A Japanese Nightingale

by Onoto Watanna

Overview

After her performance at a beautiful tea house, Yuki, a Japanese dancer, is followed and harassed by a businessman. Claiming that they could make a lot of money together if Yuki went to America with him, the man does not intend to take no for an answer. When Jack, an awkward but friendly man, witnesses the harassment, he steps in to encourage the man to leave her alone. They then part ways, and Jack assumes they will never see each other again, but Yuki has a plan. Jack is one of the wealthiest foreigners in Japan, which Yuki learns through a mutual friend. When that mutual friend reintroduces Jack and Yuki, Yuki declares her intent to marry Jack. This was a common tradition among Western men—they would marry a Japanese woman, use her, and then leave the country without a second thought. Aware of the discrimination and racism that his fellow Americans practice, he tries to be careful not to partake in such heinous beliefs; therefore, he initially is opposed to the idea. Yuki, however, is persistent. Arguing that it would be mutually beneficial, Yuki admits that she is seeking financial stability. Upon her insistence, Jack finally gives in and agrees to marry. The two decide that it will be an open and honest relationship; Yuki is interested in Jack’s money, and he is interested in her appearance. But as they grow closer, the couple realize that their no-strings attached arrangement might not work out as planned.

Onoto Watanna’s A Japanese Nightingale explores themes of gender, race, and sexuality, as well as addressing the constructs and exploitation of Asian femininity. With descriptive prose and powerful themes, A Japanese Nightingale empowers Asian identity and influenced current cultural movements. Published in 1904, A Japanese Nightingale became Onoto Watanna’s claim to fame. The novel was a big commercial success, and even inspired a silent film adaptation. However, despite its popularity, A Japanese Nightingale is rarely found in print.

This edition of Onoto Watanna’s A Japanese Nightingale features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in a contemporary font, making it both readable and modern.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789356317208
Publisher:	Alpha Editions
Publication date:	06/24/2022
Pages:	106
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Winnifred Eaton, (1875-1954) better known by her penname, Onoto Watanna was a Canadian author and screenwriter of Chinese-British ancestry. First published at the age of fourteen, Watanna worked a variety of jobs, each utilizing her talent for writing. She worked for newspapers while she wrote her novels, becoming known for her romantic fiction and short stories. Later, Watanna became involved in the world of theater and film. She wrote screenplays in New York, and founded the Little Theatre Movement, which aimed to produced artistic content independent of commercial standards. After her death in 1954, the Reeve Theater in Alberta, Canada was built in her honor.

Read an Excerpt

Ill AN APPOINTMENT JACK BlGELOW regarded the attempt of the nakoda and little Miss (he had not even thought to ask her name) as an incident closed by the retirement of the one aspiring to wife- hood from his sight. But in passing from his house she had not passed from his mind. This she occupied in spite of him, though it must be said that Jack made no effort to eject her. He had been approached by many nakodas, who had the disposal of some most excellent wives, so they had told him, but never before had he consented to see one of their offerings; so the sensation of being asked in marriage by a girl whom he had only seen once before, and that under circumstances which prevented his seeing her clearly, was altogether new. That he, John Hampden Bigelow, A.B. he was very proud of that A.B., it had not cost him any particular labor should be so sought out was not at all displeasing to his vanity, a quality that he prided himself on not possessing; this, notwithstanding the fact that he knew he had been approached because he had money. He chuckled at the event several times during the day. He would keep this incident in mind, with all its detail, and make use of it now and then after he had returned home, when he was called upon to talk of his experiences in other lands. Of course, he would exaggerate a bit here and tone down a bit there, and would make the girl much prettier. No, the girl was pretty enough. This part of the incident could not be improved upon. Jack mused about the morning's episode during the entire day, and twice exploded into such laughter at the idea of his being asked for a husband that his little man hurried in to see if the gay-eyed barbarian was taking leave ofhis senses. In the evening he grew restless, and, having nothing else to ...