Inspired by a Song! Sunset Road: Read a Japanese Short Story in English

Announcing the Winner of the 2022 Book Shorts Literary Contest

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

Japan Cultural Expo and the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, one of the largest short film festivals in Asia accredited by the Academy Awards®, are holding a series of programs to promote Japanese culture.

The yearly Book Shorts Literary Contest (Japanese) is one of the programs running in this frame. Every year, SSFF & Asia calls for entries of short stories based on Japanese legends, fairy tales, and songs.

The winner of the 2022 edition of the Book Shorts Literary Contest was the short story Sunset Road by Uda Tamaki. This story was selected from more than 700 submissions and was inspired by “Kono Michi” (“This Road”), a nostalgic song that is well-known in Japan.

Read “Sunset Road” in English!

“Sunset Road”: A Story About Memory and Forgiveness

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

“Sunset Road” is the story of Takaaki, a young man who suddenly receives a call from the hospital concerning his father's health. Takaaki hadn't seen his father in ten years since he had left home after graduating high school.

He remembers that his father used to have the habit of gambling and drinking, which affected him a lot as a child. His mother left home because of his father's behavior when the boy was ten.

Reunited after ten years and facing the possibility that his father is now affected by dementia, Takaaki has mixed feelings, especially since he himself is to become a father soon.

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

However, while taking his father back home, they walk along a road that they used to walk together as a family. Suddenly, happy childhood memories come up to mind, such as the fact that he loved the curry rice that his father used to make.

When the father and son reach home, one more unexpected event makes Takaaki think about the passing of time and forgiveness.

Uda Tamaki, the author of this story, has released several works themed around old age and dementia. His stories are inspired by his experience as a care worker.

What happens when memories that used to be shared by two people end up being left with only one of them? How does our attitude change when our parent's self-awareness is affected by dementia? These are some of the themes that Uda Tamaki explores in his stories.

Read “Sunset Road” in English!

Other SSFF & Asia Projects to Follow

In the frame of the Creation of Stories from Around Japan Project, some of the short stories inspired by legends from around Japan are being turned into short films!

The latest example is “Mom's Celestial Feather Robe,” a short film set in Okinawa that can be enjoyed free online with English subtitles.

Follow the latest updates on the Japan Cultural Expo × SSFF & Asia official website to learn about projects and events featuring Japanese culture with English guidance.

Read “Sunset Road” in English!

Sponsored by The Committee for ShortShorts