Manchukuo Melancholy

Li Zhengzhong (pen name Ke Ju) (b. 1921) and Zhang Xingjuan (penname Zhu Ti)(1923-2012) are Chinese writers who established prominent careers in Manchukuo; together, they comprise one couple of the “Northeast’s four famous husband-wife writers.” This chapter outlines their personal lives and important elements of their professional careers before focusing on several of their fictional works: Li’s novel Native Place Yearning, and two of Zhang’s novellas, “Melancholy on the Mighty Black Dragon River” and “Cherry.” These major works feature melancholic themes reflecting their engaged, yet alienated, relationship with contemporary society under imperial Japan's occupation.