Discussed the attention of writers to elderly care issues and the rise of elderly writing in the context of global aging. It is pointed out that in modern culture, the elderly are often marginalized and have a negative image. Ueno Chieko criticized this stereotype, emphasizing the diversity and resilience of the elderly. There have been works in Japanese literature that focus on the issue of elderly care, such as "I Will Walk Alone" by Chikako Takeshi, which showcases the positive and optimistic spirit of the elderly. Ruozhu Qianzuo hopes to change the negative impression of the elderly in society through her works and shape a three-dimensional image of the elderly. The novel reflects on the relationship between oneself, family, and the world through the life of the protagonist Peach, showcasing the gender norms and cognitive changes of several generations of women.

The pursuit of elderly self

Momoko rethought herself in her 74 year life memories. In Japanese culture, personal identity is often defined in relationships with others, especially family members. Ayumi Hamaguchi pointed out that Japanese culture emphasizes the interdependence between individuals and others. Peach faces a reconfirmation of her identity after losing her spouse, feeling a disconnect from the world and a loss of self-worth. With the arrival of old age, people tend to internalize and focus on their inner world. Peach reshapes its self positioning by reflecting on the past. Her thinking on the connotation of female gender has shifted from obedience and dependence in her youth to recognizing the inner resilience and strength of women. Under the influence of her mother and Peach's growth, she underwent a transformation from a submissive to a rebellious, fleeing marriage, leaving home, and ultimately returning to traditional female roles. Her marriage and family life reflect the changes in Japan's views on marriage and love in the 1960s, where women's autonomy in marriage increased, but most women still returned to traditional roles. Peach's life reflects the experiences of the 'group generation' of women, who may have been unwilling, but mostly failed to break through the constraints of gender and family. Peach's reflection on traditional female roles, including a re examination of love, marriage, and motherhood, criticized the self sacrificing emotions of women in traditional Japanese songs and advocated that women should pursue freedom and independence. Taozi also reflected on the intergenerational transmission of mother daughter relationships, realized the continuation of women's subordinate status, and attempted to change this relationship, recognizing the importance of self. Her views are in line with Hayao Kawai's advocacy for restraint and self-reliance. Peach's attitude towards aging and loneliness changes in old age, believing that aging brings freedom and autonomy, and that old age should be characterized by self-esteem, self-reliance, and freedom. Ruozhu Qianzuo demonstrated the "grandmother philosophy" through peaches, that as people age, they should become more free and make use of this freedom.

Ruozhu Qianzuo's Elderly Narrative Style

Explored the connection between the personal experiences of Chikako Wakabashi and her creation 'I Will Walk Alone'. After her husband's death, Chikako Wakaki regained her dream of writing and learned writing skills through attending novel lectures. Eventually, at the age of 64, she won the Akutagawa Prize for her work "I Will Go Alone". The novel is known as the 'Dark Winter Novel', using non-linear narrative and spanning 75 years to depict the inner world of the protagonist Peach. The novel adopts a first person limited perspective and depicts Peach's life experiences and psychological activities through techniques such as inner monologue and personal confession. Ruozhu Qianzuo fully utilizes the form of confession to showcase the living conditions and psychological activities of the elderly, making them the protagonist of the story. The narrative language feature of the novel lies in the interweaving of Northeastern dialect and standard Japanese, showcasing the contradictions and complexities within Peach's heart. Ruozhu Qianzuo drew inspiration from the Japanese folk rap art of "Lang Qu" to make the novel full of vitality. The musical elements in the novel and the references to Kenji Miyazawa's works further enrich the content of the work. Ruozhu Qianzuo has embarked on a second spring of her career through writing, shaping a calm and optimistic image of the elderly, challenging the stereotypes of the elderly in modern culture, and having positive social significance.