Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.

| Original Title | お奈良さま |
|---|---|
| Author | 坂口 安吾 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a quiet temple resides an unconventional priest burdened by an extraordinary affliction: ceaseless, thunderous flatulence since birth. Though devoted to his spiritual duties, his uncontrollable condition sparks both reverence and revulsion among parishioners. During a pivotal moment at a grieving matriarch’s bedside, his inadvertent act becomes a catalyst for tragedy and unexpected admiration, fracturing the community. While some hail his peculiar "gift" as divine, others—led by sharp-tongued critics—condemn it as vulgar disgrace. The priest’s struggle intensifies as societal scorn extends to his teenage daughter, whose friendships unravel under the weight of shame. Torn between self-acceptance and crushing guilt, he navigates a world where bodily frailty collides with rigid expectations of propriety. As tensions escalate between tradition and tolerance, his health deteriorates under the strain of secrecy, culminating in a poignant reckoning with identity and belonging. This darkly comedic tale weaves absurdity and pathos, probing the fragile line between human imperfection and spiritual dignity. |