece Jeffrey :)
Thank you, Michael! I'm so glad you liked these snippets of her writing. She deserves our attention.
Definitely! And I’m glad you brought her to my attention :)
Loved this literary postcard and the photos, and the introduction to this under-appreciated writer, along with the fascinating comparison to Orwell. A gem!
Thank you, Plain Jane!
I loved this. I wish I could read her in English.
Thank you!
It's frustrating that here work is not more readily available. You have to hunt around for it.
Here are details of the Ericson book:
https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/be-a-woman-hayashi-fumiko-and-modern-japanese-womens-literature/
The story "Late Crysanthemum" that I mentioned is available here:
https://archive.mith.umd.edu/gcr/text/text_1395119557.html
An exquisite profile, Jeff! I loved your use of the 'komorebi' notion to link the depths, the lights and shadows, the 'chiaroscuro', of a writer's life, works, and of the very essence of being human. That quote from 'Diary of a Vagabond'? Divine. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Viktor!
Thank you for this moving and thought-provoking essay, Jeffrey. With all the contemporary women writers being translated today, I hope Western publishers won’t forget about Hayashi.
Thank you, Gianni! I hope so too. And I am grateful to you for suggesting a visit to Hayashi’s house some time ago.
Thank you for shining your light on a writer who deserved a spotlight Jeffrey, this is a touching tribute.
Thank you, Susie! Hayashi certainly deserves our attention.
It's great to see the spotlight on a Japanese woman writer of such poetic elegance. Thanks for this post. I hope there is an English compilation or selected of her best writing in the works somewhere somehow.
Thank you, Larry. And I hope so too. At the moment, tracking down her works in English takes some effort, which is not likely to encourage the casual reader.
Thank you for this. I’ve never heard of Hayashi before. Wonderful post. Love the photos.
Thank you, Zina! I really enjoyed spending time with her writing and wandering the grounds of her house.
Fascinating essay Jeffrey. The bamboo looked so stately. I really enjoyed reading about her life and seeing your photos.
Thank you so much, Pamela. I’m really glad you enjoyed it and appreciate your kind words.
I love it. Every bit.
Thank you!
Gorgeous tribute Jeffrey. You clearly illustrated her “literary form of komorebi” and I’m delighted to now have her on my radar!
Thank you, Kimberly. I’d say you’re an expert in literary komorebi yourself!
Ha! I wish!!!
Wonderful essay, Jeffrey. Very moving. I’m reminded of the brilliant Tillie Olsen, especially of her famous story “I Stand Here Ironing.” What an extraordinary life. To explore one’s past without bitterness or shame is remarkable; to hold it with tenderness is a gift. Thank you for bringing us one more writer who deserves to be known beyond the boundaries of language and geography.
Grear insight, Mary!
Thank you so much, Mary! I’m thrilled that you found Hayashi’s life so moving. And I will check out the Olsen story.
Thank you for this wise and beautiful aphorism Mary:
“To explore one’s past without bitterness or shame is remarkable; to hold it with tenderness is a gift.”
It’s beautifully expressed, isn’t it!
Thank you, Michelle. You are very kind.
More honest and grateful Mary, though perhaps that is one recipe for kindness?