Folktaler Stories

Wow, this chapter takes a dark and thrilling turn. Hoshino's encounter with the mysterious creature and his struggle with the entrance stone add a layer of suspense and urgency. Brace yourselves for an episode that ventures into the eerie and the unknown. Hoshino, guided by a talking black cat named Toro, faces a nightmarish entity that defies description. Can he close the mystical entrance stone in time to stop this creature from entering our world? The stakes are sky-high, and the tension is palpable. But that's not all—Hoshino undergoes a profound transformation, one that ties him spiritually to Nakata. What does it mean to carry someone else's soul within you? Tune in for a heart-pounding, soul-stirring chapter that will leave you questioning the boundaries between this world and the next. You won't want to miss this!

In this spellbinding episode, the story takes multiple surreal turns. Crow, a mysterious figure, confronts a man who crafts flutes from cat souls, only to find that he's invulnerable. Meanwhile, Kafka wakes up to breakfast made by a young Miss Saeki, who warns him that he'll soon become part of this enigmatic place. Later, an older Miss Saeki visits, revealing that she's burned all her memories and urges Kafka to leave the valley. In a poignant moment, Kafka forgives her and, symbolically, his own mother, feeling a thaw in his frozen heart. But the journey isn't over. Kafka must make a difficult choice as he leaves the valley, torn between the young Miss Saeki and the path ahead. He eventually finds himself back at Oshima's cabin, overwhelmed and exhausted. Tune in to explore themes of forgiveness, identity, and the struggle between past and present. This episode is a labyrinth of emotions and revelations you won't want to miss.

In this intriguing episode, Hoshino finds himself in a dilemma. With Nakata gone, he's left alone with the mysterious entrance stone and a body he's hesitant to report. As he grapples with what to do next, Hoshino turns to an unusual confidant—the stone itself. He shares personal stories and even plays it music, specifically the Archduke Trio, which resonates deeply with him. Just when you think things can't get more surreal, a black cat appears and engages in conversation with Hoshino. What does this mean for Hoshino's quest to close the stone? And what's the significance of the talking cat? Tune in to explore themes of loneliness, responsibility, and the unexpected turns life can take.

In this mesmerizing episode, Kafka's journey takes an even more mysterious turn. Following the soldiers through a dark, tangled forest, he arrives at a secluded basin with a few buildings. He's led to a cabin, identical to Oshima's but with modern amenities. Left alone, Kafka drifts into sleep, only to wake up to a surprising guest— a young Miss Saeki, who seems to have no memory of their past encounters or even her own name. What does this mean for Kafka's quest? Who is this version of Miss Saeki, and what role does she play in his life? As night falls, the atmosphere thickens with unanswered questions. Tune in to explore the enigmatic connections between past and present, memory and identity.

In this emotional rollercoaster of an episode, join Hoshino and Nakata as they take a pivotal step—burning Miss Saeki's files in a dry riverbed. Nakata, the wise elder, feels the need to nap before they close the mysterious entrance stone. On their way back, Hoshino realizes how much Nakata has transformed his life, offering him a new lens to view the world. But Nakata never hears this heartfelt gratitude; he falls into a sleep from which he never wakes up. Now, Hoshino is left alone with the daunting task of closing the entrance stone. One wrong move could spell disaster. As he paces nervously in the apartment, he waits for a sign, a nudge to take the next step. Tune in to find out how Hoshino navigates this overwhelming responsibility. This episode is a deep dive into the themes of mentorship, loss, and the courage to act.

In this captivating episode, join Kafka, a young man unafraid of life's complexities, as he ventures alone into a forest that feels eerily like a part of him. As he walks deeper, he's consumed by thoughts of his harsh father dying alone and his mother's inexplicable absence. Just when you think his journey is a solitary one, Kafka encounters two soldiers—deserters from World War II—guarding a mysterious entrance. What lies beyond it? Is it a portal to the past or a gateway to Kafka's own soul? Tune in to find out why these soldiers have been hiding all these years and what choice Kafka makes when faced with the unknown. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intertwining threads of family, history, and self-discovery.

In Miss Saeki's office, Satoru Nakata and Miss Saeki engage in a profound conversation. It becomes evident that both of them have led solitary lives, devoid of genuine friendships, although Nakata considers Hoshino to be his friend. Nakata, in his peculiar nature, lacks the ability to truly experience memories, while Miss Saeki's existence seems to be intertwined with memories, forming a significant part of her being. When Nakata reveals that he opened the entrance stone, Miss Saeki discloses that she had done the same many years ago, driven by a desire to preserve fragments of time. Nakata astutely observes that both he and Miss Saeki possess only half a shadow, an intriguing connection between them. In an act of trust, Miss Saeki hands Nakata a stack of file folders and implores him to burn them, as they contain the chronicles of her entire life—a narrative she wishes to remain concealed from prying eyes. With a heavy heart, Miss Saeki opens up about her life, starting from the moment when everything fell apart at the tender age of twenty. She confesses that since that tumultuous period, she has struggled to truly feel alive. Moved by her words, Nakata rises from his seat, gently placing his hands over Miss Saeki's, enabling him to tap into her memories and grasp the essence of what memory truly entails. As Miss Saeki closes her eyes, she becomes immersed in her recollections, while Nakata takes his leave. Downstairs, Nakata approaches Hoshino, seeking assistance in finding a suitable location to burn the files entrusted to him. Meanwhile, Oshima, after a bustling afternoon tending to patrons, ascends the stairs to check on Miss Saeki. To his shock, he discovers her lifeless body, her face resting upon her desk. Unfazed by the commotion around him, Oshima sits with Miss Saeki until the arrival of the ambulance, allowing himself to mourn her passing in quiet reverence.

Preparing for his expedition into the forest, Kafka gathers the necessary gear, including spray paint to mark his path through the trees. With determination, he ventures into the depths of the woods, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the mysteries that lie within. Whistling softly, he tries to maintain focus and keep his mind occupied during the journey. However, his thoughts persistently wander, leading him back to the library, Oshima, and the vivid dream involving Sakura. In his recollection of the dream, Kafka grapples with the notion of taking control and fulfilling the prophecy. In the midst of this contemplation, Crow emerges, offering a dissenting voice. Crow admonishes Kafka for his actions, emphasizing that even if they occurred within the realm of dreams, they were still wrong. Crow imparts the notion that "war begets war," explaining that by succumbing to the prophecy, Kafka has not brought any resolution but rather deepened the darkness within him. Suddenly, Crow vanishes, leaving Kafka feeling utterly hollow, akin to a "hollow man." In this moment of epiphany, Kafka abandons all his belongings, except for the knife he inherited from his father, which he places on Koichi Tamura's desk. With renewed determination, he forges ahead, delving deeper into the vast expanse of the forest.

In Chapter 40 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, As it is Monday, the Komura Memorial Library remains closed, but Hoshino and Nakata return the following day. They are greeted by Oshima at the entrance before settling down to read. Oshima and Hoshino engage in a conversation about Beethoven, prompting Hoshino to inquire if Oshima believes music possesses the power to transform people. Oshima responds affirmatively, comparing it to the impact of falling in love. They concur that such experiences hold great significance in our lives. In the afternoon, Nakata and Hoshino accompany Miss Saeki on a tour of the library. Once the tour concludes, they resume reading. Unexpectedly, Nakata climbs the stairs to Miss Saeki's private office, disregarding Oshima's objections. Nakata informs Miss Saeki of his desire to discuss the entrance stone. She acknowledges his request with a subtle nod, prompting Oshima and Hoshino to leave them alone in her office.

In Chapter 39 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, During his second day at the cabin, Kafka is plagued by restlessness, unable to stop thinking about Miss Saeki. After exercising and listening to music, he explores the nearby woods, eventually reaching a dense clearing reminiscent of a labyrinth. Despite his unease, Kafka presses on into the darkness until he loses his way. A crow's cry alerts him, and he miraculously finds his way back to the clearing. That night, Kafka yearns for Miss Saeki's appearance, but she remains absent. Instead, he experiences a vivid and lifelike dream about Sakura. In the dream, Kafka joins a sleeping Sakura in bed. The sound of a crow is heard, but it remains unseen. As he touches Sakura, Kafka feels a powerful urge trying to break free from within. Overwhelmed and unable to control himself, he initiates intimacy with Sakura. She awakens and demands that he stop, claiming it is wrong because they are siblings. However, Kafka insists it is too late, and he has already made up his mind. Crow interjects, explaining that Kafka desires control. He has already killed his father and been intimate with his mother; all that remains is to complete the prophecy by being with his sister. Only then can he free himself from the prophecy and live as he pleases. As Kafka continues to be intimate with Sakura, he feels lost in the forest, unable to remember the trees' shapes or find his way back. He reaches climax and awakens, consumed by loneliness. Crow remarks that Kafka's dark shadow has finally been exposed.

In Chapter 38 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, At Nakata's behest, Hoshino acquires a rental car. While Nakata communicates with the entrance stone to determine their next move, Hoshino repeatedly listens to the Archduke Trio on CD. He is astonished by his newfound appreciation for classical music, which he found uninteresting just days ago, and now deems it profoundly beautiful and moving. This transformation surprises him, prompting him to wonder what other art forms he might come to enjoy. The following morning, they embark on their journey in the rented car. Despite Nakata's uncertainty about their destination, they systematically drive around the city, observing their surroundings through the windows. After hours of fruitless searching, they grow tired but make no progress in locating their objective. The subsequent day yields similar results. As they return to the apartment, feeling defeated, Hoshino notices they are in an unfamiliar, upscale residential area. They come to a halt in front of a gate adorned with a sign that reads "Komura Memorial Library." It dawns on Nakata that this is the place they have been seeking.

In Chapter 37 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, Upon arriving at the cabin, Oshima reemphasizes his belief that it is in the best interest of both Kafka and Miss Saeki to spend some time apart. Kafka concedes, albeit reluctantly, admitting that the uncertainty of seeing her again and not knowing if she reciprocates his intense feelings is difficult. Oshima points out that love involves embracing these doubts individually while also experiencing the joy it brings, requiring one to "wander through the dark" alone. Before leaving, Oshima reminds Kafka once more to avoid venturing into the forest. He shares a story about soldiers who disappeared in these woods just prior to World War II, their fate unknown—whether they became lost or deserted. Oshima elaborates that the forest represents a parallel world to their own, easy to enter but challenging to exit, and likens it to a labyrinth. He mentions that ancient Mesopotamians studied the intricate, labyrinth-like patterns of animal and human intestines to predict the future, suggesting that the concept of a labyrinth exists both within Kafka and the surrounding woods. Entering the forest would be akin to stepping into Kafka's inner labyrinth. Oshima then takes his leave. That night, Kafka's thoughts turn to Miss Saeki. Crow highlights that while Kafka is still a young boy full of curiosity and misunderstandings about the world, Miss Saeki possesses experiences and emotions beyond his comprehension. This realization causes Kafka to resent his youth. He longs to surpass the limitations of his age and body, wishing he could soar like a crow to her side, or have her appear—real or ghostly—in the cabin. However, Kafka remains alone and eventually succumbs to sleep.

In Chapter 36 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, Colonel Sanders contacts Hoshino at his hotel, instructing him to move to an apartment in the city that the Colonel has secured for them. He informs Hoshino that the police are pursuing both him and Nakata. Hoshino awakens Nakata, and together they head to the new apartment. While there, they discuss Johnnie Walker's murder, and Nakata expresses his reluctance to surrender to the authorities, as he feels compelled to complete his mission of sealing the entrance stone. Later, Hoshino and Nakata take a leisurely stroll along the beach, conversing about the creatures inhabiting the ocean depths. Nakata shares that something has been set in motion since the entrance stone was opened, and they must close it once the event concludes. However, he is uncertain about the nature of this occurrence and worries that he has inadvertently implicated Hoshino with the law enforcement. Hoshino, though, dismisses these concerns, stating that he feels content with his current situation, as life with Nakata is never dull.

In Chapter 35 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore,In the early morning, Oshima rouses Kafka with a phone call, instructing him to gather his belongings. As Oshima arrives in the Miata to collect Kafka, he shares during the journey that the authorities are ramping up their search efforts. Consequently, Oshima decides to take Kafka back to the cabin for safety. The police have linked the crime to an elderly man from Nakano who traveled to Takamatsu, and Oshima feels as though everything is converging. He also suggests that it would be wise for Kafka and Miss Saeki to spend some time apart. Aware of their intimate relationship, Oshima is concerned since he suspects that Miss Saeki may have lost her desire to continue living.

In Chapter 34 of Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, In the hotel, Nakata takes a long nap while Hoshino quits his job without worrying. Hoshino explores the city and finds a nice coffee shop. He feels lost, but believes he's meant to be with Nakata. The cafe owner, a retired official, asks if the music bothers Hoshino. He likes the music, which is Beethoven's Archduke Trio. Hoshino visits again, and this time, the owner plays Haydn. Childhood memories make Hoshino see his life as meaningless. He decides that helping Nakata is more important than his job.