Futabatei Shimei’s novel The Drifting Cloud (Ukigumo) tells the tale of Utsumi Bunzō, a man who strives to find his place in a world that is changing. The Meiji period, when Japan was quickly modernizing and absorbing Western concepts, is when the novel is set in Tokyo.

The hardships of those torn between the demands of industrialization and traditional Japanese values are reflected in Bunzō’s journey.

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Introduction to Bunzō’s Life

Bunzō is the story’s main character. He has a strong sense of respect, responsibility, and morality because he hails from a samurai family. Although admirable, these ideals are not very helpful in the modern culture, which places more importance on ambition, flexibility, and Western thought.

Bunzō is dissatisfied with his employment as a low-ranking clerk in a government agency. Despite his intelligence and kindness, he struggles to flourish in a society that values assertiveness because of his shyness and indecision.

Despite leading a quiet and modest existence, Bunzō frequently feels irritated and undervalued. He finds it difficult to keep up with those around him who are more ambitious than he is. He feels left behind because he is reluctant to change with the times.

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Bunzō’s Unemployment

When Bunzō loses his job at the beginning of the novel, his life takes a turn for the worst. His termination was due to office politics and favoritism, not bad performance.

There are many people eager to move up the success ladder at the government office where he works, frequently at the expense of others. Bunzō falls prey to these politics because he is direct and doesn’t want to please his superiors.

Losing his work is a devastating blow for Bunzō. In addition to denying him a source of income, it damages his sense of self-worth.

When he observes everyone around him prospering by embracing the new ways of the world, he starts to feel like a failure.

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Introduction to Osei

Osei, a young woman who lives with her uncle and aunt, is one of Bunzō’s most significant relationships. Osei is a dynamic, forward-thinking woman who finds Western concepts and society appealing.

She envisions a time when women will be more autonomous and free. The traditional principles of Bunzō stand in stark contrast to Osei’s contemporary worldview.

Bunzō hopes that she will feel the same way about Osei, with whom she has a deep affection. But he finds it difficult to communicate his feelings and lacks the courage to speak to her face-to-face. One of the main causes of their relationship’s failure is his passive conduct.

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Noboru’s Ambition

Noboru, a rival of Bunzō in the narrative, works at the same government agency. Bunzō lacks the self-assurance, ambition, and charm that Noboru possesses.

He is adept at navigating the contemporary world and employs deceit and flattery to achieve his goals. Osei piques Noboru’s interest as well, although his intentions are more self-serving than genuine.

Osei starts to appreciate Noboru because of his audacity and forward-thinking outlook. Despite her partiality for Bunzō, she cannot deny that Noboru is a symbol of the future—a man who knows how to thrive in the ever-evolving world. Bunzō, however, appears to be unable to move on from the past.

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Bunzō’s Decline

Bunzō’s situation keeps getting worse as Noboru becomes more powerful at work and attracts Osei’s attention. He has no purpose because he is unemployed, and he starts to feel more and more alone.

He spends a lot of time alone himself thinking about his shortcomings and how unjust the world is.

Bunzō has internal as well as external challenges. He struggles to balance the necessity to adjust to the modern world with his wish to uphold his traditional values. But he lacks the willpower to make a change.

He is caught in a vicious circle of irritation and self-pity because of his passivity and refusal to make concessions.

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Osei’s Decision

As the narrative goes on, Osei is forced to decide between Bunzō and Noboru. While Noboru promises excitement and the prospect of a prosperous future, Bunzō stands for sincerity and kindness.

In the end, Osei decides for Noboru because he thinks he is more appropriate for the new world they are in.

The loss of Osei is devastating for Bunzō. He had anticipated that she would appreciate his traditional characteristics, but her decision has made him understand that they are no longer as relevant in the contemporary world.

He feels even more adrift and demoralized as a result of this rejection.

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The Abrupt Ending

Bunzō’s troubles are not resolved as the tale ends suddenly. What will happen to him is left up to the readers’ imagination. While some critics assume that Futabatei Shimei intentionally left the story unfinished, others consider that the abrupt ending reflects the instability and unpredictability of Bunzō’s life.

The novel’s overarching theme—the challenge of navigating a world in transition—is reflected in this unresolved ending. The novel itself doesn’t offer a definitive conclusion, much as Bunzō is unable to identify his position in the new society.