Pathway to Japanese Literature
Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
← Back
| Original Title | 五月晴れ |
|---|---|
| Author | 岸田 国士 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a quiet Tokyo suburb at summer’s cusp, tensions simmer within the walls of a traditional Japanese home. Ōba Yūkichi returns after a night away to find his wife, Sorako, absent—a pattern that has strained their marriage. Their young maid, Kana, nervously navigates loyalties, caught between Sorako’s sharp instructions to conceal her frustrations and Ōba’s probing questions. When mediator Kodama Togai arrives with his son, his attempts to untangle the couple’s grievances reveal deeper fissures: accusations of dishonesty, mismatched expectations, and a battle of pride. Sorako’s return escalates the delicate dance of blame and deflection, as Kodama eavesdrops, hoping to broker peace. Whispers of unresolved letters, petty deceptions, and cultural pressures linger like the midday heat. Amidst veiled insults and half-smiles, the couple’s exchanges hint at both resentment and reluctant affection. Will pride or compromise prevail under the watchful eyes of family and tradition? The answer hangs as delicately as the wisteria blooms in their garden. |
← Return to List← Return to TOP