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

| Original Title | つばくろ |
|---|---|
| Author | 山本 周五郎 |
| Genre | Popular Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a quiet samurai district, Kihira Takao’s world fractures when his trusted friend reveals a devastating secret: his beloved wife, Oichi, has been meeting another man. Torn between duty and heartache, Takao grapples with betrayal as he confronts Oichi’s hidden past—a bond forged in childhood poverty with Mori Sannosuke, a man shrouded in loneliness. As whispers of infidelity threaten their family’s honor, Takao navigates a labyrinth of anguish, torn between societal expectations and the fragile trust binding him to his wife. Oichi’s innocence becomes a haunting question, her motives veiled in layers of compassion and obligation. Meanwhile, their young son Daisuke’s silent grief mirrors the swallows nesting at their home—creatures of fleeting loyalty. With emotional precision, the story unravels the cost of sacrifice, the weight of unspoken truths, and the fragile hope of redemption. Will love endure betrayal, or will duty sever ties forever? A poignant exploration of loyalty and human frailty in a rigid world. |