🎧 Complete – The Gate by Sōseki Natsume

Unabridged Audiobook | 夏目漱石『門』全朗読

A man stands before a gate he cannot cross—

and yet, in the stillness of his life, he chooses not despair,

but the quiet dignity of enduring love.

This is the complete, unabridged reading of The Gate (Mon) by Natsume Sōseki, one of Japan’s most quietly profound novels.

Recorded chapter by chapter, this reading invites you to move slowly—

to listen not just to the words, but to the spaces between them.

No analysis, no interruption—

just voice, stillness, and the enduring beauty of Japanese literature.

Narrated by Kasumi (Nan’pusha Podcast)

In this episode of Nan’pusha, we delve into the profound and poignant world of Natsume Sōseki’s The Gate. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo during the Meiji era, this novel invites us into the quiet lives of Sosuke and his wife, Oyome, who share a love intertwined with the complexities of their past.

Join us as we explore themes of redemption, humility, and the nuanced dynamics of love and remorse. Through Sosuke’s journey, we reflect on the concept of happiness found in simplicity and the weight of unspoken truths. This episode illuminates how Sōseki crafts a narrative that balances beauty and melancholy, showing us that the most meaningful connections often grow in the shadows of regret.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Japanese literature or new to Sōseki’s work, this episode offers rich insights into a story that resonates with timeless themes and emotional depth. Tune in and discover how The Gate reveals the quiet struggles and triumphs of the human heart.

About Kasumi Kobayashi – Narrator at 南風舎 (Nan’pusha)

Welcome! I’m Kasumi Kobayashi, a passionate narrator and podcaster dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japanese literature, culture, and philosophy with a global audience. Through my storytelling, I bring both classic and modern Japanese works to life, weaving in my personal experiences with Iaido and Noh to offer deeper connections to Japan’s timeless traditions.

🎧 Where to Listen and Follow:

iTunes (Main Channel):

南風舎 - Nan’pusha features all my programs in one place. Enjoy weekly narrations and bonus episodes for subscribers, perfect for immersing yourself in Japanese stories.

👉 iTunes: https://apple.co/3Nzqh6B

Patreon:

Dive deeper with exclusive content! Supporters enjoy weekly episodes, early access, and bonus features that enrich the exploration of Japan’s literary and cultural heritage.

👉 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kasumikobayashi

YouTube:

Explore 南風舎 on YouTube, where visual and audio content bring Japanese culture to life at your own pace. Exclusive, unlisted content is available to iTunes and Patreon members.

👉 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kaseumin

Social Media:

Stay connected with updates and behind-the-scenes insights:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseumin/

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of the Aestheticism movement in Japanese literature, known as 耽美派 (Tanbi-ha). Rooted in the idea that beauty itself holds intrinsic value, Tanbi-ha emerged in opposition to the stark realism of Naturalism, favoring instead a devotion to art, sensuality, and the pursuit of beauty as life’s highest goal. We’ll explore how writers like Kitahara Hakushu, Nagai Kafū, Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, and others shaped this movement, each weaving aesthetics into narratives that continue to influence Japanese culture and literature.

Join me as we unpack the backgrounds, inspirations, and notable works of these visionary authors, who were drawn to both traditional Japanese beauty and Western influences from writers like Charles Baudelaire and Oscar Wilde. Discover the themes of passion, transience, and artistic elegance that define Tanbi-ha and consider its lasting impact on Japan’s literary landscape.

Whether you’re new to the Aestheticism movement or a longtime admirer, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on Japan’s journey through beauty, art, and literature.

Dive into the world of 耽美派 with my curated audiobook collection!

1. ​Charles Baudelaire

[Bilingual JP/FR]「港」ボードレール Le Port - Baudelaire

https://youtu.be/zA-ypy7A7KQ

1. ​Mori Ōgai

Episode 2023-03 Ogai MORI (森鴎外)- Author Spotlight in English

https://youtu.be/hdn-_8cjfnU

1. ​Ueda Bin

Kaichō on by Bin UEDA 上田敏『海潮音』(全) Part 1

https://youtu.be/9OFIsLc6GrA

1. ​Kitahara Hakushu

“Heretics” by Hakushu KITAHARA ( Unabridged ) 北原白秋『邪宗門』(全) (1)

https://youtu.be/veuR9bzcUy4

1. ​Nagai Kafū

永井荷風 (Kafu NAGAI)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwqiwuMgsh-J1d8VZCOKn6ikzawXRCWLL

1. ​Jun’ichirō Tanizaki

谷崎潤一郎 ( Junichiro TANIZAKI )

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwqiwuMgsh-LWMetKiddCwyjrI2rR_FPI

About Kasumi Kobayashi – Narrator at 南風舎 (Nan’pusha)

Welcome! I’m Kasumi Kobayashi, a passionate narrator and podcaster dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japanese literature, culture, and philosophy with a global audience. Through my storytelling, I bring both classic and modern Japanese works to life, weaving in my personal experiences with Iaido and Noh to offer deeper connections to Japan’s timeless traditions.

🎧 Where to Listen and Follow:

iTunes (Main Channel):

南風舎 - Nan’pusha features all my programs in one place. Enjoy weekly narrations and bonus episodes for subscribers, perfect for immersing yourself in Japanese stories.

👉 iTunes: https://apple.co/3Nzqh6B

Patreon:

Dive deeper with exclusive content! Supporters enjoy weekly episodes, early access, and bonus features that enrich the exploration of Japan’s literary and cultural heritage.

👉 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kasumikobayashi

YouTube:

Explore 南風舎 on YouTube, where visual and audio content bring Japanese culture to life at your own pace. Exclusive, unlisted content is available to iTunes and Patreon members.

👉 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kaseumin

Social Media:

Stay connected with updates and behind-the-scenes insights:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseumin/