“Open the window a bit,” the midwife requested. “We all need some fresh air before continuing.” Toya, the youngest maid/attendant in the...

Below the clouds of cherry blossoms adorning ancient trees, three Japanese gentlemen engaged in a spirited discussion. The respectful di
viewed cherry blossoms The other two clapped in sincere appreciation. “Kichinosuke, you have bested us yet again. Your mastery of haiku is truly laudable,” one said. “When will we learn not to compete against you,” the other said with admiration. The three grasped each other’s forearms in shows of affection, then bowed to one another befor

“Shoya-sama, it’s a girl.” The smile that Kichinosuke Takahashi, the shoya, village head of Onorimura, Toyota-gun, Hiroshima-ken, and the...

“What do you think of this one?” asked eight-year old Sanae airily, turning slowly around with arms outstretched in the spacious parlor o...