Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
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| Original Title | 正義と微笑 |
|---|---|
| Author | 太宰 治 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | At sixteen, Shin Serikawa, a precocious and intellectually ambitious student, begins a diary to navigate the "great significance" of his days. Disgusted by the mundane and yearning for a life of earnest purpose, he questions everything from school exams to human nature itself. But his sheltered world cracks when a devastating failure to enter a prestigious high school forces him onto an unexpected path. Convinced he is destined for something greater, Shin vows to become the world's finest actor, a calling he believes is divinely ordained. Yet, the grueling world of theater is far from idealistic, demanding soul-crushing dedication, humility, and an unforgiving encounter with human pettiness. Shin's soaring ambition will either survive the brutal reality of the stage, or his pursuit of "Justice and Smiles" will ultimately shatter his spirit. |
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