Kappa
by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
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Kappa is told from the point of view of Patient No. 23, a man in an institution. Through his retelling, we learn about his journey through a hole in the ground, from the human world into the “realm of the Kappas.” There he learns about their society, their woes and politics, and their loves.
At once both absurd and revealing, this short book (at 82 pages) shows a glimpse into the Japanese culture. This whimsical novella sets itself up as a mirror for Japanese society at the time. When this was written Japan had become a stronger world power and this novel highlights some of the negatives and reprehesible things associated with this history. There are examples of police brutality, industrial advances that are more hinderance than anything, and commentary on childbirth and bodily atonomy. It also makes jokes at writers expense with clever humar and thought-provoking criticism.
For me, this was an enjoyable book. I knew enough about Japanese society to get alot of the jokes and commentary. It was fast paced but didn’t feel like it was rushed and at the same time everything felt very prescient.
I loved the satric quailities throughout as well. I’m also a fan of well-done isekai fiction and this is no exception. The funny bits contrast sharply with the sadness thrughout. There are many mentions of suicide and each make the other feel so extremem by sitting side by side on the same page.
Overall, this was a good read. It made me go down a rabbit hole of research about the author and time this was written so that’s another good thing about it.
If you’re interested in a ‘Gulliver's Travels’ or a look at post World War One Japan this is a great, bizarre introduction.
Further reading:
This is not a book I have read but one on my to be read list! How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino. Not only is this what the new Studio Ghibli “The Boy and the Heron” is adapted from but this sounds so interesting.
Quotes:
“Well, since I’d been feeling so depressed, I thought I’d try looking at the world upside down. But turns out, it’s exactly the same.”
“You are not one of us Kappas. So of course you wouldn’t understand.”
“Pride, lust, doubt — for three thousand years, all our sins have stemmed from these three things. As well as all our virtues.”
“If reason were truly the beginning and end of all things, we would have to deny our own existence. That Voltaire happily spent his whole life worshiping reason demonstrates that humans are not as evolved as Kappas.”
“To attempt something is to be able to do it; to be able to do something is to attempt to do it. Ultimately we are unable to escape this vicious circle. In other words, we begin and end in absurdity.”