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The Sound of the Mikoshi: Finding Home in the Heartbeat of Odawara’s Parade

(著) 山口仁

作品詳細

[About the Book]
―Festivals Connect People’s Hearts―
Every May in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the “Odawara Festival” is held, drawing visitors from all over Japan. Among its highlights is the grand parade of the “Odawara Hojo Godai Festival,” where floats and mikoshi (portable shrines) fill the streets in a spectacular display.

This novel tells the story of “Hana,” who returns to her hometown for the first time in over a decade, just as the Odawara Festival takes place. Through the festival, which brings the entire town together, Hana reunites with her childhood friend Ariko and other familiar faces from her past. As the festivities unfold, the memories and feelings she once thought forgotten are rekindled, reminding her of the bonds that shaped her youth.

A heartwarming human drama that also captures the timeless charm of the traditional Odawara Festival, this is a masterpiece of storytelling.

[Table of Contents]
Prologue
Chapter 1: “The Castle Festival”
Chapter 2: “Homecoming”
Chapter 3: “Recollections”
Chapter 4: “Station Front”
Chapter 5: Clearing the Dew
Chapter 6: “Shrine entry
Chapter 7: — “The Phoenix’s Wings”
Afterword
Author Biography

[Editor’s Comment]
Japan is home to many famous festivals, but the Odawara Festival, the setting of this story, remains especially beloved. The parades of men dressed as samurai, lively performances, and mikoshi processions continue to attract crowds from across the country. This novel conveys the unique appeal of the Odawara Festival through Hana’s story. If you are interested in Japanese festivals, this is a must-read.

[Author Biography]
Hitoshi Yamaguchi
Born in 1969 (Showa 44) in Odawara City.
While working as an IT engineer, he holds a 6th-dan rank in Shorinji Kempo and serves as the head instructor of Odawara Dō-in.
In 2009 he worked as a swimming instructor and fitness-gym staff member.
Wings of the Phoenix is his debut work.