Pathway to Japanese Literature

← Back

• View English Version
• View Japanese Version

Original Title	まぼろし
Author	牧野 信一
Genre	Modern Short Fiction
Author Type	Male Author
Summary	On a tranquil summer coast, a close-knit group of boisterous young men find their carefree days by the sea dominated by an unspoken, collective obsession: the captivating Mari Yuriko. Their youthful banter is shattered when rumors of Mari's impending marriage ignite a fervent, almost theatrical quest to protect her 'virginity' and claim her affection. From clandestine garden vigils to absurd misinterpretations, their desperate desire for Mari spirals into a whirlwind of competitive delusion. When protagonist Onda receives a secret, impassioned invitation from Mari, he believes his moment has come to unravel the mystery and secure her heart, not just for himself, but for their entire circle. But as love, jealousy, and utter madness intertwine, will their passionate pursuit lead them to a cherished dream, or will the 'phantom image' of their desires ultimately reveal a far more humbling, even comical, truth?