A book released nearly 80 years ago and considered a representative piece of proletarian literature is apparently striking a chord with young part-time workers amid growing income disparities and poverty in Japan.
"Kanikosen" ("Crab-Canning Boat") by Takiji Kobayashi (1903-1933) debuted in 1929. Kobayashi was tortured to death during questioning by the Tokko thought police, who were tasked with investigating communists and leftists before and during the war.
Kobayashi depicted workers on a crab-canning ship off Japan who rose up against inspectors in a struggle against inhumane treatment.