Pathway to Japanese Literature
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The Company President's SecretaryAuthor: Sasaki Kuni
| Original Title | 社長秘書 |
|---|---|
| Author | 佐々木 邦 |
| Genre | Popular Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a bustling corporate office, an aging President’s compulsive storytelling tests the patience of his subordinates. Known for his rambling tangents—from Shikoku monkeys learning Confucianism to aristocratic dukes obsessing over egalitarian gestures—he hijacks conversations with meandering anecdotes, demanding obligatory nods and laughter. Executives like Mr. Hoshino and Mr. Tsukamoto endure his lectures with strained politeness, while a newly appointed secretary narrates their silent exasperation. Between tales of Prohibition-era America and mishaps involving chamber pots mistaken for mosquito burners, the President’s declining mental acuity leads to repetitive monologues, blending absurdity with unintended humor. Yet beneath the farce lies a biting critique of hierarchy: those who indulge the President’s whims thrive, while diligent workers remain overlooked. As marriages, health woes, and workplace dynamics intertwine, the story paints a wry portrait of power, pretense, and the absurdities of corporate life—where survival hinges on mastering the art of feigned interest. |
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