[Large Print Book] Modern Japanese Translation of The Tale of the Heike (Volume 1) (Kyorinsha Large Print Book Series)

3 volumes [Commentary by Shiro Ozaki] "I've loved the Satsuma biwa since I was a child, and as I grew older, I even sang while playing the instrument myself. Of course, there was no way I, tone-deaf, could sing well. But after I turned 30, I happened to meet a teacher of the Oriental Satsuma biwa, and I realized that the magnificent gradations of the Oriental style are in the harmony of the writing, especially the rhythm of the words, and the plot of the story. The basis of the Satsuma Oriental style is a kind of power that directly confronts the sorrow of fate with the body, and at first I found it odd that the majority of the lyrics were based on The Tale of the Heike. However, I later realized that my imagination was actually the opposite, and that the essential essence of The Tale of the Heike was conveyed through the biwa. It seems more accurate to interpret it this way. It goes without saying that The Tale of the Heike is a great work that permeates the traditions of medieval culture as Japan's national epic, but when it comes to determining who planned and composed it, no one can make a clear judgment. The author is generally considered to be Shinano no Zenji Yukinaga, but the narrative's structure, based on the accumulation of emotions, is not just grand or complex, but its free-flowing, unrestrained style suggests that it is far from being a task that could be accomplished by the cooperation of just one or two people. (Omitted) I believe that there is no other tragic story in Japanese history that so deeply moves the hearts of ordinary people. In particular, the Heike nobles However, what could be more pitiful than seeing most of them captured alive and paraded around the streets of Kyoto, where they had lived in splendor until just under six months of age and where they had made countless memories?

Of course, The Tale of the Heike is an epic poem with a coherent form that can be said to be perfect, but it can also be said that the depth of its narrative content is unparalleled, past or present. If it could be translated appropriately, it would surely occupy a global position not only as a Japanese classic, but also as a masterpiece of Eastern literature. The simplicity of its expression and the height of its rhythmic context make The Tale of the Heike fresh even today. As hinted at in the opening prologue, this work is a work that aligns human destiny with religion. While the story seems to have its own unique direction and understanding, it goes without saying that it places emphasis on the human relationships that emerge within it, particularly the relationships between power and temples, and the emotions of the common people in response to war and natural disasters. This, of course, demonstrates the importance of this magnificent history of customs in the sense that it sheds light on the spiritual elements of medieval Japan. Rather than creating a complete colloquial translation of The Tale of the Heike, I have attempted to achieve my goal by constructing a story that anyone can understand, based on popular beliefs connected to the lyrics of the Heike biwa.

[Included in Volume 1] Volume 1 (Prologue (From Gion-shoja Temple) Volume 2 (Zahō-hōshi/Seikou Beheaded) Volume 3 (Pardon/From Ashizuri) Volume 4 (Imperial Journey/Return to the Emperor)