Miss Numè of Japan: A Japanese-American Romance

"Miss Numè of Japan: A Japanese-American Romance" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a rich tapestry of cultural intersections, primarily focusing on the lives of two central characters, Orito Takashima and Numè Watanabe, childhood friends from wealthy Japanese families whose fathers have arranged their marriage. However, Orito's educational pursuits lead him to America, creating a backdrop of longing and cultural exploration as both characters navigate their personal desires against the expectations placed upon them by society and family. The opening of the novel introduces Orito and Numè's childhood bond, established through their fathers' ambitions. At just ten years old, Numè's carefree joy contrasts sharply with Orito's impending departure to study in America, which is proposed as a means to secure a brighter future. This sets the stage for deep emotional undercurrents, particularly in Numè, who reacts defiantly against the notion of Orito's absence. The narrative then shifts to present interactions with different characters onboard a steamer heading to Japan, including the spirited American girl Cleo Ballard, hinting at future romantic entanglements and cultural misunderstandings. The beginning effectively establishes the central themes of love, ambition, and the tension between tradition and modernity that will drive the plot forward.