The Chieko Poems

Married to the feminist Naganuma Chieko, Takamura Kotaro modeled their relationship on sexual equality. In 1931 Chieko began to show signs of schizophrenia, which led to attempted suicide. In 1935 Takamura was forced to commit his wife, who died of tuberculosis three years later. These poems, centered on their relationship, are translated here for the first time.