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A tale of unrequited love and self-love depicted by the ancient Roman poet Ovid. We unravel the fates of Echo, the nymph who possessed only a voice, and Narcissus, the beautiful youth imprisoned by his own image, through the original Latin text.

Once, the darkness of night was an entrance to the "otherworld" that led people astray. Ueda Akinari, Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), and Izumi Kyoka. These three literary masters depict a mysterious world where dreams and reality, terror and beauty, melt ambiguously together. Golden scales shimmering at the bottom of the water, white breath in the snow, the presence of beasts separated by a single wooden door... We invite you to a world of beautiful strangeness peeking through the cracks of everyday life.

Is the common sense we believe in truly unquestionable? Here lies a collection of "traps of words that brilliantly betray common sense" set by literary giants. The refreshing quality of "enthusiastically being absent" or the paradox of overcoming temptation by "yielding" to it. These are not mere pranks, but sharp blades striking at society's contradictions. Welcome to a world of laughter filled with poison and intellect that pierces the truth deeper than sound arguments.

Is beauty a form perfectly revealed under light, or is it the eternal life dwelling in hidden shadows and imperfections? The words left by Tanizaki, Watsuji, and Okakura carve out a spiritual realm of beauty that defies logic and shakes the human soul.

In chasing visible richness, we sometimes lose sight of ourselves. However, the true value of life lies not in wealth itself, but in the dignity with which we handle it and the prayer embedded in our daily activities. Using the words of Nitobe Inazo and others as a lamp, we quietly reconsider the state of the spirit that exists behind material prosperity.

A desperate crisis befalling Arion, the greatest musician of ancient Greece, and the miracle of the dolphin that saved him. We unravel the story of betrayal, art, and divine salvation as handed down by Herodotus and Ovid.

How was Athena chosen as the patron deity of ancient Athens? From the gift-giving competition with Poseidon and the judgment of the gods to the variant tradition of "women's voting" transmitted by Augustine, we unravel the full story from ancient literature.

We unravel the story of the tragic accidental death of Hyacinthus, the beautiful youth loved by Apollo, and the eternal lament "AI" inscribed upon the flower born from his blood, drawing from ancient primary sources.

Ursa Major shines in the night sky. Hidden within its origin is the tragic fate of Callisto, a maiden who vowed chastity, tossed about by the love and hatred of the gods. We unravel this singular tale from ancient texts.

Kamo no Chomei found the impermanence of "dew and flowers" at life's end, and Hara Tamiki depicted an extreme reality where death became mundane. How did these literary giants seek to liberate their souls and acquire silence amidst a world swirling with external suffering? Through Miki Kiyoshi's paradox affirming attachment to life and Miyazawa Kenji's acceptance of fate, we explore their ultimate states of mind.

The ability to turn everything touched into gold, and a pair of hidden donkey ears. We unravel the singular fate of King Midas of ancient Phrygia through the writings of Ovid and Herodotus.

Asclepius, the greatest physician in Greek mythology. Based on original sources, we unravel his dramatic life—from the tragic romance of Apollo surrounding his birth and his upbringing by the sage Chiron, to his fall by Zeus's thunderbolt for crossing the boundary of death.

When legal judgment fails to bring true salvation and conflicts with humanitarian forgiveness, justice bears deep contradictions. The cause of "for the sake of the nation" became a shield for violence that stole workers' lives and residents' lands, distorting the logic of law. Modern literary giants sharply question the boundaries of our own ethics within this dichotomy of law and justice.

Inazo Nitobe taught that a way of life you believe to be right, even if others laugh at you, is true pride. Yet, as seen in Kan Kikuchi's obsession with "form" and Atsushi Nakajima's "The Moon Over the Mountain," self-esteem can sometimes become a monster that corners a person. Does it become a weapon that strengthens you, or a poison that destroys you? Through their words, let us peer into the abyss of pride that lurks in the depths of the soul.

The sound of footsteps on a frozen night road, a forest drowsing as it melts into the light. Through the walker's five senses, the unique "fudo"—the spirit and climate of a place—becomes vivid poetry. Explore the ethereal scenes of Yakumo, the depth of humanity sought by Usui, and the eternal silence Doppo found in Musashino. Step away from the everyday and listen for the "eternal breath" that lies hidden deep within the landscape.

The small blessings of nature found in a dusty corner of the city, and the endless nostalgia for the simple scenery of home. Writers like Nagai Kafu and Yokomitsu Riichi found solace amid the urban clamor, while Natsume Soseki keenly observed the contradictions of the city and the essence of humanity. We explore the landscapes of a changing era and the subtle stirrings of the heart within them, as depicted by modern authors through the contrast between the city and the countryside.

In a world submerged by water, only two survived. The ancient Greek story of Deucalion and Pyrrha is an epic myth of rebirth, detailing how they endured the great flood sent by Zeus and created a new human race by casting stones.

The ancient Greek poet Hesiod described five ages of humanity. This article traces that grand mythological history, from the glorious Golden Age to the anguish-filled modern Iron Age.

Rohan preaches that happiness is something you plant yourself, while Yukichi inspires us to become great merchants. Their words present the noble ideal that diligent sweat carves out a brilliant future. Saikaku, however, depicted a colder reality, where one's livelihood is a "trade of lies" and the money one seeks can become an "enemy." Effort as an ideal, and desire as a reality—let's explore the sharp perspectives of these three figures on the single theme of work.

Pandora, the first woman in Greek mythology. Why were all the evils of the world released when she opened a jar, and why did only "Hope" remain? This article delves into the depths of this enigmatic story, drawing on the accounts of Hesiod and others.

Explore the myth of Prometheus, the god who deceived the gods to give humanity the gift of fire and civilization, and suffered Zeus's terrible, eternal punishment for his defiance.

The Gigantomachy, a colossal battle in ancient Greek mythology between the Olympian gods and the Giants for control of the cosmos. This article explores the origins of this cosmic conflict, the decisive role of the hero Heracles, and the often-overlooked prowess of the goddess Athena, drawing from ancient texts.

This article details the story of Typhon, the greatest monster in Greek mythology, from his birth to his epic battle with Zeus for cosmic supremacy and his eventual imprisonment beneath Mount Etna, drawing on ancient sources.

A colossal war for divine succession, the Titanomachy marked a turning point in Greek mythology. This article explores the story of how Zeus defeated his father, Cronus, to establish a new cosmic order, drawing from ancient sources.

Physical distance may actually shorten the emotional distance within a family. This collection explores the love of a father sending his child off on a journey, as depicted by Shimazaki Toson, and the heart of a mother praying for her child's safety from afar. It touches upon the miracle of 'reunion' captured by Mori Ogai, and the endless longing for 'home' portrayed by Hayashi Fumiko. Delve into the poignant yet warm core of parent-child affection, strengthened precisely because of separation, as inscribed in the masterpieces of modern Japanese literature.

Perhaps it is because we are fundamentally alone that we seek friends. We explore the miracle of when lonely souls connect and the complex nature of friendship, guided by Kenji Miyazawa's "journey for two," Ango Sakaguchi's "solace for a weary soul," and the faithful friendship Osamu Dazai called a "treasure."

From the Greek poet Hesiod to the Roman philosopher Cicero, ancient sages taught the importance of work and preparation. This article explores their wisdom on overcoming procrastination and enriching life through diligence and order.

The Stoic Seneca teaches the stern acceptance of losing a child, while Plutarch argues that the purpose of raising children is affection. This article explores the universal wisdom left by ancient sages on parental love and the tragedies of life.

Fearing a prophecy that he would be overthrown by his own child, the titan king Cronus devoured his children one by one. This is the story of the desperate and clever ruse his wife Rhea devised to save their youngest son, Zeus.

When faced with a finite life, what do people seek in love? Do they burn with a passion that courts ruin? Or do they find solace in a quiet empathy that transcends words? The words left behind by Natsume, Yosano, Hori Tatsuo, and others capture the irresistible impulse of "love," which moves people beyond reason and fate.

From the Delphic maxims to Plutarch's essence of learning. We explore the core of the culture needed to "live well," as left behind by the sages of ancient Greece and Rome.

This article explores the epic tale from the dawn of Greek mythology, from the tyranny of Uranus to his castration by Cronus, and the subsequent birth of the Titans and Aphrodite, based on the accounts of Hesiod and Apollodorus.

Ancient Greek mythology tells of the beginning of the world. Based on Hesiod's Theogony, this article explores how from the void of Chaos, the Earth (Gaia), the Abyss (Tartarus), and Love (Eros) emerged to shape the primordial cosmos.

When faced with dazzling happiness, why do we notice the depth of our own shadow and step back? This collection explores the painful yet beautiful relationship between happiness and solitude, which cling to each other like light and shadow. We take as our guide the words of literary giants-from the 'fear of happiness' depicted by Dazai and Soseki, to the 'affirmation of solitude' discovered by Nakahara and Miyazawa.

In a world overflowing with information and values, can we truly say we are living as "ourselves"? The words of figures like Fukuzawa Yukichi and Nitobe Inazo pose fundamental questions to modern people, who are often captivated by material wealth and the evaluations of others. Their words quietly suggest that the path to unwavering freedom and independence lies in polishing our inner selves through our own learning and contemplation, and choosing to act with responsibility.

How are trust and love nurtured? Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and poets left behind deep insights into the bonds of marriage and the essence of love. This collection explores the timeless truths of partnership.

Can friendship exist in a relationship where the truth cannot be spoken? It is in times of adversity that a friend's true worth is tested. Through the words left by Cicero, Aristotle, Xenophon, and others, we explore the timeless core of "friendship" and "trust."

Seneca, Plutarch, Aristotle... These thinkers explored how to control the inner passion of anger and maintain a tranquil soul. This article introduces timeless wisdom for composing the mind.

Anger, anxiety, sorrow... why are our minds so easily disturbed? The Stoic sages—Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—found the answer not in external events, but within our own "perception." We invite you on a journey to explore the timeless "art of living," a technique for maintaining an unshakable mind.

When we speak, something is lost; when we are silent, nothing is conveyed. We live our days on this frustrating boundary. Yet, perhaps what is truly important is hidden in the stillness that spreads between words. In this collection, we explore the rich meaning of "the unspoken," guided by the words of Tatsuo Hori, Soseki Natsume, and Tenshin Okakura. Why not listen closely to the voice of silence that lies behind eloquent words?

Escape the city's clamor to contemplate and create in nature. Through the letters of the Roman nobleman Pliny the Younger, we explore life in their beloved villas and the essence of "otium" (leisure).

Life is as unreliable as a draft of wind, yet as beautiful as a rubber balloon. If so, how should we cherish its momentary brilliance? In this article, we will explore the truth of a life made precious by its fleeting nature, guided by the words of Chūya Nakahara, who grasped impermanence through "sensation," and Okakura Tenshin, who elevated it to a "philosophy."

When faced with a fate beyond our control, what should we do? Should we lament and give up? Or should we find the "resolve to live" within that very flow? The words left by Natsume Soseki, Masaoka Shiki, and Tanizaki Junichiro are etched with the strength and dignity of humanity that lies beyond impermanence.

Why do human hearts waver so? Kamo no Chōmei and Natsume Sōseki found the answer in the magnificent "flow" of nature. We invite you on a journey to explore universal insights that resonate with us across the ages.

A nightmare of being struck by lightning... a sign of good fortune? Uncovering an astonishing 2,000-year-old interpretation from ancient Greece.

Your dream: A mere echo of memory, or a message from the future? Antiquity's greatest dream interpreter, Artemidorus, decodes the enigma.