Gonnermans to Japan
  • Introduction
  • Main Page
  • About Us
  • How to Take Part
  • Contact Us

Shiokari Pass

2/6/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture

"Why is it that I've never before realized so clearly that death, the end, is one of the most important facts of life?" This quote is one reason why we enjoy Shiokari Pass on multiple levels. Coming from a society that has a strong emphasis on the afterlife (or abstract thought in general), it is difficult to understand that a culture may put little thought into death and beyond. Shiokari Pass is a fun way to observe the Japanese culture, specifically from a Christian view.

Shiokari Pass, based on a true story, is about a young man named Nobuo Nagano, whose world turns upside down when he discovers that his mother is alive and she is a "Yaso," or a Christian. Experiencing joys, losses, and tragedies, challenges his view of people and their actions. Nobuo also discovers what true love is as he pursues a childhood friend, a girl named Fujiko.

The beauty of this book is that it is a well-written Japanese Christian story written by a well-known Japanese author. This gives an interesting insight into the culture surrounding the novel. At one point, Nobuo mentions a charm that his Christian sister made to keep the rain away, which as a reader, seems to go against Biblical beliefs. However, the same paragraph also explains that it is raining as he notices the charm. In essence, the story briefly pauses to explain, "Charms do not work; we cannot trust them."This subtle hint, while also being a literary technique, fits a Japanese method of approaching issues.

It is also fascinating to see the relationships between characters. Especially in the beginning, Nobuo speaks little, but often mentally replies, explains, or wonders. When Nobuo begins to consider wrong actions, most of the focus is on sins that directly relate to others. Even on the verge of going to a place of promiscuity, his reason for stopping is, "What if [my friend] saw me?" Nearing the end of the book, it is Nobuo's failure to love his enemy and the experiences he has had with Christians that help him become a Christian.

Overall, it is a fun novel with much to glean and an interesting ending. Has anyone else read Shiokari Pass (or watched the film)? 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Missions in Japan

    Learn about Japanese culture, ministry, and some fascinating experiences along the way!

    Andrew and Janae Gonnerman are church planters serving in Tama, Japan.

    Categories

    All
    Culture
    Holiday
    Humorous
    Memories
    Methods
    Ministry
    Personal
    Pictures
    Prayer Letters

    Donate

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    March 2022
    September 2021
    June 2021
    August 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    December 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

Introduction

Main

About Us

Taking Part

Contact


​Andrew & Janae Gonnerman - info@TheGonnermans.com
Picture