An observational comic novel of manners. Review of the Russian edition of the book Footing It Along the Tōkaidō by Jippensha Ikku

Abstract

The article offers a critical review of the Russian edition of the comic novel Footing it Along the Tōkaidō by an outstanding writer of the Tokugawa era (1603–1868) Jippenshya Ikku. Recently published by Saint Petersburg’s Hyperion, the novel was masterfully translated from Japanese by Anastassya Y. Borkina who thoroughly studied this complex observational comedy of manners or humerous book (kokkeibon) and provided the necessary analytical apparatus, including commentaries and a preface. The narrative develops around the adventures of two characters, Yajirobei and Kitahachi, who embark on a journey along the so-called Tōkaidō road, the most important of the routes of Japan, connecting Edo and Kyoto. They meet various personages from a variety of cities and regions as well as from different strata of society, getting themselves into farcical situations and every time finding their way out of comic conundrums. The road itself works as a central axis of the story, propelling the characters forward and offering diverse settings for their escapades. The novel with illustrations by the writer was especially popular in nineteenth century Japan, yet the adventures of Yajirobei and Kitahachi remain well-known up until today, providing inspiration for a trove of literary parodies, manga novels, anime books, and video games.