Paper short abstract:

This paper documents, for the first time, the precise print history and development of three translations of Tosa Nikki, an exemplary "diary literature" of Japan written in the 10th century, attempted by Flora Best Harris between 1882-1910, which coincides with the developing years of Japanology.

Paper long abstract:

The fact that Tosa Nikki, an exemplary "diary literature" of Japan written by Ki no Tsurayuki in c935, was translated by at least five Japanologists, duly suggests its importance. What has been largely overlooked in the past studies is, however, that Flora Best Harris (1850-1909), the first person to tackle this mission, went on to translate this work on three different occasions between 1882-1910.

To document, for the first time, the precise print history and development of her translations, is the primary purpose of this paper. On top of this, however, the author wishes to shed proper light on the life and achievements of this pioneering scholar of Japanese literature who has been significantly underrated, if not neglected altogether. Harris is chiefly remembered as the wife of missionary Merriman Colbert Harris, and less so as an educator of young women and a poet. Even more surprisingly, her role as an early Japanologist and translator seems to be considered as the least significant of her endeavors.

What are the reasons for such a misconception and underestimation? Was it solely gender, or were there other factors? What did her contemporaries think of her? What was going on in the "mainstream" Japanology of the period, and how did Harris participate in it? By asking these questions, we should be able to better assess the achievements of Harris, and how her trials have pushed Japanology forward in its developing years.