Miss Numè of Japan: A Japanese-American Romance

Key themes

Love vs. Duty/Tradition

Central to the narrative is the tension between personal romantic desire and the societal/familial obligation of an arranged marriage. Orito and Numè are bound by tradition, but Orito's exposure to Western ideas of romantic love, and Numè's own burgeoning desires, challenge this pre-ordained path. The theme explores the emotional cost of adhering to duty versus pursuing individual happiness, and the profound impact of cultural norms on personal relationships.

Cultural Identity and Hybridity

This theme explores the challenges and complexities of navigating a dual cultural identity, particularly through Orito's character. His time in America imbues him with Western values and perspectives, creating a profound internal conflict when he returns to his traditional Japanese roots. The novel examines how individuals can be shaped by multiple cultures, leading to a sense of being 'between worlds,' and the difficulties of reconciling these different facets of self.

Orientalism and Cross-Cultural Understanding

The novel, written for a Western audience by a mixed-race author under a Japanese pseudonym, inevitably engages with the concept of Orientalism – the Western gaze upon the 'exotic' East. Watanna both caters to this fascination through evocative descriptions of Japanese customs and beauty, and subtly attempts to provide a more nuanced, though still romanticized, portrayal of Japanese characters and their inner lives. The theme questions the extent to which true understanding can exist across vast cultural divides and highlights the potential for misunderstanding and misrepresentation.

Worth discussing

How does Orito's American education change his perspective on his Japanese heritage and his arranged marriage? Is this change positive or negative?