South SFV Today

James Reichert's new book, "Literature for the Masses: Japanese Period Fiction, 1913-1941," delves into the role of samurai adventure stories in Japanese nationalism before World War II. Released by the University of Hawaii Press, the work examines how these stories contributed to the myth of noble battle and traditional masculinity, setting the stage for Japan's nationalist movement and eventual defeat.

Reichert, an associate professor in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences, has a longstanding interest in Japan and its mythological narratives. "The book feels especially relevant at the moment," he notes, adding that the current rise of nationalism makes the topic significant. He draws comparisons between Japanese culture of a century ago and contemporary society, where historical fiction continues to thrive.

While writing, Reichert found inspiration in the success of both "Miyamoto Musashi" and "Gone with the Wind" in 20th-century Japan. This reaffirmed his belief that historical fiction has played a vital role in cultural storytelling. Reichert observes, "The producers of these Japanese books found this untapped market of readers." He warns against dismissing materials like those of the Make America Great Again movement, suggesting instead to understand their appeal.

Reichert's interest in Japan began with a childhood fascination with Godzilla movies. This led to teaching English in Japan and eventually conducting research at the University of Tokyo. The new FX series Shogun, rooted in the 1970s novel by James Clavell, is related to Reichert's work. According to him, "The new TV version is closer to a historical novel," emphasizing accuracy and a focus on Japanese characters.