Mekura budo to niji（Blind Grape and Rainbow）
【Masterpieces of Modern Japanese Literature⑰】
By Kenji Miyazawa
Narrated by Nana Nagao
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A short story by Kenji Miyazawa
“The plantain seeds at the castle ruins have ripened, the red clover flowers have withered and turned dark brown, and the millet in the fields has been harvested. “A harvest has been made,” a field mouse said as it briefly peeked out, only to quickly retreat into its burrow. On the cliffs and embankments, shimmering silver pampas grass sways like waves in the wind. At the center of the castle ruins stands a small, square-shaped hill, and in the thicket above, wild grape berries have ripened like a rainbow. Then, a faint, faint sunshower began to fall, making the grass glisten while the distant mountains darkened. As that faint, faint sunshower cleared, the grass still sparkled, the distant mountains brightened, and they seemed to smile dazzlingly.”ーー
Author : Kenji Miyazawa
Narrator : Nana Nagao
Produced by：Koé no Shoten
Special Thanks：Shigoto, Inc.
Listening Length：00:05:22
Release Date：2024/5/1
＊For how to listen, pricing, purchase methods, payment options, and more, please check each distribution site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
1896 – 1933
Born in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture. While attending Morioka Higher School of Agriculture and Forestry, he began writing short poems and prose for literary magazines. In 1921, he moved to Tokyo, working as a type engraver while writing children’s stories. That same year, he returned to his hometown upon hearing of his younger sister’s illness. While serving as a teacher at the agricultural school, he wrote many works. In 1924, he published his poetry collection Haru to Shura （ “Spring and the Demon”）and his children’s story collection Chūmon no Ōi Ryōriten（”The Restaurant of Many Orders”）. After retiring from the agricultural school, he founded the Rasuchijin Kyōkai, also called the “Rasu Farmers Association”), dedicating himself to local activities in agriculture and the arts. During his lifetime, he remained almost unknown, passing away at the age of 37 due to illness. After his death, many of his works, including Ginga Tetsudō no Yoru（”Night on the Galactic Railroad”）,Kaze no Matasaburō （”Matasaburō of the Wind”）,Porāno no hiroba （Porano Square）, Yodaka no Hoshi（”The Nighthawk Star”）, and Ame ni mo makezu（”Be not Defeated by the Rain”）, were published.