"The Nose" tells the story of Zenchi Naigu, a Buddhist priest living in Kyoto. Naigu is a man of great learning and devotion, but he's also deeply insecure about his extraordinarily long nose, which hangs down to his chest. He tries various remedies to shorten it, from herbal treatments to surgical procedures, but to no avail. When a method finally proves successful, shortening his nose to a more socially acceptable length, Naigu unexpectedly finds himself feeling more unhappy and self-conscious than ever before. He discovers that his long nose, while a source of great shame, was also the object of attention and curiosity. Its removal leaves him feeling ordinary and unnoticed. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"A Certain Fool's Life" is not a cohesive narrative with a traditional plot. Instead, it's a series of vignettes, anecdotes, and reflections that offer glimpses into the life, thoughts, and feelings of a man referred to as "the fool." These fragments, presented in a non-chronological order, delve into the inner turmoil, anxieties, and obsessions of Akutagawa himself. The work is characterized by its introspective, self-deprecating, and often despairing tone. The "fool" grapples with his artistic ambitions, his struggle with mental health, his fear of death, and his disillusionment with the world around him. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"Takekurabe" follows a group of children living in the shadow of the Yoshiwara, a famous red-light district. They play together, explore their surroundings, and observe the lives of the adults around them. The story focuses on the subtle changes that occur as they begin to grow up and become aware of the social hierarchies and complex realities of their environment. It portrays the transition from innocent childhood to the awareness of adult responsibilities, societal expectations, and the realities of life in the Yoshiwara. The central theme revolves around the gradual loss of innocence and the acceptance of a world that is far more complex than they initially understood. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"The Tattooer" tells the story of Seikichi, a skilled but eccentric tattoo artist living in Edo-era Japan. He is obsessed with finding the perfect canvas for his art – a woman with skin that embodies a specific type of alluring beauty. He searches tirelessly until he encounters a beautiful, innocent young woman, who he believes is his ideal model. He manipulates her into allowing him to tattoo her, gradually and painfully transforming her into the object of his aesthetic desires. The story delves into the psychology of both the tattooer and his subject, exploring the power dynamics inherent in their relationship. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"The Hell Screen" is set in Heian-era Japan and revolves around the eccentric and immensely talented painter, Yoshihide. He is known for his disturbing and realistic depictions of gruesome scenes. Lord Horikawa, a powerful but cruel feudal lord, commissions Yoshihide to paint a screen depicting Buddhist hell. As Yoshihide becomes increasingly consumed by the project, he demands to witness real suffering in order to capture it authentically. Lord Horikawa, intrigued by the artist's obsession, uses his power to grant Yoshihide his dark wishes, ultimately leading to a horrific climax. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"The Setting Sun" is primarily narrated by Kazuko, a young woman from a formerly wealthy aristocratic family who has fallen into poverty after World War II. Her family's traditional values and way of life are quickly becoming obsolete in the rapidly changing society. Her mother is ill and clinging to the past, while her brother, Naoji, returns from the war deeply disillusioned and struggling with addiction. Kazuko, determined to live a life of her own making, rejects the old order and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and a quest for love and meaning in a world that seems to be crumbling around her. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"No Longer Human" is a semi-autobiographical novel narrated by Yozo Oba, a man who feels profoundly alienated from human society. He sees himself as fundamentally different, unable to connect with others or understand their motivations. From a young age, Yozo adopts a facade of clownish behavior to hide his true feelings of despair and existential angst. The novel traces his life through various stages, from childhood to adulthood, chronicling his increasing isolation, descent into addiction, and repeated suicide attempts. The story is presented as a series of notebooks discovered after his death. **English translation is genarative by generative AI

"Botchan" is a first-person narrative told by a young, hot-headed, and somewhat naive protagonist, whom we only know as "Botchan" (meaning "young master"). He's a recent graduate who takes a teaching job at a rural middle school in Shikoku, Japan. There, he encounters a cast of quirky and often corrupt characters, from his scheming colleagues to the obsequious school principal. Botchan's strong sense of justice and his tendency to act impulsively often lead him into trouble and humorous situations. **English translation is genarative by generative AI