"Runaway Horses" (奔馬 - honda) by Yukio Mishima, is the second part of his opus magnus "The Sea of Fertility".The story is set 19 years since the events of "Spring Snow". Honda, now a judge, is requested to oversee a Kendo match and Shinto ritual in place of his superior, who has another engagement. It is at this Kendo match Honda is reunited with Iinuma, the former tutor of the late Kiyoaki who was Honda's best friend. He also meets Iinuma's son, Isao, who partakes in the Kendo match.
The story follows a patriotic plot against Japan's emerging economic elite. The plot is masterminded by Isao, who has found inspiration from a book he has read, describing the events of of an uprising aimed at those intent on westernising Japan in the early years of the Meiji era.
From this point on, Isao is devoted to meeting a glorious end, in which he would commit seppuku, ritual suicide. In a letter, Honda, who believes that Isao is Kioyoki reincarnate, warns against his youthful recklessness, much to Isao's disappointment.
The story continues to document the plot and its aftermath.
"Runaway Horses" is an interesting critique of Japan during the early Showa era (from 1926); a Japan in transition. Mishima concentrates on the battle between old and new. Traditional Japan, represented in the values of loyalty to the emporer are set against the rising tide of capitalisation. The two major religions that are present in Japan today, Shinto and Buddhism, are set at odds with each other. Furthermore, Mishima imbibes his main character with the Wang Yangming philosophy of knowledge without action is not knowledge. This is shown in Isao's refusal to water down his revolutionary spirit.
"Runaway Horses" is an interesting novel that has Mishima's sensitive touch throughout, though not as eagerly as "Spring Snow". Well worth reading to continue through the tetralogy. Taken on its own, it can be laborious at times but overall a decent story commenting on the journey and evolution of one man's passion and devotion.
No comments:
Post a Comment