Works & research

Essays

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55 items

  • Essays

    An Essay on “Tango of the Red Shoes”

    Author: Seishu HamanoPublished on this site: Japanese text with English commentary

    Seishu Hamano reads a young dancer’s life through “Tango of the Red Shoes,” connecting the song’s imagery with early postwar Japan. Includes the original vertical, colour manuscript and Japanese text with English commentary.

  • Essays

    Reflections on Romanticism

    Online Manyo-shu: Volume 1Published on this site: Full English translation available

    An essay on romanticism, creativity and the power of language, including poems by Emily Dickinson in English alongside the Japanese translations retained from the original article.

  • Essays

    Today Is Finally Here…

    Author: Seishu HamanoOnline Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Prose translated; quoted poems remain in Japanese

    A message to Jun Hayama ahead of a Bon dance appearance, accompanied by four tanka on song, family and memory.

  • Essays

    The Outcry of Surrealism and Dada

    Author: Seishu HamanoOnline Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Related source records and editions: 1Japanese text

    An essay connecting Dada, wartime disillusionment and Freudian ideas with the new lyrics of Masako’s Tango. This essay was also published under another title. Its original heading, dates and announcement wording are retained.

  • Essays

    Romantic Poems by Princess Nukata, Akiko and Narihira

    Author: Seishu HamanoOnline Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Prose translated; quoted poems remain in Japanese

    A reading of love and longing in poems by Princess Nukata, Yosano Akiko and Ariwara no Narihira, with discussion of later interpretations.

  • Essays

    Blue Rain / The Outcry of Surrealism and Dada

    Author: Seishu HamanoOriginally published: Japanese text

    Japanese and English essays consider Dada, war and political power. The two texts develop the theme differently rather than forming a complete parallel translation.

  • Essays

    Ryokan’s Poems of Affection

    Online Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Prose translated; quoted poems remain in Japanese

    An essay tracing Ryokan’s life as a monk and poet and examining poems of affection and exchange.

  • Essays

    The Background to a Parting

    Online Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Prose translated; quoted poems remain in Japanese

    A reading of Night Platform explores wartime departure, loss and the emotional setting of a farewell song.

  • Essays

    A Woman’s Life Journey

    Online Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Prose translated; quoted poems remain in Japanese

    An interpretation of Red Shoes Tango considers a young woman’s desire and hardship against the social setting of early postwar Japan.

  • Essays

    Hot-Spring Town Elegy and the Japanese after the War

    Online Manyo-shu: Volume 1Originally published: Prose translated; quoted poems remain in Japanese

    An interpretation of Hot-Spring Town Elegy relates its longing and separation to the circumstances of postwar Japan and the continuing performance of Koga’s songs.