Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
← Back
| Original Title | 山形屋の青春 |
|---|---|
| Author | 岸田 国士 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a remote mountain village nestled near Asama’s volcanic slopes, the sudden disappearance of a young shopkeeper sends ripples of unease through his community. Ube Tokichi, dutiful heir to Yamagataya—a modest diner and general store—vanishes during a routine trip to Tokyo, severing all contact. His absence leaves his timid wife, Miyoko, distraught and his cunning father, Monshichi, simmering with frustration. Whispers swirl among villagers: Did Tokichi fall prey to Tokyo’s temptations, or has darker misfortune struck? \nOnce a model of filial piety, Tokichi’s quiet life had been upended by an arranged marriage to Miyoko, a woman chosen for her patience over passion. Monshichi’s domineering critiques of the couple’s domestic life cast a shadow over their fragile bond. When Tokichi resurfaces weeks later, gaunt and guilt-ridden, he confesses to a reckless dalliance in the city—a fleeting escape from familial pressures. Yet his return sparks an unexpected reckoning. Confronting his father’s manipulation, Tokichi vows to protect Miyoko, unraveling years of strained loyalty. \nAmid autumn’s first snows and fading rumors, Yamagataya’s future hangs in balance—a tale of quiet rebellion, fractured traditions, and the fragile hope of redemption. |
← Return to List← Return to TOP