“Board Residence wanted, by a Japanese gentleman, in a strictly private English family; with literary taste.” That’s the advertisement Natsume Sōseki placed. Now, gaze upon this blue plaque. It marks 81 The Chase. Here, Natsume Sōseki, the renowned Japanese novelist, resided from 1901 to 1902.
This unassuming townhouse in Clapham holds a secret. It was once home to a literary giant. Natsume Sōseki is often called the father of Japanese modernist literature. His books are studied in schools across Japan. He even graced the 1000 yen note.
But in London, during his stay, Sōseki felt isolated. He described his time here as miserable. He felt like “a poor dog that had strayed among a pack of wolves.” The Japanese government sent Sōseki to England. He was to be Japan’s first English literary scholar. He originally wanted to study at Cambridge. His meager stipend, however, made that impossible. Edinburgh was also out. He did not want a Scottish accent. So, he reluctantly settled in London.
Sōseki moved four times during his London stay. His first three lodgings proved unsatisfactory. They were either too expensive or too miserable. He finally found a suitable place here at The Chase. Priscilla Leale and her sister Elizabeth ran the boarding house. Priscilla impressed Sōseki. She knew Milton and Shakespeare. She also spoke fluent French.
Scholastically, Sōseki’s time in London was productive. He hired William James Craig to tutor him. Craig was a famous editor of Shakespeare. Sōseki found Craig odd. His tutor only wore flannel shirts and felt slippers. His room had no furniture, just piles of books. Sōseki also found Craig’s handshakes strange. Craig would offer his hand but not grasp Sōseki’s.
Despite these oddities, Sōseki was content with his lessons. Outside of his studies, Sōseki faced misery. Money was a constant worry. He couldn’t afford souvenirs. He couldn’t even afford a picture to send to his wife in Japan. His clothes were cheap. The sleeves were either too wide or too narrow. Despite his financial woes, Sōseki bought around 400 books. He spent most of his time reading in his room.
Sōseki suffered from loneliness and culture shock. Japan had only recently opened to the West. The cultural gap between a Japanese gentleman and Victorian London was vast. He once invited someone to go snow-viewing. This was a popular pastime in Japan. His English listeners were confused. He complimented the moss in a friend’s garden. He was told a gardener would soon remove it. Sōseki felt his physical difference. He was particularly sensitive about his height.
Although unhappy, his time in London influenced his work. His early stories, “The Tower of London” and “Kairo-ko”, were inspired by his stay. His later works explored loneliness, alienation, and the relationship between Japan and the West. His most famous works include “I am a Cat” and “Kokoro”.
In 1902, Sōseki left London. He swore never to return. Yet, his time here left an indelible mark. This blue plaque commemorates his time here. It recognizes his contribution to literature. Remember Natsume Sōseki. He found inspiration even in his misery.