Pathway to Japanese Literature

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

Gold CoinAuthor: Mori Ōgai

Original Title	金貨
Author	森鴎外
Genre	Historical Fiction
Author Type	Male Author
Summary	In a rain-soaked Tokyo night, Hachi—a destitute plasterer tormented by alcoholism—lingers near a train station, his mind clouded by withdrawal and desperation. Drawn to three soldiers returning home, he follows them through darkness to a secluded mansion, driven by an inexplicable urge. As the household settles into sleep, Hachi slips inside, lured by the promise of alcohol and a chance to escape his wretched reality. He discovers foreign coins in a desk drawer, their golden glint igniting fleeting hope. Yet as he pockets them, tension mounts: snores echo from an adjacent room, mosquitoes swarm, and dawn approaches. Caught by the caretaker at daybreak, Hachi faces the soldiers’ scrutiny. To his shock, the “gold” proves worthless—mere souvenirs from abroad. The officers, amused by his naivety, release him with a stern warning. This haunting tale weaves desperation and delusion, exploring how poverty warps judgment and the fragile line between ruin and redemption.