Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
← Back
The Neighbor's WifeAuthor: Itō Sachio
| Original Title | 隣の嫁 |
|---|---|
| Author | 伊藤 左千夫 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a rural Japanese village, nineteen-year-old Seisaku grapples with the grueling demands of his first rice harvest. Exhausted and aching, he faces relentless scolding from his stern elder sister and mother, who mock his inexperience. Yet amid the backbreaking labor, he finds unexpected solace in Otoyo-san, the enigmatic wife of a neighbor. Her quiet kindness—secretly aiding him during fieldwork, sharing fleeting glances—ignites a tender connection that defies propriety. Seisaku’s youthful spirit clashes with societal expectations as he navigates familial duty and the stirrings of forbidden affection. The harvest becomes a backdrop for unspoken yearnings, where Otoyo’s resilience and grace contrast sharply with the drudgery of farm life. As whispers of their bond ripple through the community, Seisaku must confront the weight of tradition and the peril of desires that threaten to unravel both their futures. A poignant exploration of duty, longing, and the fragile beauty of fleeting moments in a world bound by unyielding norms. |
← Return to List← Return to TOP