growth for them. Societal Pressure on Children We adults, who formerly placed high expectations on children as the "future grownups" and kept a watchful eye on them, are now reexamining our own twisted reality and making an effort to correct it by regaining the child's vision. Takekurabe demonstrates the societal and familial pressure that is placed on children for them to become successful adults who are able to carry on a legacy. This is best shown through the characters of Midori and Nobu. Midori, who is a pleasant child full of love to play is sadly turned into a quiet woman by the end of the story as her freedom is stripped from her. She gives in to the path laid out before her and decides to become a courtesan like her older sister, despite not wanting to. Similarly, Nobu, who despises the lifestyle of his family, decides to train to become a priest like his father, preparing to take on his role as heir to Ryūgeji temple. Examples of this theme are best seen through the characters being labelled by their parents’ social status or occupations: ‘‘Shōta of the Tanakaya’’; ‘‘Nobuyuki of Ryūgeji’’; ‘‘Chōkichi, the Boss’s son,’’ etc. Publication & Reception Higuchi's novella was first published in the literature magazine Bungakkai in seven installments between January 1895 and January 1896. Takekurabe was read and commended by eminent literary figures including Mori Ōgai, Kōda Rohan and Saitō Ryokuu, who elevated Ichiyo Higuchi to the status of one of the era's most well-liked authors. complimented it specifically for its in-depth and vivid account of Yoshiwara's distinctive traditions. The story and its adaptations were frequently utilized as literary works in primary and secondary schools to examine post-war society. Translations Takekurabe was translated into English as They Compare Heights by W.M. Bickerton in 1930, as Growing Up by Edward Seidensticker in 1956, and as Child's Play by Robert Lyons Danly in 1981. A translation under the title Teenagers Vying for Tops was provided by Seizo Nobunaga in 1953 or 1960, depending on the source. Adaptations Film 1924: Takekurabe, directed by Genjirō Saegusa 1955: Takekurabe, directed by Heinosuke Gosho Manga 1995: Takekurabe, adapted by Takeda Masao Television Takekurabe was also repeatedly adapted for Japanese television, including a puppet play version and an animated version (released as Growing Up in North America by Central Park Media). Notes References Bibliography 19th-century Japanese novels 1896 novels Central