Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
← Back
The Reason for Remaining EnrolledAuthor: Toyoshima Yoshio
| Original Title | 在学理由 |
|---|---|
| Author | 豊島 与志雄 |
| Genre | Popular Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a quiet university setting, Yasugi, a professor of colonial policy, encounters an enigmatic student named Lee Yeong-tae during a roundtable discussion. Born on the Korean peninsula, Lee captivates Yasugi with his sharp intellect and polished prose, yet perplexes him with questions about the overlooked significance of punctuation in Japanese writing. Their conversation reveals Lee’s lingering academic status—excellently performing yet deliberately delaying graduation for years. His reasoning intertwines personal morality and societal trust: remaining enrolled grants him financial support and credibility, while graduating would force him into a world where idling without a student’s status breeds distrust. \nAs their bond deepens, Yasugi introduces Lee to Yoshimura, a novelist. Lee shares a manuscript about “Oyaji,” an alcoholic father guided by his dutiful son—a narrative blending ideology and familial duty. Yet Lee’s motives blur when he abruptly requests money, hinting at hidden struggles beneath his composed facade. Through fragmented dialogues and layered relationships, the story probes themes of identity, obligation, and the fragile masks worn to navigate societal expectations. Lee’s quiet defiance—a blend of idealism and pragmatism—lingers like an unanswered question, inviting readers into a world where words and actions conceal as much as they reveal. |
← Return to List← Return to TOP