The Destruction of the Solar System and Other Writings

As the sun fails and the moon approaches the earth, a desperate assembly debates souls, flying machines, comets and the transport of an entire planet. Kimura Shōshū’s early science-fiction story stands at the center of this varied anthology of eleven complete Japanese works.

A family remembers an elderly cat that seemed to speak. Tsuboi Shōgorō argues for his controversial account of prehistoric peoples, while Tamura Shōgyo describes recording a sculptor’s memories. Two poems by Negishi Shōkichi follow industrial labor, hardship and a bloodstain that will not disappear.

Tanaka Shōzō confronts the government over mining pollution and the treatment of petitioners. Mitsukuri Shūhei considers parents, schools and women’s education. Finally, Chikamatsu Shūkō recalls writers gathered at a seaside inn during the first snowfall, then records an intimate conversation about love and jealousy on another snowy day.