Botchan (坊ぼっちゃん) 1906

One of the best known and widely read of Sōseki's works, this short novel starts with anecdotes from Botchan's rash and reckless school days. The story then shifts into a hilarious account of his ill-fated first job, a teaching assignment far from Tokyo in "barbaric" small-town Shikoku.

With audio by Saki

← click cover for contents page

Sanshirō (三四郎さんしろう) 1908

The charming story of Sanshirō, a young man who arrives from the country to study at the University of Tokyo. Passive by nature and just beginning to explore life's possibilities, Sanshirō cautiously samples the offerings of his new environment: the big city, elite academia, and captivating young ladies.

With audio by Michiko Akioka

← click cover for contents page

Kokoro (こゝろこころ) 1914

A young student forms a friendship with an enigmatic older man, whom he refers to as 'Sensei.' Over time, and finally through a long confessional letter, the younger man comes to know of Sensei's past and to understand the reasons behind his eccentric demeanor.

With audio by Watanabe Tomoake (渡辺知明)

← click cover for contents page

I am a Cat (吾輩わがはいは猫ねこである) 1905

A lost cat takes up residence in the home of a teacher, from where he offers a no-holds-barred commentary on his master, his master's household, the neighborhood, Japanese society, and human beings in general.

With audio by Fujii Naoko (藤井直子)

(notes: this lengthy work is less a novel and more a series of episodes - it can as well be read in pieces as straight through; Chapter 1 was initially written as stand-alone - there is some discontinuity between Chapter 1 and the following chapters)

← click cover for contents page

A selection of Sōseki's shorter works

Ten Nights of Dreams (夢十夜)  /  Bunchō (文鳥)  /  The Tower of London (倫敦塔)  /  Peculiar Sounds (変な音)

← click on image for listing