Rasemon Gate

This collection includes both the historical stories and novellas that brought Akutagawa worldwide fame and are automatically associated with his name (including the legendary "In a Grove," which served as the basis for Kurosawa's immortal film "Rashomon"), as well as lesser-known stories to Western readers but highly revered in the author's homeland. These stories are set against the backdrop of the modern reality of Japan at the beginning of the 20th century, which still retains many characteristics of national uniqueness but is eagerly and rapidly "Europeanizing." It is worth mentioning the constant reminiscences in Akutagawa's work of classical Russian literature, which he greatly admired and found an endless source of inspiration alongside his native history.