Goodbye, Koro

Author: [Japan] Ryūmaru Yōhei and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Milan Kundera once said, "Dogs are the bridge between us and heaven. They do not understand evil, jealousy, or dissatisfaction. In a beautiful evening, sitting by the river side by side with a dog is like returning to Eden. Even if you do nothing, you don’t feel bored—only happiness and peace." Simple, trust, love, and care—Kuru brings us this profound emotion. Whether it’s cats, dogs, adorable and clumsy little pigs, or other strange little creatures, in the city where we live, there are countless pets. Sometimes, these pets are indeed symbols of fashion, something to hold and play with. But more often, under the influence of "New Animism," the relationship between pets and their owners becomes closer and more natural. Many people spontaneously form organizations to care for pets, considering close contact with them a great joy in life. Pets have thus become a scenery in the city, flowing brightly. However, people’s understanding of pets may only go this far—few have deeply explored the life of a cat or a dog. Who would care? Just a lovable and playful little thing. Until Kuru entered our lives, we gained another possibility, to re-examine our beloved pets. Kuru, a smart dog that worked its entire life. It moved the hearts of millions. Kuru has actually left us. From June 25, 1986, to July 20, 1998, this is Kuru’s life. It wasn’t very long, but it was enough for people to remember it firmly, for a lifetime, perhaps, forever. Everyone who has interacted with Kuru sees it as a living being. It was never just a "puppy." It had a name, and it was the "Kuru," "Little Kuru," or "Aku" in people’s hearts. What makes Kuru precious is its exceptionally sincere personality—honest, spontaneous, leisurely, calm, loyal, and clever throughout its life, yet emotionally intense yet restrained, patient, and low-key. Kuru is like the kind of "good person" we always wish to meet in life. Kuru’s life was kindly recorded by "people" and written into a book titled Goodbye, Kuru. Reading about Kuru makes "people" feel so moved they want to cry. Kuru makes us realize that the pets around us are not just pets in the ordinary sense. They are not just things to play with, admire, or pass the time with. They have human emotions and need true understanding. Kuru has changed the relationship between people and animals, and between people themselves, in our city. The writer Milan Kundera once said, "Dogs are the bridge between us and heaven. They do not understand evil, jealousy, or dissatisfaction. In a beautiful evening, sitting by the river side by side with a dog is like returning to Eden. Even if you do nothing, you don’t feel bored—only happiness and peace." Let’s get to know a dog named Kuru, get to know a feeling of peace and happiness, in a peaceful and joyful New Year. Milan Kundera once said, "Dogs are the bridge between us and heaven. They do not understand evil, jealousy, or dissatisfaction. In a beautiful evening, sitting by the river side by side with a dog is like returning to Eden. Even if you do nothing, you don’t feel bored—only happiness and peace." In a world full of indifference and alienation, Kuru evokes deep and gentle emotions in people’s hearts, moving them involuntarily and silently. Tracking Kuru for 12 years through dozens of black-and-white photographs of him living alongside humans, along with the gentle narration, tells the story of his life.