Toshie : A Story of Village Life in Twentieth-Century Japan

Rating:
Summary: Best Book on Village Life in Japan
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I am a third generation Japanese American(sansei) born and raised in Hawaii. My grandparents came here from Niigata ken, which is the setting of the book, around the turn of the 20th century. They came as laborers to work in the sugar plantations. Therefore I found the details about village life in Niigata very relevant to their experiences in America.

I have read many accouns of life in the Japanese countryside through the years ("Shinohata", "Village Japan", and "A Far Valley" come to mind). But Partner's book is the best I have read because of the combination of historical and sociological data. It is also filled with sensitivity to the lives of Toshie and others in her village.

I recently visited Niigata for the first time. Of course, spending two days there as a tourist did not give me as much of an in-depth look as I would have liked. But I will go back again, partly because Partner's work has increased my level of awareness.

Rating:
Summary: A well-written history of rural life in 20th century Japan
Review: In his book "Toshie", Simon Partner provides a detailed account of village life throughout 20th century Japan. The historical and sociological information is carefully selected; each piece deepens the reader's understanding of the life of Toshie and her fellow villagers. Partner's observations on World War II, village life, and the rise of consumer culture in Japan are all welcome additions to the study of Japanese history. The real strength of the book, however, is Partner's vivid descriptions. From the beginning, one feels as if they are looking over the shoulder of the midwife during the birth of the protagonist, Toshie. These fine descriptions continue throughout the book and one can nearly breathe the fresh village air or sweat alongside the farmers and laborers as they toil into the night.
For anyone who is interested in Japanese history, village life, or simply looking for a good read, I highly reccomend this book.