From Literary Works to Comics in Japan: The Case of the Shonen-sencho (1958) by Fujiko F. Fujio
From Literary Works to Comics in Japan: The Case of the Shonen-sencho (1958) by Fujiko F. Fujio

Summary/Abstract: Fujiko F. Fujio (1933-1996), known as the author of Doraemon, sometimes adapted from foreign literary works immediately after debuting as a professional comic artist. For example, Ulysses by Homer, The Dog Crusoe by R. M. Ballantyne, and The Rose and the Ring by W. M. Thackeray were used in his adaptations. Also, his UTOPIA: the Final World War (『Utopia 最後の世界大戦』, 1953) was influenced by Aldous Leonard Huxley’s Brave New World. After the Pacific War was over, many new literary works became available from overseas. However, it does not seem that he read them in the original form. Despite his popularity, there are many questions regarding the sources of Fujiko F. Fujio’s knowledge about foreign literary works. This paper argues the case of Shonen-sencho (「少年船長」, 1958). Its origin is Mr. Midshipman Easy (1836) by Frederick Marryat, a retired captain in the Royal Navy. He was by no means popular in Japan. In prewar times, only three of his works were translated. To begin with, it is important to ask how Fujiko F. Fujio came to know about Frederick Marryat.

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