Milky Way Railroad (Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature) [Paperback]

Kenji Miyazawa (Author), Ryu Okazaki (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature

Teased by his friends and alone on a hilltop, young Kenji is suddenly swept aboard a magical train bound for the Milky Way. Representing the soul's passage to heaven, the train is a passage from this life to the next. Kenji meets many of the newly departed on his journey, but only he will be allowed to return to Earth, where he dreams of being reunited with his father. Miyazawa uses a wealth of literary, scientific, and religious allusion to depict a universe that is sad yet miraculous. A classic in Japan for its original and artful evocation of a young boy's yearnings, this is a book of great wisdom that teaches acceptance and compassion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Will remind Western readers of Saint-Exupery's 'The Little Prince'" -The Los Angeles Times -- Review

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

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Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press; First Edition. states edition (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880656264
• ISBN-13: 978-1880656266
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,926,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A senseless slaughter of fine literature, February 25, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Milky Way Railroad (Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature) (Paperback)

I have been a Kenji Miyazawa fan for a long time, and upon finding a (fairly cheap) version of Night on the Galactic Railroad, I was ecstatic. Upon recieving it, to my horror, they had changed ALL of the names and severely rewrote major sections. The original names are Italian, and they are changed to lame Japanese names to "avoid confusion". Pure arrogance on the part of the translator. The only thing that saves this title is the original material, which still manages to shine through. Buy the other version, or watch the animated version put out by Central Park Media.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story, Questionable translation, November 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Milky Way Railroad (Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature) (Paperback)

A surreal dream journey combining religious and scientific imagery; this version includes some good B&W illustrations. However, for various reasons I am seeking out an alternate translation after buying this book. My first encounter with NIGHT ON THE GALACTIC RAILROAD (GINGA (Galaxy) TETSUDO (Railroad) NO YORU (Night)... the "Night" somehow dropped out of the title in this version) was with the gorgeous animated film, towards which my expectations are admittedly biased. Also, I don't read Japanese, so my comments on the translation must be taken with a grain of salt. However, one error stands out -- changing the character's Italian names to arbitrary Japanese equivalents. Did the translators really expect readers to be somehow confused by the fact that a Japanese author was writing about Italian characters, however universal or archetypal such characters are supposed to be? It's not a gripe that would destroy the story for a first-time reader, but for me, it leaves a negative impression.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars angry, July 12, 2006

By 

Bakayarou "Bakayarou" (limbo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Milky Way Railroad (Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature) (Paperback)

I am soooo angry that this is the only translation in print. I want to use the story in classes I teach, but these idiots butchered the story. Miyazawa GAVE THE KIDS ITALIAN NAMES FOR A REASON! These so-called translators are too pedantic, too arrogant, or simply too stupid to get that. Sarah Strong wrote an excellent translation, which even includes an excellent readers guide. Granted, it's not really for kids, but the story was not meant only for kids. Come on Professor Strong, get it back in print!