The first book for boys by Yamanaka Minetarô, who was a famous
author of boys' stories. A collection of nine short stories which first
appeared in magazines, six of which are about intelligence. The first two
were based on interviews with those involved in the Russo-Japanese War,
three were a mixture of facts on the Chinese Revolution (which Yamanaka
himself experienced) and his imagination. When this book was published,
the titles of four stories were changed from the original, probably for
dramatic effect and for political purposes to enhance Japanese nationalism.
Illustrations were by Kabashima Katsuichi.
"Tekichû Ôdan Sanbyaku-ri" is Yamanaka's best known story. This is based on the fact about Tatekawa Scouting Party (Tatekawa Teishin Sekkôtai), which contributed greatly to victory in the battle at Kyokuhôten.
Heroic actions in extreme circumstances, loyalty, the strong bond between
a captain and his soldiers, highly tensioned situations and the following
continuous actions, dramatic and deploring narration, and the unification
of the story and illustrations are notable elements of this story.
As soon as this book was published, 100,000 copies were sold. Its popularity was supported by growing Japanese nationalism. This collection was enthusiastically welcomed by young boys, and contributed to promote the nationalistic tendency of that period.
"Tekichû Ôdan Sanbyaku-ri" was dramatized (with
some changes in the story) by Kurosawa Akira in 1943, and made into a film
by Daiei-Tokyo in 1957. In 1957, it was published in a revised edition
by Koyama Shoten. In 1970, a reprint of the original edition was published
by Kôdan-Sha. |
