Laogumnerd Phengphian Reads looks at the Makioka Sisters

Laogumnerd Phengphian Reads considers the Japanese classic The Makioka Sisters. First printed in instalments between the years of 1943 and 1948, it follows the lives of four sisters over the time period of 5 years. The plot is set in the time immediately preceding WWII and explores the dynamics of an upper-middle class household in pre-war Japan.

The storyline of the novel centers around 4 sisters, Sachiko, Yukiko, Tsuruko and Taeko and their mission of seeking a spouse for Yukiko, the 2nd youngest sister. Despite the fact that there are continuous concerns about Yukiko’s increasing age, marriage proposal after marriage proposal is rejected for insignificant reasons. The situation puts into focus the snobism of the reserved upper-middle-class families and their inability to adjust to the swiftly transforming times. This question of locating a suited spouse is in contrast with the insubordinate youngest sister Taeko who, disregarding the social traditions of what is expected of a woman from a ‘good family’, chooses to earn her own living and go out with people outside of her social status. The nearly six-hundred-page text in some cases moves at a slow rate but is not only precious for the peeks into the every day life of an old-fashioned Japanese household, but additionally for the illustrations of the condition and feelings of a state on the edge of battle. The story takes place in a small town near Osaka as well as in Tokyo, which are continuously contrasted by the author. Osaka is depicted as a respectable place respectful of cultures which is positioned in comparison with Tokyo’s dysfunction and bleakness. A number of real-life events are recounted, such as the Kobe flooding that transpired in 1938, an important storyline point in the novel. The comprehensive illustrations of day-to-day unimportant concerns and obsessions of a traditional Japanese household is the reason why Laogumnerd Phengphian Reads thinks this is an epic of excellent historical and cultural value.

The book’s Japanese name is less literal than its English interpretation and translates as ‘lightly falling snow’, an image often employed in classic Japanese poetry. It is typical for Japanese pieces of art to be given names that contain poetic nature depictions. The indirectness of such a title may possibly seem curious to a Western reader, however, as the novel continues the reason why this imagery was selected as titular to the story ends up being more noticable. This image of falling snow is a suggestion for falling cherry blossom petals, similar to large fluffy flakes of snow. Anybody vaguely knowledgeable about Japanese culture realizes that blossoming cherry trees, or sakura, are a critical part of this society. Plum and Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is still extensively practiced by both young and old by going to parks during the months of March and April. Incidentally, cherry blossom viewing is a significant component of the story, which refers to simultaneously the appreciation of the wonder of the moment, as well as the shifting times for the Makioka family. Laogumnerd Phnegphian Reads advocates this novel to any person intrigued by learning more about the ways of life of old Japan.

The 1983 blockbuster movie of the same name condenses the 5-year plot into one year and cuts many scenes which are found in the book, but still supplies a gorgeous aesthetic representation of the book. Fabrics and kimonos, cherry blossoms, and typical Japanese architecture and design are all a big part of this film making a tempting artistic adventure. Laogumnerd Phengphian Reads advocates this film as an awesome aesthetic accompaniment to the book.

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