Cosmopolitan Travel and Identity Construction in Kazuo Ishiguro’s International Novels

Kazuo Ishiguro’s cosmopolitan novels are marked by recurring themes of travel, encompassing both international migration and domestic journeys. His protagonists are often depicted in constant motion, engaging in a quest for identity against the backdrop of varied international and domestic landscapes. This focus on travel narratives is deeply influenced by Ishiguro’s personal experiences and his philosophy of writing. Born in Japan and having emigrated to England with his parents at the age of six, Ishiguro embodies a cosmopolitan perspective. Consequently, he identifies neither as Japanese nor British but rather as a global writer. For example, with his concept of “writing for Norwegians,” Ishiguro frequently transcends ethnic identities and geopolitical boundaries. However, from the outset of his career, he has grappled with the challenges of being an immigrant writer and the complexities of identity. This article offers a thorough analysis of the travel narratives in three of Ishiguro’s cosmopolitan novels, aiming to uncover the underlying motivations behind his evolving understanding of cultural identity and the development of his writing philosophy.