The Stationmaster

People that limit themselves to only one kind of writing are missing out on lots of great work, much like people that only listen to one type of music. The further distinction that some people make between long- and short-form writing is something I'll never understand. If you like fiction, why not read it in any form? The short story affords its reader less time for immersion, but often pays off in greater intensity of meaning and impact. Writers have to get their point across so much more quickly in a short story than a novel, meaning they can't waste one word or introduce a single gratuitous element. Jiro Asada, author of The Stationmaster and seven others stories in this colllection, is a writer that embraces short-form work. This is a collection that will appeal to any short-story fan, although some appreciation of Japanese culture is a prerequisite.

The Stationmaster is not the most emotionally moving ("In Tsunohazu" or "Love Letter" deserve that recognition) or the most surprising story featured here. It feels very reminiscent of Washington Irving's story, "The Adventure of the German Student," from Tales of a Traveller, but without any darkness or judgment. Ghosts surface several times in this collection, from the bittersweet title story to the horrific "Devil," to the purely sweet and funny story, "The Festival of Lanterns." Asada reaches outside the mortal plane frequently, but dodges Magical Realism by allowing that these happenings may just be in the minds of our protagonists. Having some foundation in reality makes any ghost story scarier by taking away that suspension of disbelief we can hold comfortable by knowing that "it's all a dream." The other stories collected here, such as "No-Good Santa" or "Kyara" may seem light or stark in comparison, lacking that otherworldly quality. These stories, along with "Invitation from the Orion Cinema" are what people will likely find the most enduring here, since they deal exclusively with human realities that can run a gamut of emotions in a reader's mind.

Some references in each of the stories will go over the head of a Western reader. The translation is excellent, but the need for decorum that comes through several times is mostly lost outside Japan. Characters talking about family, and signing someone into the family register, are not going to register in the US or other areas. More explanation as a foreword would have made for a more satisfying and enlightening experience. Likewise, there are no footnotes for more obscure references or place-names to lower a reader's comprehension barrier. This is a minor quibble that should hold back a curious reader from discovering this great author. Asada has been quite prolific, although copies of certain work translated into English may be difficult to find. Whether you care much about Japanese writing, The Stationmaster is a worthwhile read for its nuanced delivery and wonderful, colorful characters. When you finish the final story, you'll want to pick up more books by Asada, or start over from the first story to find details you missed the first time around.