The Tragic Love of Two Enemies

Saturday, January 22, 2011


I just read "The Tragic Love of Two Enemies" by Ihara Saikaku which was translated by EE. Powys Mathers and edited by Patrick Ryan.

Ihara Saikaku was one of 17th century's most illustrious writers. His works are now recongnised for their significance in the development of Japanese fiction literature.

"The Tragic Love of Two Enemies" is short. It depicts the story of Senpatji Akanashi, a samurai, who was commanded by his master to kill his dear friend Shingokei Dizaki and falls in love with the latter's son 14 years after the murder he committed. He found Shingokei's widow and son, Shynosuke, in a village were they both lived unaware of the presence of each other.

When Shingokei's widow realized that Senpatji was her husband's killer, she ordered her son, Shynosuke to avenge Shingokei but he was hesitant because he loved Senpatji dearly. The love affair was known by Shynosuke's mother but she wanted vengeance for her husband's death.

I read the story when I read about it from the post The Reading Life: Japan. The story's link was also provided and can be read online.

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