In the Land of Water Sprites

Historical Context and Significance

«In the Land of Water Sprites» is a satirical novella written by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa in 1927, shortly before his death. In this book, the author uses a fantastical world inhabited by mythical kappas to critically examine Japanese society of the time. The novella reflects Akutagawa's disillusionment with human nature and social structures, as well as his personal internal conflicts and depression. «In the Land of Water Sprites» is considered an important work in Japanese literature, as it demonstrates a shift from traditional forms to more modernist and experimental approaches. The book influenced subsequent generations of Japanese writers, inspiring them to explore social and philosophical themes through the lens of fantasy and allegory.