Snow at the Shrine Entrance by Kawase Hasui
I’m drawn to this print for several reasons. For one thing, it is Japanese. For another, it is Winter, which is my favorite season of all. Lastly, it shows a person walking through a gate.
Are they leaving something, or someone, behind? Are they headed toward a new adventure? Are they stepping in to worship, or simply to stroll? There is a lot for me to contemplate, as I, too, find myself embodied in this figure.
I began the Japanese Literature Challenge in 2006. In many ways, it has fostered a greater awareness and affection for Japanese literature, both for myself and for other readers. Tony, in particular, comes to my mind, for the ways that he has shared this love of translated literature and gone to host January in Japan. I can think of many others who have faithfully participated, such as Emma and Nadia, too many to name, really.
When Winter comes, when I think toward what I’ll read in January, it always focuses on Japanese literature. Yet, I find myself challenged this year, not because of my blog, necessarily, but because of my heart. Literally. In May, I passed out cold such that my husband called an ambulance to carry me off to the hospital. Since then, I have had a series of tests done, and it appears I need surgery on my heart this December. No one is more surprised than I am.
So, I will host the Japanese Literature Challenge, but I must warn you: I am not certain how involved I can be. If nothing else, it can be a central spot to leave your reviews and find others, and that is surely a lovely thing. I will do my best to respond as I can, to visit you and share what I read myself.
If this plan sounds acceptable to you, do join us. We will read from January, 2026 through February, as usual. All Japanese works in translation apply. I will leave a link to the review site in my side bar, where I have also left a list of a small sampling of titles for you to peruse.
Until January, then, if not before. 🇯🇵❤️
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