Chiruhi

"If nothing changes whether one laughs or cries, then in this lifetime, I refuse to cry." This collection consists of six historical short stories which tragicomically depict people trying to do their best in the city of Edo throughout the seasons: *Chiruhi (Day of Scattering)* Orin is a prostitute who works on a boat near the seashore. She falls in love with a young hairdresser, who is one of her customers, even though she knows it is an impossible love. *Lotus Roots* Upon crossing a lotus pond, two men discover a beautifully dressed figure hanging from the bridge. They pull her up and that night, she teaches them the meaning behind the lotus roots. *One Night Princess* "They 'haunt' this place. The ghosts of prostitutes." *Tenkiku* A little girl meets a kid with weird features, and only she can see him. *Breaking Under the Weight of Snow* A husband wonders, when was the last time he saw her wife's smile? *Sakuhi (Day of Blooming)* "The truth is I.. came here to murder someone."