Notes on Yuko Tsushima

(Originally Written October 30, 2006 in World Lit)

Yuko Tsushima (1947 -    )

-Born in Tokyo
-Daughter of a famous literary father, Osamu Dazai
-Yuko was one when Osamu committed suicide
-Does not consider herself part of the feminist movement, but she holds some feminist values and portraits them in her works
-Writes very contemporary stories that mirror ancient folklore
-Won many prizes: Tamura Toshiko prize ('76), Izumi Kyoka prize ('77), Women's Literature Prize ('78), Noma Prize for new writers ('79), Yasunori Kgwabata prize ('83), Yominri Literature prize ('86)

The Silent Traders
Yuko Tsushima

The silent trade was a way the nomadic mountain men would trade with the villagers. The silent trade was known as dumb barter or depot trade. It was a way of trading between people without a common language.

One group would leave a pile of goods by something they would want. Then would signal for group "b" to come and see. Group "b" would take the goods offered if the deal was acceptable, but would walk away if it was not.