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Kappa

3.8(3)
Paperback
Language
English
Available nowFree shipping
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About the book

When first published, Kappa was perceived varyingly as a children's story, a sweeping and satirical criticism of Japanese society, and a socialistic analysis - but this important work from one of Japan's most prolific short story writers seems to defy literary classification. Written shortly before Akutagawa's suicide, as he became increasingly obsessed with his own unhappiness as well as the hallucinations and delusions that assailed him, Kappa takes place somewhere between dream and reality. Kappa is told in the first person from the perspective of an institutionalized madman, identified only as Patient No. 23. Ghost stories and the supernatural often provided inspiration for Akutagawa's writing, and Kappa draws its name from a creature in Japanese folklore known for dragging unwary children to their deaths in rivers. Kappa is a striking work from the disturbed though brilliant mind of one of Meiji-era Japan's most prominent intellectuals.

Editions (3)

ISBN9780804832519
PublisherTuttle Pub
Publication Date12/31/00
Pages144

Reviews & Ratings

3 ratings

2 reviews

3.8

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  • jam
    jam

    42 Followers

    4.5

    Spezielle geschichte - aber einnehmend geschrieben

    Wir begleiten einen jungen Mann, der in Tokyo lebt, und eines Tages einem "Kappa" begegnet, und diesem dann unbeabsichtigt nach Kappaland folgt. Dort lernt er die Kultur der Kappa kennen, und einiges über die Menschen auf der Erde. Ein sehr spezieller Text, der skuril aber gleichzeitig sehr einnehmend wirkt. Diese Version hat eine über 50 Seiten lange "Einführung" in den Autoren und das Werk, welche auch sehr interessant war. Ich empfehle aber, sie nach der Geschichte zu lesen. Da dort viel über die Bedeutung des Textes geschrieben wurde, hat es mir die Lektüre entsprechend vorgeprägt. Dennoch ein sehr gutes Buch!

    Jun 11, 2026

  • lottisbooknook
    lottisbooknook

    6 Followers

    4.0

    Without my noticing, Rapp was now standing in the middle of the street: his feet were splayed wide, he was bent over, and he was peering between his legs at the steady stream of traffic and passersby. As I pulled Rapp upright, I was wondered with astonishment if this Kappa too had gone mad. „That isn’t funny. What are you doing?“ Rapp simply rubbed his eyes, responding with unexpected composure: „Well, since I‘d been feeling so depressed, I thought I‘d try looking at the world upside down. But it turns out, it’s exactly the same.“

    Aug 29, 2025

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