This blog introduced "Publishing Censorship and Banned Books" at Meiji University's Central Library 1F Gallery on June 12; among the exhibits I was drawn to Muku Kyuju — pioneer of Japanese children's and animal literature. I first read "The One-Eared Great Deer" in textbooks; "Old Daizo and the Wild Geese" and other animal stories thrilled me as a child.
The banned book is "Song of the Eagle" — photo. Self-published in "Sankacho" in April 1933 (Showa 8), with a new work added and published by Shunjusha in October.
Sanka were mountain people who moved through the hills without fixed residence; many lacked family registers — like European Roma. "Song of the Eagle" tells of an eagle stealing an infant; the rescue attempt fails tragically, yet the eagle embodies awesome nature. The free sanka spirit feels refreshing.
Why banned? Pre-war publishing law forbade not only socialist works disturbing public order but writings that "corrupt morals." The unsettled sanka life — Muku also depicted free sexuality — likely offended authorities.
Collector Jo Ichiro, who donated these books to Meiji University, covered them in paraffin paper with notes. On "Song of the Eagle": "Published Oct 15, Showa 8 / Banned for morals Oct 28 / Aesthetic portrayal of primitive sanka life / 1,500 printed, 155 seized." Only about 10% seized — over 1,300 copies remained, somewhat satisfying.
Exhibition through July 22 — about 10 minutes from Palaceside Building.