The American Diary of a Japanese Girl

The American Diary of a Japanese Girl (1901) is a novel by Yone Noguchi, published in New York with illustrations by Genjiro Yeto. It was Noguchi's first novel and a major departure from his poetry. The novel follows Miss Morning Glory, an 18-year-old Japanese woman, as she travels to the United States from her native country, accompanied by her uncle. She befriends the American wife of a Japanese diplomat and takes over a cigar shop in Chinatown. She is inspired to pursue a career as a writer when she meets Heine, an older poet from Oakland. The edition is a classic of Japanese American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The American Diary of a Japanese Girl, a novel penned by Yone Noguchi, was published in 1901 in New York, featuring illustrations by Genjiro Yeto. Presented as a captivating tell-all written by a young Japanese tourist, the book was crafted with the assistance of Léonie Gilmour and Blanche Partington. This marked Noguchi's debut novel and a significant departure from his poetry at the time. At the age of 18, a Japanese woman named Miss Morning Glory embarks on a journey from her native country to the United States. Accompanied by her uncle, a wealthy industrialist, Morning Glory arrives in San Francisco via steamship. She quickly forms a friendship with the American wife of a Japanese diplomat, who introduces her to minstrel shows and vaudeville. Left to her own devices, Morning Glory takes over a local cigar shop in Chinatown and begins to assimilate into American life and culture. During her encounters with Heine, an older poet from Oakland, Morning Glory is inspired to pursue a career as a writer. As she traverses the vast American landscape alongside her uncle, she offers insightful commentary on the people and places she encounters along the way. Through her eyes, we gain a unique perspective on the country, perhaps more truthful than fictional. This edition of Yone Noguchi's The American Diary of a Japanese Girl is a celebrated classic of Japanese American literature, reimagined for contemporary readers.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135908