Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
← Back
AutumnAuthor: Akutagawa Ryūnosuke
| Original Title | 秋 |
|---|---|
| Author | 芥川 竜之介 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a world where societal expectations clash with personal aspirations, a young woman’s life takes an unexpected turn. Nobuko, once celebrated as a literary prodigy, abandons her dreams to marry a pragmatic businessman in Osaka, leaving behind her intellectual kinship with her cousin Toshikichi. Her sacrifice, framed as familial duty, masks unspoken yearnings and unresolved tensions. Years later, a visit to Tokyo reunites her with Toshikichi—now married to her younger sister Teruko—unearthing buried emotions and quiet regrets. Amidst autumn’s melancholy glow, conversations laced with wit and nostalgia reveal fractures in both marriages: Nobuko’s stifled creativity contrasts with Teruko’s fragile happiness, while Toshikichi’s aloof charm conceals his own disillusionment. As delicate facades crumble during a moonlit night and tearful confessions, the characters confront choices shaped by sacrifice and longing. Set against backdrops of bustling Osaka and tranquil Tokyo suburbs, this poignant tale weaves unspoken desires and the bittersweet passage of time, leaving readers to ponder the cost of duty and the elusive nature of fulfillment. |
← Return to List← Return to TOP