Discover Japan's stories—across time, across language.
| Original Title | にはかへんろ記 |
|---|---|
| Author | 久保田 万太郎 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | Esteemed author Kubota Mantarō, alongside his scholarly companion, embarks on the ancient Shikoku pilgrimage, seeking a profound spiritual journey away from the clamor of Tokyo. But from the moment they procure their pilgrim's attire, the line between expectation and reality begins to fray. Traversing rugged landscapes and serene sacred sites, they encounter not just breathtaking beauty and rustic temples, but also surprising commercialism, unsettling historical echoes, and the peculiar characters who inhabit this sacred land. As the author grapples with profound philosophical questions—is he transforming reality into fantasy, or unearthing a deeper truth about faith and existence?—he finds himself caught between the tangible world and the elusive promise of spiritual awakening. Will this demanding, unpredictable quest deliver the enlightenment he seeks, or merely expose the intricate illusions we craft and wear? |