Pathway to Japanese Literature
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Kusatsu JourneyAuthor: Nagatsuka Takashi
| Original Title | 草津行 |
|---|---|
| Author | 長塚 節 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | A spirited grandmother, devout in her Buddhist faith, yearns to embark on pilgrimages but hesitates to journey alone. When her grandson heeds a doctor’s advice to escape summer’s heat in the mountain retreat of Kusatsu, they strike a pact: a detour to Zenkoji Temple first, then onward through Shinshu’s rugged terrain. Their voyage unfolds by steam train and horseback—past emerald rice fields, roaring rivers, and mist-shrouded peaks—each landscape more arresting than the last. Serene temples contrast with treacherous paths; sulfurous volcanic vents hiss beside crystalline streams. Alongside companions, they navigate swaying bridges, crumbling cliffs, and villages where education thrives against austere backdrops. Yet nature’s caprices—sudden storms, scorching sun—test their resolve. As Kusatsu nears, steaming hot springs and eerie volcanic desolation hint at wonders ahead. Through hardship and awe, the journey becomes a tapestry of fleeting encounters: firelit villages, chanting monks, and vistas where clouds sculpt mountains into ever-shifting forms. A pilgrimage not just of faith, but of resilience—where each step reveals Japan’s raw beauty and the quiet fortitude of those who traverse it. |
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