When Orito and Numé were young children, their fathers, who were good friends, decided that one day their children would be betrothed. But before they marry, Orito is expected to complete his education. While Orito studied at a Japanese university, he and Numé remained good friends. But when his father makes plans for Orito to complete his education in America, set to return after eight years to marry Numé, she gets upset that Orito was leaving her, especially since she heard the plan from her father rather than Orito himself. Despite her disapproval, Orito goes to America to attend Harvard University. Experiencing culture shock and missing home, Orito feels out of place at first. But when he meets Cleo, a passionate dancer, they immediately start falling for each other, despite both of their engagements. As his time in America increases, Orito struggles with the decision to break tradition and stay with Cleo, or return home to marry Numé. Caught between cultures, expectation, and passion, Orito must decide which is more important to him.
Miss Numé of Japan: a Japanese American Romance by Onoto Watanna is a late 19th century romance that depicts a love triangle alongside the cultural contrasts between Japan and America. With beautiful descriptions, sympathetic characters, and a compelling romance-driven storyline, Miss Numé of Japan: a Japanese American Romance is entertaining while also providing intriguing insight into early interactions and cultural differences between Japan and the United States.
First published in 1899, Miss Numé of Japan: A Japanese American Romance is one of Onoto Watanna's earliest works, and is rarely found in print. This special edition features a stunning cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, this edition of Miss Numé of Japan: A Japanese American Romance caters to contemporary readers by restoring the novel to modern standards while preserving the original intricacy of Onoto Watanna's work.
