The Hidden Forest

by Radhika Jha

Kosuke—Kevin to his American colleagues and friends—returns to Tokyo from New York upon his father’s death, to be confronted with an unexpected dilemma: the family shrine run by his father, a Shinto priest, has been dwindling in influence and wealth, and the yakuza are circling. Should he sell the shrine to his sister or to whoever will pay the right price for it? Or should he listen to Horiike-san, who has been like a parent to him, and to the insistent voice within his head—and heart—that is pushing him to do more, to take over the shrine and the family legacy?

As he discovers truths long hidden or forgotten, Kosuke finds himself torn between the life he had begun to think of as his future and the compulsive attraction of familiarity and old love.
Sensual and emotionally charged, this is a novel that transcends time and place while being deeply rooted in both.

340 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2025

About the author

RADHIKA JHA is from India (born Delhi 1970), studied anthropology at Amherst College, did her Masters in Political Science at the University of Chicago and has lived in Paris as an exchange student. She writes and performs Odissi dancing. She has worked for Hindustan Times and BusinessWorld, writing on culture, the environment and the economy. She has also worked for the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, where she started up the Interact project for the education of the children of the victims of terrorism in different parts of India. She now lives in Tokyo with her husband and 2 children. The story SLEEPERS from THE ELEPHANT & THE MARUTI has appeared in Ellery Queen Magazine and Radhika has contributed other stories to anthologies and publications, for example Akashic Books' Delhi Noir series.

Reviews

[Poojan Bhatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Hidden Forest" by Radhika Jha is a captivating novel that delves into the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in contemporary Japan.
The story revolves around Kosuke, known as Kevin to his American colleagues, who returns to Tokyo from New York following his father's passing. As the son of a Shinto priest, Kosuke finds himself confronted with an unexpected dilemma: the family shrine, once a symbol of spiritual significance, has been declining in both influence and wealth. To complicate matters further, the yakuza, Japan's notorious organized crime syndicates, are circling, sensing an opportunity
Jha masterfully portrays Kosuke's internal struggle as he weighs his options. Should he sell the shrine to his sister or to the highest bidder? Or should he heed the advice of Horiike-san, a parental figure in his life, and the persistent voice within him urging him to embrace his family's legacy?
The novel's title, "The Hidden Forest," serves as a powerful metaphor for the unseen depths of tradition and cultural identity that lie beneath the surface of modern Japanese society. As Kosuke uncovers long-hidden truths, he finds himself torn between the life he had envisioned for himself and the magnetic pull of familiarity and old love. This is the part of the story that many millennials can resonate with.
Jha's narrative skillfully explores the tension between the allure of Western lifestyle and the deep-rooted traditions of Japanese culture. The shrine, a central element in the story, becomes a symbol of this conflict, representing both the weight of tradition and the potential for spiritual renewal.The author's ability to craft complex characters is evident in Kosuke's portrayal. His internal struggle is palpable, and readers will find themselves empathizing with his dilemma as he grapples with questions of identity, duty, and personal desire.One of the noticeable parts is that the author is not too much delving into the nostalgic factor of the central character, thus making the story more mature.
"The Hidden Forest" offers readers a unique glimpse into the intricacies of Japanese society, exploring the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing progress. Jha's intimate knowledge of Japanese culture allows her to paint a authentic picture of contemporary Tokyo, complete with its social dynamics, spiritual practices, and the looming influence of organized crime
For readers interested in contemporary Japanese literature or those who enjoy narratives that grapple with questions of cultural identity and personal growth, "The Hidden Forest" offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant journey. Jha's nuanced portrayal of Kosuke's dilemma and her rich depiction of Tokyo's cultural landscape make this novel a worthy addition to the canon of cross-cultural literature.