Hayashi, Fumiko (1903–1951)

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Hayashi, Fumiko (1903–1951)

Japanese writer. Pronunciation: HAH-yah-SHE FOO-me-KOE. Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, 1903; died 1951; 4th illeg. child of Hayashi Kiku (mother) and Miyata Asataro (father), itinerant peddlers; graduate of Onomichi Higher Girls' School in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan; m. Tezuka Ryokubin (a painter), 1926.

The 1st woman fiction writer in modern Japan, enjoyed both popular success and critical recognition during a 20-year career; lived in and wrote about the margins of Japanese life, having worked as a maid and as a factory worker on a night shift; published 1st book, Vagabond's Song (1930); masterpiece novel, Ukigumo (The Floating Cloud, 1950), was based on her travels to Southeast Asia.

See also Women in World History.

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