First Woman

Overview

The original author, Kousaku Takii, is a novelist, a haiku poet, and an honorary citizen of Takayama city. He was given the award “Bunkakorosya” which means “Person of Cultural Merit”. Moreover, he was a member of the Akutagawa Prize selection committee for 47 years, from 1935 to 1982. First Woman which is a part of Haijin Nakama (Haiku Companions) and was written in his later life, won the Nihon Bungaku Taisyo which is the prestigious award given to outstanding Japanese literature. At the time, the autobiographical story was made into a movie, which was filmed in the historical landscape of the old town and the majestic nature of Hida Takayama. The film depicts his growth as a person in his adolescent years through precious experiences with haiku companions, a bittersweet romance with Tama, and unrequited love with Syamisen Geisya, Kiku.