The Hunting Gun is a quiet, poetic book written by Inoue Yasushi. I was attracted to this story in particular as it takes place in Ashiya, an exclusive suburb between Osaka and Kobe. I have visited there once, and relaxed at a private hot springs resort in the hills. Short at only 74 ages, it is set just after the Second World War and is a classic of modern Japanese literature.
It centers on three letters written to Josuke Musugi. He is spotted one day in the hills with his hunting gun by a member of the Hunting Club. A while later, Musugi sends the man who saw him three letters and a poem. He is hoping for understanding for a long affair. The letters are from Shoko, his sister; Midori, his wife; and Saiko, his mother.
He has been having an affair with his mother for over thirteen years. When his mother is in ill health, she gives her diary to Shoko to be burned, but Shoko reads it first and learns all about it. Enraged, she rails at Musugi for his actions.
In Midori's letter, she states she has known for many years of the affair and is ready for a divorce. Everything is in order, and she would like the Summer house. Her last visit to the mother is to let her know there is no secret, which mortifies Saiko.
At the start, Musugi asks his mother "Let's be sinners. Won't you help me deceive Midori as long as we live?" Saiko's letter is unapologetic, and recalls the beginning of the affair and how nothing else mattered, replying to Musugi "Since we can't help being sinners, let's be great sinners... As long as I live, I'll deceive everyone, not only Midori-san and all the world, but you also and even myself. That is the life destined to me."
The three letters are full of passion, but also distantly restrained. There is just a quiet resentment and weariness at the whole affair.
Even though the themes are human loneliness and personal isolation, it is beautifully written. Inoue wrote many "I" novels, which autobiographically explored emotions, which have been a major current in Japanese literature. He has won many literary prizes including the Akutagawa prize, and has been honoured as a "Living National Treasure" of Japan.
1961 / Tradeback / 74 pages
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