Botchan

Botchan is one of Japan’s most beloved novels, written by literary master Natsume Sōseki in 1906. Brimming with wit, satire, and humor, it tells the story of a reckless, outspoken young man from Tokyo who takes a teaching post in the countryside.

Nicknamed Botchan (“Master Darling”), the protagonist struggles against hypocrisy, bureaucracy, and the suffocating rigidity of provincial society. His clashes with colleagues and students alike expose both his own immaturity and the absurdities of the world around him.

Sharp, comedic, and deeply human, Botchan captures the rebellious spirit of youth while offering a timeless critique of authority and conformity. It remains a cornerstone of modern Japanese literature and a cultural classic that continues to inspire adaptations in film, manga, and theater.

For fans of Japanese classics, world literature, and satirical fiction, this edition brings to life Sōseki’s playful yet profound voice in a form accessible to contemporary readers.