Roka-ki (Tokutomi Roka Memorial Day)

What Is Roka-ki?

September 18th is "Roka-ki," the death anniversary of novelist Tokutomi Roka, a leading figure of Meiji and Taisho-era literature, who died at age 58 at Ikaho Hot Spring in Gunma Prefecture on this day in 1927.

The Author Who Made His Name with "Hototogisu"

Tokutomi Roka, younger brother of the prominent social critic Tokutomi Soho, carved out his own place in the history of Meiji-era literature.

• Life: Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1868, he died on September 18, 1927
• Best-known work: Widely recognized for "Hototogisu" (Cuckoo, also translated as "Nami-ko"), a tragic novel about a young woman whose life is cut short by tuberculosis
• Place of death: He passed away at age 58 at Ikaho Hot Spring in Gunma Prefecture, where he had gone to recuperate

An Author Who Never Stopped Watching Nature and Life

After the enormous success of "Hototogisu," Roka became deeply influenced by Tolstoy and pursued a lifestyle rooted in nature. In his later years, he farmed and continued writing at what is now known as "Roka Koshun-en" in Setagaya, Tokyo—a life devoted to observing the relationship between nature and humanity.

How to Mark the Day

• Read "Hototogisu" or other works by Tokutomi Roka
• Visit "Roka Koshun-en" in Setagaya, Tokyo
• Compare the lives and outlooks of Tokutomi Roka and his brother, Tokutomi Soho
• Revisit Meiji- and Taisho-era literature with fresh eyes

A Story of Sorrow and Beauty, Read Across Generations

Roka-ki is a day to remember the life of one of Meiji literature's defining authors. On September 18th, consider quietly revisiting the fleeting, beautiful story told in "Hototogisu."