Nipponia Nippon
Nipponia Nippon by Kazushige Abe is a fast-paced, darkly ironic novella published by Steerforth Press on September 12, 2023. This edition, written in English and spanning 96 pages, marks the author’s debut in the English language. The story follows 17-year-old Haruo, who becomes increasingly obsessed with the endangered Japanese crested ibis while isolated in his Tokyo apartment. As he delves deeper into his online research, he develops a fantasy of freeing these birds from a society that he believes does not appreciate them.
Readers will find a darkly humorous exploration of solitude and toxic masculinity as Haruo’s emotional state deteriorates. His fixation leads him to source weapons and prepare for a dramatic reckoning, reflecting the complexities of his character and the societal issues he grapples with. This novella touches on themes related to nature and the environment, set against the backdrop of modern-day Japan, offering insights into the protagonist’s psyche and the world around him.
Official synopsis Publisher
A fast-paced, darkly ironic novella from one of Japan’s contemporary luminaries—and the husband of Mieko Kawakami—making his English language debut
A teenager gripped by obsession seeks to free endangered birds in this darkly funny study of solitude and toxic masculinity set in modern-day Tokyo
Perfect for fans of Earthlings by Sayaka Murata and Kawakami’s Breasts and Eggs
Isolated in his Tokyo apartment, 17-year-old Haruo spends all his time online, researching the plight of the endangered Japanese crested ibis, Nipponia Nippon.
Living on an allowance from his parents, he drops ever further into a fantasy world in which he alone shares a special connection with the last of these noble birds, held at a conservation centre on the island of Sado.
His conclusion is simple: it is his destiny to free the birds from a society that does not appreciate them, by whatever means necessary. With his emotional state becoming ever more erratic, he begins sourcing weapons and preparing for a reckoning in this darkly ironic study of toxic masculinity.
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Nipponia Nippon” about?
Who is the author of “Nipponia Nippon”?
When was “Nipponia Nippon” published?
What is the ISBN for “Nipponia Nippon”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
