When Orito and Numé were young children, their fathers, who were good
friends, decided that one day their children would be betrothed. But
before they marry, Orito is expected to complete his education. While
Orito studied at a Japanese university, he and Numé remained good
friends. But when his father makes plans for Orito to complete his
education in America, set to return after eight years to marry Numé, she
gets upset that Orito was leaving her, especially since she heard the
plan from her father rather than Orito himself. Despite her disapproval,
Orito goes to America to attend Harvard University. Experiencing culture
shock and missing home, Orito feels out of place at first. But when he
meets Cleo, a passionate dancer, they immediately start falling for each
other, despite both of their engagements. As his time in America
increases, Orito struggles with the decision to break tradition and stay
with Cleo, or return home to marry Numé. Caught between cultures,
expectation, and passion, Orito must decide which is more important to
him.
Miss Numé of Japan: a Japanese American Romance by Onoto Watanna is a
late 19th century romance that depicts a love triangle alongside the
cultural contrasts between Japan and America. With beautiful
descriptions, sympathetic characters, and a compelling romance-driven
storyline, Miss Numé of Japan: a Japanese American Romance is
entertaining while also providing intriguing insight into early
interactions and cultural differences between Japan and the United
States.
First published in 1899, Miss Numé of Japan: A Japanese American
Romance is one of Onoto Watanna's earliest works, and is rarely found
in print. This special edition features a stunning cover design and is
printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, this edition
of Miss Numé of Japan: A Japanese American Romance caters to
contemporary readers by restoring the novel to modern standards while
preserving the original intricacy of Onoto Watanna's work.
