Photo/Illutration A woman walks up decorated stairs in Frankfurt a day before the March 8 International Women’s Day. (AP Photo)

It has been a little more than five months since I became one of the writers of this column, and I am deeply thankful for many comments from readers.

One thing is on my mind: Has anything changed at all since I, a woman, joined the team?

Frankly, I have no idea. All I can say is I rack my brains every day, thinking about what I should write.

Whenever I’m stuck, I turn to works of classical literature for inspiration, a habit I formed as a cub reporter.

Going back to the timeless essentials enables me to rethink things from scratch.

In recent years, novels that retell classic stories from a woman’s point of view have become popular. They present familiar scenes in an entirely new light and that energizes me.

In William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” Katherine, who has been transformed into a meek wife, preaches to other women, “Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, / Thy head, thy sovereign.”

U.S. author Anne Tyler retells the Shakespeare classic in “Vinegar Girl,” whose protagonist, Kate, comments about men: “‘Oh, I’m okay,’ they say. ‘Everything’s just fine.’ They’re a whole lot less free than women are, when you think about it.”

Having become her own person without playing up to anyone, Kate sees right through the inconsistencies and anomalies of male society.

There is also a work in which a female slave retells a classical Greek epic poem.

Such masterpieces written by seasoned authors bring out the intolerance of contemporary society. They also embolden readers based on the past by transcending gender gaps.

I wish I could write such pieces.

After five months of hobbling on, there is one thing of which I am certain: For any story to be retold later, it must be first told now.

Happy International Women’s Day.

--The Asahi Shimbun, March 8

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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