Matsuyama Asahi-Do Hi-ho!

Author: Haruki Murakami
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The Unlucky Capricorn: I was born on January 12th, making me a Capricorn in terms of zodiac signs. My blood type is A. My wife was born on October 3rd and is an Libra. From an astrological perspective, the combination of Capricorn and Libra seems quite incompatible. In short, Capricorns are grounded, diligent workers who live life earnestly, while Libras are flighty and superficial, light and airy. From a Capricorn's point of view: What can they possibly achieve? Conversely, in a Libra's eyes: Ha, such a stubborn head! The two simply cannot coexist in peace. One day, on a whim, I told a famous astrologer in Nagoya about my and my wife's birthdays to get to the bottom of it. At the time, I was told: "Ah, this is no joke! Capricorn and Libra are inherently incompatible, and your situation is particularly bad among them. It's terrible, the worst possible match—don't hold out any hope!" But since then, many years have passed, and we are still together day and night. I still get angry with my wife from time to time, thinking she is simply too much. It's outrageous! It's a mess! However, according to the astrologer, the situation is even worse than that—it should be even more serious. So, I've always harbored the thought that I must find out exactly how serious it is. Living with this kind of mindset is, in a way, quite fulfilling. I always believe there's more to the situation, that there must be hidden cards. Sometimes, I even suddenly realize that this way of thinking is the key to marital happiness. I don't want to forcefully push this on others, but it's simply one way of living. I've never been particularly interested in divination—whether it's astrology or blood types, none of it matters much to me. It's not that I completely disbelieve, nor that I look down on those who do. I just lack the interest. I think it's fine if such things exist in the world, but I prefer not to get involved myself. For example, even if a fortune teller says I'll have nothing but misfortune this year, with nothing but poverty and hardship," I wouldn't care at all. After all, since I'm not interested, it's just an "Oh, so what?" kind of reaction. In practice, some predictions come true, and others don't, so there's no need to take them to heart. As long as you do what you're supposed to do seriously, nothing terrible is likely to happen. This book is a collection of essays by the Japanese author Haruki Murakami, consisting of 30 pieces written over five years, starting from 1983. These essays are short, (jumps around), insightful, humorous, and vivid, reflecting Murakami's unique carefree and whimsical style, making them highly readable. His willingness to bare his soul and expose his flaws is not only a distinctive feature of his essays but also a compelling charm. The title "Haiho" (a phrase from the Disney movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) hints at Murakami's trajectory in both writing and translation, as well as the so-called "Murakami-style new personalism."