Pathway to Japanese Literature

Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.

Antenna of the HeartAuthor: Sasaki Kuni

Original Title	心のアンテナ
Author	佐々木邦
Genre	Popular Fiction
Author Type	Male Author
Summary	In a traditional Japanese household steeped in the art of Gidayū narrative, Ginjiro, a sharp-witted commercial school graduate, becomes a live-in apprentice to Master Shōdayū—a revered but old-fashioned artist. Tasked with bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, Ginjiro navigates his apprenticeship while forming a bond with the master’s spirited daughter, Miyoko. Their playful banter masks deeper tensions as Ginjiro challenges perceptions of Gidayū as mere entertainment, advocating for its recognition as high art. His efforts spark a transformation in Master Shōdayū, who embraces Western influences and intellectual posturing, much to the bewilderment of peers and patrons. Yet beneath this cultural awakening simmers rivalry: new apprentices threaten Ginjiro’s position, and Miyoko’s evolving independence complicates his aspirations. As loyalties shift and ambitions clash, Ginjiro must prove his artistry while balancing respect for tradition with the allure of progress—all under the watchful eyes of a household where pride, legacy, and unspoken desires intertwine.