Literary versions of Japanese “Cinderella” in the Meiji era

Abstract

The paper dwells upon literary activities in the Meiji era - the period of the most active cultural interaction between Japan and the West. When introducing Western literatures, Japanese translators and enlighteners have realized from the very start the necessity of translation of the basic world folklore works. Thus, first translations of “Cinderella” in its European versions appear in Japan. The paper tells about the history of such translations and adaptations, as well as - in the most laconic manner - about the Medieval backstory of the plot in Japan, which remains so far largely under-researched upon.