An Artist of the Floating World
Historical Context and Significance
Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel «An Artist of the Floating World», published in 1986, explores the theme of personal and national identity in postwar Japan. The story is set in 1948, as the country recovers from the devastation of World War II. The main character, Masuji Ono, a former artist, reflects on his role in supporting militarist propaganda in the years before the war. The book examines how personal and professional choices affect a person’s life and reputation, as well as their capacity for redemption. Ishiguro masterfully conveys the atmosphere of uncertainty and change that characterized Japan at the time. The novel has been praised for its profound exploration of memory and responsibility, as well as its contribution to understanding the cultural and historical shifts in Japan. It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and cemented Ishiguro’s reputation as one of the leading writers of his generation.
