Final answer:
The title 'Separate Ways' can be interpreted as reflecting themes of impermanence and the transient beauty of life, aligning with the Japanese cultural concept of 'ukiyo', the 'floating world', and this theme is recurrent in both literature and visual arts, such as in 'ukiyo-e' prints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The title "Separate Ways" from Higuchi Ichiyo's story has been interpreted as an expression of themes common in Japanese literature and art, such as the fleeting nature of life and relationships, signifying temporary connections and the melancholy that arises from impermanence. This interpretation aligns with the broader cultural concept of "ukiyo", or the "floating world" which reflects living in the moment and the transient beauty of life, as seen in the artworks produced during the Edo period, like those of Utagawa Hiroshige and Torii Kiyonaga. The themes of separation, as well as the embrace of transient beauty and melancholy, complement the narratives found in works like The Tale of Genji and reflect in the motifs of ukiyo-e prints, illustrating the intersection between literature and visual art in conveying shared cultural themes.