Pathway to Japanese Literature
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WartAuthor: Niimi Nankichi
| Original Title | いぼ |
|---|---|
| Author | 新美 南吉 |
| Genre | Children's Literature |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a rural village, two nearly identical brothers—Matsukichi and Sugisaku—share an unbreakable bond, distinguishable only by the warts on Matsukichi’s hand. Their quiet world shifts when their cousin Katsumi, a lively city boy, visits during summer. Together, they embark on daring adventures: mocking their grandfather’s ear hair, pounding rice until boredom strikes, and braving a deep mountain pond by clinging to a tub. When exhaustion threatens to drown them mid-pond, their desperate unison chant—“Yoitomake!”—forges an unexpected camaraderie, binding them through shared fear and triumph. As a token of friendship, Matsukichi “transfers” a wart to Katsumi’s arm in a playful ritual, sealing their connection. \nMonths later, the brothers journey to Katsumi’s urban home, eager to reunite. But the bustling town highlights their rural awkwardness, and Katsumi’s cold indifference shatters their hopes. Returning home rejected and shorn after an awkward barbershop encounter, they mask their hurt with imaginary cannon fire, finding solace in their unspoken unity. Through fleeting joy and quiet resilience, their story whispers of childhood bonds tested by difference—and the unyielding strength of brotherhood in a world that often overlooks the tender hearts of outsiders. |
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