Mo Yan, A Walk in Hokkaido

Author: Mo Yan et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Mo Yan first became known in Japan as the author of the original screenplay for the film Red Sorghum. Subsequently, his major works were translated into Japanese and widely circulated, gradually establishing him as a highly influential contemporary Chinese writer in the country. From late 2004 to early 2005, at the invitation of relevant authorities in Hokkaido, Mo Yan and his team traveled for 12 days across 3,000 kilometers, nearly covering the entire region. Another significant reason for Mo Yan's visit was his desire to witness in person the place where his hometowner Liu Lianren—kidnapped by Japanese forces in the early 1940s to work as a laborer and later escaping—lived in the wild for 13 years. During the journey, Mo Yan engaged in lively discussions with his companions about literature, art, life, animals, war, and the celebration of the New Year, exchanging insights with local students, film enthusiasts, and villagers. His witty remarks and unique perspectives were vividly portrayed in the book.