The Kobe Hotel

By Sanki Saitō, Saito Sanki, Sanki Saito

A collection of short stories and poems based on the author's experiences in Japan during World War II. The stories are set in, and describe, the war, the immediate postwar days, a visit to Hiroshima devastated by the atomic bomb and to a brothel built for occupation soldiers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0834802740
• ISBN13: 9780834802742
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Weatherhill
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

masterly delight

Not a famous author or title, but nevertheless a fascinating account of Japan's demimonde during and immediately after the War. The stories are rich in humour, pathos and a wealth of authentic details of daily life of the tenants of a rather disreputable Kobe hotel/boarding house. A skilful, observant and wise narrator offers unusual insights into the motivations and survival skills of non-conformist Japanese, drawn to this international city and living among stranded expatriates awaiting the final conflagration with happy fatalism. The English translation is deft and natural. This collection of stories deserves to be more widely read (and easily available).

Criminal

It's just criminal to see such an interesting and distinctive book being sold now in the bargain bins. If you can find a copy of this book, it's definitely worth picking up for its price. His life is very intriguing and he writes about his experiences in a way that can be considered an inimitable and bold style for his time.

Definitely worth a look

Although an obscure title this is definitely worth tracking down, especially if you have ever lived or spent time in Kobe. Saito was a failed dentist, a philanderer, a ballroom dancing enthusiast and a successful haiku poet. This book combines his poetry with short, idiosyncratic accounts of his life in a Kobe hotel during the war years. As the other residents of this hotel included an Egyptian butcher, various disreputable schemers and black market dealers, a draft dodger, and a gaggle of irrepressible prostitutes, there are some engaging episodes to enjoy. The portrait that emerges could also not be more in contrast with the militaristic/nationalistic atmosphere pervading the country at that time which Saito and the other residents couldn't have cared less about. Highly recommended.