'ふるさと (Furusato)' Summary

In "Furusato," Tōson Shimazaki, addressing his own children, fondly remembers his childhood in Magome, a village in Nagano province. With a touch of magic, the book anthropomorphizes the natural world, allowing the author to converse with animals and plants. The narrative weaves together heartwarming anecdotes of family life and encounters with horses, birds, and trees. Through the author's eyes, readers experience the richness of rural Japan and the close-knit bonds of family and community. As the story progresses, the idyllic world of Magome begins to fade, as the young Shimazaki embarks on a journey to Tokyo, leaving behind his childhood and embracing the challenges of education and a new life in the city. The book captures the poignant experiences of both the joy of childhood and the bittersweetness of leaving behind what is familiar for the unknown.