The Heike Story: A Modern
Translation of the Classic Tale of
Love and War by Fuki Wooyenaka
Uramatsu
Another Classic Yoshikawa
Kyoto in the twelfth century was a magnificent city, but crime, disorder, and
lust were rampant. The people were abused by the nobility, while the
armed Buddhist monks terrorized court and commoner alike. In despair,
the Emperor called upon the Heike and Genji clans to quell civil
disturbances. Although the clans succeeded, they quarreled over the
spoils of war and plunged the country into a century of warfare.This novel
describes the rise to power of Kiyomori of the Heike clan during this
turbulent time. From a youth sunk in poverty, Kiyomori eventually rose to
become the Emperors Chief Councillor. Although he was a gentle,
enlightened man, he left a trail of bloodshed and ruin in his wake. The
strange twists of Kiyomoris fate are the core of this epic novel.The Heike
Story is a modern translation of a Japanese classic. Its exotic atmosphere,

narrative power, pageantry, and poetry will enthrall English readers and
provide an entertaining introduction to an important source of Japanese
culture.
Personal Review: The Heike Story: A Modern Translation of the
Classic Tale of Love and War by Fuki Wooyenaka Uramatsu
This is another great book by Yoshikawa and would recommend to any
readers interested in Japanese history and warfare.Some readers may not
like the translation. Many words have been translated into their actual
meanings, e.g. "sushi" to "rice ball"; "sake" to "wine"; "geisha" to "dancing
girls" etc., instead of throwing in well known Japanese terms. But I don't
find this a problem, the translator was being consistent all the way. The
translation is, however, weak in the explanation of titles and posts, e.g.
"General of the Imperial Guards" = "Shogun?"; "Minister of the Left";
"Councilor". If the tranlation had included an appendix for the titles and
posts, it will surely make the book a more enjoyable read.Notwithstanding,
I don't think readers will require much knowledge regarding Japanese
culture and history to enjoy this book.Hope to see more books by
Yoshikawa translated into English. Will be nice to have "Yoritomo of the
Genji" translated into English too, it being a companion book for "The
Heike Story" and continues the story to the creation of the Kamakura
Shogunate.
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