Correspondence: A Japanese Epistolary Novella 6-2

akimi

Nov. 2, 2025

Correspondence: A Japanese Epistolary Novella 6-2

Dear Kyoko,

I heard your story won a newcomer’s literary award.

The whole town is buzzing with the news. They say it’s going to be published.

I’m sorry about the other day. I sent you a letter full of pathetic complaints.

After that, I was deeply ashamed of myself.

You moved to the city, built a life on your own, held down a proper job, listened to the petty whining of your childhood friend—and still managed to write a story that won an award.

That’s truly admirable.

And in contrast, what am I?

Lately, I haven’t been working on my own pieces at all. I just keep drifting along as an assistant, day after day.

If I had any sense, I’d admit I have no talent and quit cleanly. But I can’t even do that.

Someone like me is nothing but a burden to you.

I realized I shouldn’t make you wait or expect anything from me. I mustn’t hold you back any longer. I have no right to do that.

Goodbye. This will be my last letter. I’m truly grateful to you. Thank you—for everything.

I wish you every success in your career as a writer.

Takeshi Kitahara
August 24, Showa 51 (1976)

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Dear Kyoko,

I heard your story won athe newcomer’s literary award.

The whole town is buzzing with the news.

They say it’s going to be published.

I’m sorry about the other day.

I sent you a letter full of pathetic complaints.

After that, I was deeply ashamed of myself.

You moved to the city, built a life on your own, held down a proper job, listened to the petty whining of your childhood friend—and still managed to write a story that won an award.

That’s truly admirable.

And in contrast, what am I?

Lately, I haven’t been working on my own ~~piec~~stories at all.

I just keep drifting along as an assistant, day after day.

If I had any sense, I’d admit that I have no talent and quit ~~cleanly~~.

But I can’t even do that.

Someone like me is nothing but a burden to you.

I realized thatI shouldn’t make you wait or expect anything from me.

I mustn’t hold you back any longer.

I have no right to do that.

Goodbye.

This will be my last letter.

I’m truly grateful to you.

Thank you—for everything.

I wish you every success in your career as a writer.

Takeshi Kitahara

August 24, Showa 51 (1976)

akimi

Nov. 3, 2025

Thank you for your advice.

Correspondence: A Japanese Epistolary Novella 6-2

Dear Kyoko,