005 - The bill-collecting by Nagai Kafu

Dive into Paulownia, a captivating anthology featuring seven remarkable tales from three influential Japanese authors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mori Ōgai, an army surgeon turned literary enthusiast, offers profound insights through his celebrated works, including The Wild Geese (Gan). This collection showcases his compelling short stories such as Takase Bune, Hanako, and The Pier. Nagai Kafū immerses readers in the vibrant world of Tokyos entertainment districts, capturing the lives of geisha and prostitutes in his evocative stories The Bill-Collecting and Ukiyo-e. Meanwhile, Shimazaki Tōson, a key figure in Japanese naturalism, presents the poignant narratives A Domestic Animal and Tsugaru Strait. Edited and translated by Taketomo Torao, a prolific translator of Western literature—including the Rubaiyat and the Divine Comedy—this collection is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to explore the depth and diversity of Japanese storytelling.