More than 50 students from 4 different schools participated in the literary field trip to Tokyo, Japan. Before the trip, there were 2 book club sessions where our instructor introduced to us the authors, their works and their writing styles. All of us literature enthusiasts highly enjoyed the sessions as we participated in active reading and discussion of different authors’ works, and we were also provided relevant articles for further enrichment on the authors’ emotions and techniques they employed. In Tokyo, we had the opportunity to visit many prominent locations and people that enabled us to have a deeper understanding of the background of various authors and the environment in which they composed their works.   

Waseda University: The Waseda International House of Literature – The Haruki Murakami Library

The work of top-notch Japanese writer, Haruki Murakami, especially Norwegian Wood, encourages many youths to foster their interest in writing articles. The Haruki Murakami Library showcases all of Murakami’s novels, along with translations in different languages, reflecting the immense popularity of Haruki Murakami among readers worldwide. Inside the library, there is a room where his favourite jazz music plays, creating an ambiance that resonates with his writing style. Additionally, a replica of Murakami’s study is recreated, providing visitors a glimpse into how Murakami created his popular artwork.

Dazai Osamu

We visited the Dazai Osamu Literary Salon in Mitaka City, which was established in March 2008 as a place dedicated to commemorating the renowned writer Dazai Osamu. The salon showcases Dazais manuscripts, notes, and personal belongings, providing a deeper understanding of this exceptional author. It allows us to understand his emotions and mindset on how to create these masterpieces, letting us immerse ourselves in Dazai’s world. It brings people together who share a love for Dazai’s works to engage in discussions and exchange of ideas and experiences. The salon has become a gathering place for literature enthusiasts, nurturing the ongoing influence of Dazai’s writings

Kawabata Yasunari

One of our most memorable experiences was visiting the Asakusa Kannon Temple to understand how Kawabata depicted the gradual development and bustling transformation of Tokyo in his writings. It was also eye-opening to walk around Nakamise Shopping Street, which is the oldest shopping street in Tokyo, with many century-old shops lining its path, to understand the society in which Kawabata lived, as he resided nearby and often found inspiration in Ueno park. In his works, he eloquently portrayed the blooming lotus flowers, showcasing his personal connection and deep appreciation for the park. Associated with the “New Sensationists” movement, his writings often reflected a unique perspective and emotional resonance with nature and the surroundings.

Natsume Sōseki

Visiting the Natsume Sōseki Memorial Museum provided us an opportunity to learn about the renowned author Natsume Sōseki who once appeared on the 1000 Japanese yen bill. His work I Am A Cat offers a critical perspective on the deceitful nature of human society from the viewpoint of a cat. We can see traces of cats throughout the whole museum, including cat graves. A replica of his study also provided a glimpse into Sōseki’s deep respect for traditional scholarship and his dedication to learning.

Meeting with Japanese Poets

Yasuhiro Yotsumoto, Okamoto Hiroshi, Hiromitsu Koiso, and Kunimatsu Eri were the Japanese poets we had the privilege to meet. They recited their poems in Japanese, while the Hong Kong teachers and students recited translated versions in Chinese and English respectively, allowing us to experience the rhythmic beauty of poetry. It was an enchanting experience, witnessing the poets’ passion and talent through their recitations. The language barrier was overcome, as the universal language of poetry connected us all, transcending cultural boundaries and creating a shared appreciation for the art form.

Meeting with Li Kotomi

Li Kotomi is the first Taiwanese to win the Akutagawa Prize, a prestigious award in the Japanese literary world. Before meeting her, our classmates carefully read her works and prepared many questions. During the meeting, Ms. Li answered our questions meticulously, discussing her creative inspirations, views on literature, and more, which deepened our understanding of her literary works. In the end, classmates eagerly presented their copies of her books for her autograph, concluding a fulfilling evening.