A Wanderer’s Notebook

『放浪記』
Horoki

Imported 35mm Print. A final tribute to feminist novelist Fumiko Hayashi (1903-1951) whose writings would form the basis of many of Naruse and Takamine’s greatest collaborations (Floating Clouds, Repast), Naruse undertakes a mythologizing of Hayashi’s life through the adaptation of her autobiographical novel. The daughter of poor wandering merchants, Hayashi’s (Takamine) love for prose leads to her pursuing that passion, despite her inauspicious roots. Takamine, as in so many of her films made under Naruse’s direction, embodies the struggles of a woman—this time Hayashi herself—who struggles to find a life fulfilled, battling class and gender prejudice while falling for pathetic men. Takamine suggested that both she and Naruse liked this film better than their undisputed masterpiece, Floating Clouds.

Print courtesy of The Japan Foundation.

Dir. Mikio Naruse, 1962, 123 min., 35mm, b&w, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Hideko Takamine, Akira Takarada, Daisuke Kato, Kinuyo Tanaka.

Part of the John and Miyoko Davey Classic Film Series
Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us – Part I
May 9—31, 2025

© 1962 Toho Co., Ltd.

Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us is co-organized by Japan Society, Metrograph and the Japan Foundation, New York.

Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us – Part I is generously supported by The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund for Classic Japanese Film.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by Ms. Miyoko U. Davey, The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, and Film Circle members.

Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.