Semishigure translation, 40% discount

[Rebekah Clements]

Dear Colleagues,

I’m delighted to share the news that an English translation of Fujisawa Shūhei’s historical novel, Semishigure, by Thomas J. Harper (1934 - 2025) has been published by Honford Star. To coincide with this, the publisher has provided a 40% discount for PMJS readers who purchase the book through their website (https://honfordstar.com/discount/PMJS40?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fsemishigure). Click “Add to cart” or “More payment options” and the discount will automatically be applied. The discount is valid through the end of September.

Semishigure is the best known of Fujisawa’s much-loved samurai novels and is the first to be translated into English. Set in Tokugawa Japan, it traces the fortunes of Maki Bunshirō as he navigates domain politics, martial training, family life, and love. The title, literally meaning “cicada showers,” refers to the ever-present sound of insects chirping in Japanese summers, a nostalgic reminder of the passing seasons.

Thomas Harper, who passed away in February of this year, was a distinguished scholar and translator of Japanese literature, who in his later years became a leading expert on the Akō Vendetta, compiling the magisterial 47: The True Story of the Vendetta of the 47 Ronin from Akō (Leete's Island Books, 2019). Semishigure, his last completed work, represents the convergence of Tom’s expertise in bushi culture, literature, and translation.

Best wishes,

Rebekah Clements

ICREA Research Professor in East Asian History

Departament de Traducció i d'Interpretació i d'Estudis d'Àsia Oriental

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

https://www.icrea.cat/community/icreas/23709/rebekah-clements/