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Red Circle Minis #5
The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro
A Japanese tale - not about daring ninja or battling samurai - but a hero with a very different penchant. Based on an actual historical figure, the Akutagawa-nominated master short story writer, Kanji Hanawa, takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, as Lord Asunaro inherits his own Japanese fiefdom and grapples with his role and ultimate legacy. Hanawa provides us with an unusual and entertaining perspective on the psychology of change within Japan when it was still ruled by its men of steel, samurai and shoguns.
As Japan emerges from the conflict-ridden era dominated by infamous warlords into a golden age of plenty, a young lord - heir to a vast domain and incumbent ruler of all he surveys - lives deep within a spiralling castle.
From the pen of Hanawa, this cleverly spun tale features our young Lord Asunaro, a 'warlord' who doesn't fit the brave samurai stereotype, as he faces a modernising world where learning now outvalues military prowess. Carrying the legacy of his bloodline, he is compelled to find his place among the great figures of his ancestors.
Hanawa's charming story, The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro is translated by Meredith McKinney, and takes the reader back to life and leadership in feudal Japan - while also exploring universal themes of legacy, inheritance, expectations, the weight of history and the psychology of change.
Red Circle Minis: Original, Short and Compelling Reads
The Chronicle of Lord Asunaro is part of Red Circle Minis, a series of short captivating books by Japan's finest contemporary writers that brings the narratives and voices of Japan together as never before. Each book is a first edition written specifically for the series and is being published in English first.
As Japan emerges from the conflict-ridden era dominated by infamous warlords into a golden age of plenty, a young lord - heir to a vast domain and incumbent ruler of all he surveys - lives deep within a spiralling castle.
From the pen of Hanawa, this cleverly spun tale features our young Lord Asunaro, a 'warlord' who doesn't fit the brave samurai stereotype, as he faces a modernising world where learning now outvalues military prowess. Carrying the legacy of his bloodline, he is compelled to find his place among the great figures of his ancestors.
Hanawa's charming story, The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro is translated by Meredith McKinney, and takes the reader back to life and leadership in feudal Japan - while also exploring universal themes of legacy, inheritance, expectations, the weight of history and the psychology of change.
Red Circle Minis: Original, Short and Compelling Reads
The Chronicle of Lord Asunaro is part of Red Circle Minis, a series of short captivating books by Japan's finest contemporary writers that brings the narratives and voices of Japan together as never before. Each book is a first edition written specifically for the series and is being published in English first.
72 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
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149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 26, 2020
We received this as a review copy and it was a light-hearted, giggle-inducing read. For anyone who has ever wondered about inheritance to thrones, and what happens if the heir apparent isn't quite suited for the daunting life of responsibility ahead of him, Kanji Hanawa endeavors to imagine—with hilarious results. The story takes place during the Tokugawa period, when Japan's feudal lords reined over the provinces.
Thus follows the trials and tribulations of Lord Asunaro (or, Lord Someday-soon). The tale is told almost like a bedtime story, as the narrator takes on the mad antics of "our young lord" while he studies swordsmanship, poetry, and love.
As the author notes at the end, the story, though fiction, is based on a real historical character.
"His lordship observed the boy, and understood that the first problem was his attitude. He couldn't remain formally seated on the floor for any length of time, but very soon began to stretch out his legs, turn and stare out the window, and set about picking his nose, which he did so excessively that he developed nosebleeds, ending up in the care of the castle physician."His father proceeds to wonder, "Could he really have sprung from my loins?" The boy is dispatched to the "West Castle" with a roomful of books in an attempt to habituate him to a scholarly childhood.
Thus follows the trials and tribulations of Lord Asunaro (or, Lord Someday-soon). The tale is told almost like a bedtime story, as the narrator takes on the mad antics of "our young lord" while he studies swordsmanship, poetry, and love.
As the author notes at the end, the story, though fiction, is based on a real historical character.
January 25, 2020
Another great story from Kanji Hanawa and Red Circle. This is the amusing tale of an idle and lascivious heir to a fiefdom in Edo Period Japan. Short but packed with detail, humour, insight and an interesting theory on the connections between climate change and revolutionary events around the world. Definitely worth picking up.
January 9, 2020
Kanji Hanawa cleverly breaks with Japanese tradition in spinning this yarn based on the real-life character of Lord Asunaro who was by no means your run-of-the-mill Japanese warlord. In a world facing upheaval and change, this is a voyage of discovery that is charmingly penned in a style befitting a bygone age. Alex Pearl is author of 'Sleeping with the Blackbirds' and 'The Chair Man'.
December 27, 2019
This will take you to feudal Japan, where you will meet Lord Asunaro, an extraordinary anti-hero.
English: https://elifthereader.com/books/the-c...
Türkçe: https://kitaplikkedisi.com/kitaplar/t...
English: https://elifthereader.com/books/the-c...
Türkçe: https://kitaplikkedisi.com/kitaplar/t...
April 12, 2020
I'm a big fan of historical fiction and this little book didn't disappoint. Lord Asunaro isn't a character I can empathise with: he's a spoiled prince waiting for his ascension to the throne and in the meantime spends his days fornicating or torturing the servants. Based on a true historical figure, the book provides a wonderful snapshot of ancient Japanese customs in a bygone era. It made me want to visit the country all over again to rediscover its beautiful landscapes.
March 10, 2020
Fiction, but based on a real historical figure, The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro was interesting, relatable and funny. Very much enjoyed.
November 12, 2021
The young lord Asunaro, son of a powerful feudal lord, has enjoyed a privileged life in his family castle so far. But now he's grown, he's finding the title he's inheriting appears to be in name only. He isn't trusted with important decisions or discussions, isn't allowed to speak on matters of war or famine and is growing restless. Much like the Asunaro tree, he is always waiting for tomorrow, for someday, but it never comes so instead he finds pleasure in women and poetry.
"Lord though he was in name, not one important task in the governance of the domain ever came his way, despite having reached maturity."
For such a short read, coming in just over 70 pages, still manages to be a multi-layered and complex, acting not only as a factual biography but a somewhat dry and witty comedic retelling of a tale not many have heard. In a feat very difficult to achieve in such few pages, the setting was vivid and vibrant, beautifully descriptive and immersive.
This short story toes the line between fact and fiction, leaving the reader with plenty to think about while providing interesting historical insight. Lord Asunaro is a real historical figure - and a complex one at that. He didn't achieve much (aside from having over 70 children!) and was selfish and childish - not the type of life you'd usually chronicle. But he also broke the societal divides of his time, happy to dine and drink with people others would consider below him and advocated for peace and pacifism. I can definitely see why Hanawa chose him as a subject. Of course there is a definite objectified view towards women but only so far as would've been sadly normal at the time and this isn't shown as favourable or justified.
Asunaro is, despite his position, an unremarkable man, simply trying to find space for himself in a world he has no place in - and he's peculiarly relatable for an Edo era Japanese lord. This is quite simply the chronicle of a life.
"Lord though he was in name, not one important task in the governance of the domain ever came his way, despite having reached maturity."
For such a short read, coming in just over 70 pages, still manages to be a multi-layered and complex, acting not only as a factual biography but a somewhat dry and witty comedic retelling of a tale not many have heard. In a feat very difficult to achieve in such few pages, the setting was vivid and vibrant, beautifully descriptive and immersive.
This short story toes the line between fact and fiction, leaving the reader with plenty to think about while providing interesting historical insight. Lord Asunaro is a real historical figure - and a complex one at that. He didn't achieve much (aside from having over 70 children!) and was selfish and childish - not the type of life you'd usually chronicle. But he also broke the societal divides of his time, happy to dine and drink with people others would consider below him and advocated for peace and pacifism. I can definitely see why Hanawa chose him as a subject. Of course there is a definite objectified view towards women but only so far as would've been sadly normal at the time and this isn't shown as favourable or justified.
Asunaro is, despite his position, an unremarkable man, simply trying to find space for himself in a world he has no place in - and he's peculiarly relatable for an Edo era Japanese lord. This is quite simply the chronicle of a life.
December 1, 2021
“Over near the wall lay a scattering of the books he had read, with beyond them the inexorable towering cliffs of those yet unread, a bulk that never changed.”
Rather unflatteringly described as ‘a fool from birth, and lacking all judgement’, the protagonist of Kanji Hanawa’s book, translated here by Meredith McKinney, is feudal lord-in-waiting Asunaro (Lord ‘Someday-soon’). Disregarded by his father (the current lord), we first meet Asunaro as a young man; physically well-built, but lacking the brains of his father, and with little desire to further his own education.
As we follow Lord Asunaro through his life, ultimately inheriting his father’s title and lands, we see him grow from an indolent boy to a man with a higher than average love of the ladies – in fact, fathering an estimated 70 children!
With a mildly mocking but affectionate tone, the author provides his chronicle of a man he describes as ‘empty-headed’ but ‘mild and amiable’, giving the reader a snapshot of Japan in the late 16th and early 17th centuries (with some interesting comparisons along the way to contemporary Europe, particularly France).
Based on a real-life historical figure (although heavily fictionalised, as the author is at pains to point out in his afterword!), this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Japan. This is the second book I’ve read in the Red Circle Minis series, and the subject couldn’t be more different to the dystopian near-future of “Monkey Man”. But what both books have in common is a wonderful and engaging story, and a window on life in Japan. I’d highly recommend this book, and the series, to lovers of well-written, quirky fiction!
Rather unflatteringly described as ‘a fool from birth, and lacking all judgement’, the protagonist of Kanji Hanawa’s book, translated here by Meredith McKinney, is feudal lord-in-waiting Asunaro (Lord ‘Someday-soon’). Disregarded by his father (the current lord), we first meet Asunaro as a young man; physically well-built, but lacking the brains of his father, and with little desire to further his own education.
As we follow Lord Asunaro through his life, ultimately inheriting his father’s title and lands, we see him grow from an indolent boy to a man with a higher than average love of the ladies – in fact, fathering an estimated 70 children!
With a mildly mocking but affectionate tone, the author provides his chronicle of a man he describes as ‘empty-headed’ but ‘mild and amiable’, giving the reader a snapshot of Japan in the late 16th and early 17th centuries (with some interesting comparisons along the way to contemporary Europe, particularly France).
Based on a real-life historical figure (although heavily fictionalised, as the author is at pains to point out in his afterword!), this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Japan. This is the second book I’ve read in the Red Circle Minis series, and the subject couldn’t be more different to the dystopian near-future of “Monkey Man”. But what both books have in common is a wonderful and engaging story, and a window on life in Japan. I’d highly recommend this book, and the series, to lovers of well-written, quirky fiction!
January 22, 2022
‘The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro’ tells the story of how he adjusted to becoming a lord, the difficulties faced, the trials and tribulations and his path to become the person he’s meant to be.
The chapters jump from different parts of his life, from his time as a young lad who just wants to play to the time of his death. Originally deemed as a fool with a father who holds a grudge against him, he had the forebears of old to live upto but times had changed since those days. The days of the war was over and the young lord doesn’t have the same worries the old lords of his age once did. He’s now just expected to behave as a lord does and is constantly supervised twenty four hours a day. But the lord finds himself still having to go through combat training as much as he despised them. You get the sense that he didn’t feel quite suited to the role of been a lord and wasn’t one that he throughly enjoyed. He also fathered many children over his time. He seemed like an interesting character and it was intriguing to learn a bit about the culture during his time.
Based off an actual figure of historical times, it packs in quite a punch with lots of light-hearted and funny moments. If you love traditional Japanese fiction then you should definitely check this one out.
The chapters jump from different parts of his life, from his time as a young lad who just wants to play to the time of his death. Originally deemed as a fool with a father who holds a grudge against him, he had the forebears of old to live upto but times had changed since those days. The days of the war was over and the young lord doesn’t have the same worries the old lords of his age once did. He’s now just expected to behave as a lord does and is constantly supervised twenty four hours a day. But the lord finds himself still having to go through combat training as much as he despised them. You get the sense that he didn’t feel quite suited to the role of been a lord and wasn’t one that he throughly enjoyed. He also fathered many children over his time. He seemed like an interesting character and it was intriguing to learn a bit about the culture during his time.
Based off an actual figure of historical times, it packs in quite a punch with lots of light-hearted and funny moments. If you love traditional Japanese fiction then you should definitely check this one out.
November 27, 2021
ⓉⒽⒺ ⒸⒽⓇⓄⓃⒾⒸⓁⒺⓈ ⓄⒻ ⓁⓄⓇⒹ ⒶⓈⓊⓃⒶⓇⓄ
The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro - Kanji Hanawa - Red Circle Minis Blog Tour
A Japanese tale, not about daring ninja or battling samurai, but a warlord with a very different penchant.
Based on an actual historical figure, the Akutagawa Prize-nominated master short story writer Kanji Hanawa takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, as Lord Asunaro inherits his own Japanese fiefdom and grapples with his role and ultimate legacy.
I loved this little book and the Lord Asunaro. I liked his development from an innocent boy to a naughty youth to a womaniser and a man with a penchant for fun. When, without a lady to please him, he is said to have written this poem
𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝗼𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬
𝐭𝗼 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐥𝗼𝐧𝐞
𝐚 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐥𝗼𝐚𝐭
𝐮𝐩𝗼𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝗼𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬
𝗼𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝗼𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝗼𝐫𝐞
And to prove this , according to historical records relating to this domain, Lord Asunaro was reputed to have had 70 children!!
Quite a character and a ‘modern’ man for his time.
The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro - Kanji Hanawa - Red Circle Minis Blog Tour
A Japanese tale, not about daring ninja or battling samurai, but a warlord with a very different penchant.
Based on an actual historical figure, the Akutagawa Prize-nominated master short story writer Kanji Hanawa takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, as Lord Asunaro inherits his own Japanese fiefdom and grapples with his role and ultimate legacy.
I loved this little book and the Lord Asunaro. I liked his development from an innocent boy to a naughty youth to a womaniser and a man with a penchant for fun. When, without a lady to please him, he is said to have written this poem
𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝗼𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬
𝐭𝗼 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐥𝗼𝐧𝐞
𝐚 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐥𝗼𝐚𝐭
𝐮𝐩𝗼𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝗼𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬
𝗼𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝗼𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝗼𝐫𝐞
And to prove this , according to historical records relating to this domain, Lord Asunaro was reputed to have had 70 children!!
Quite a character and a ‘modern’ man for his time.
January 30, 2020
You make your own history, as they say! Well this samurai warlord, dubbed a 'wannabe' or a 'someday' person actually created his own baby-boom, green legacy and much more besides. A terrific read, full of humour and insight, as well cultural colour. With you own dominion and domain what would any of us do? The best historical fiction, like this, has a contemporary relevance that draws you in while giving you insight in the past. I really enjoyed this and recommend it.
January 30, 2020
You make your own history, as they say! Well this samurai warlord, dubbed a 'wannabe' or a 'someday' person actually created his own baby-boom, green legacy and much more besides. A terrific read, full of humour and insight, as well cultural colour. With you own dominion and domain what would any of us do? The best historical fiction, like this, has a contemporary relevance that draws you in while giving you insight in the past. I really enjoyed this and recommend it. (less)
December 7, 2020
I think I went into this with the wrong mindset. I thought it would be a comical, mostly fictionalized account of the young lord’s life, but it read more like a biography. It wasn’t bad, but I did find some of the ideas related to women (for example that somehow Asunaro’s debauchery was a result of his mother dying and him being rejected by a girl) not to my taste. I did appreciate the different perspective, however. I liked Backlight, by the same publisher and author, better.
November 19, 2024
Kronikkatyyliin kirjoitettu novelli antisankarista, Lordi Asunarosta, joka on ollut todellinen henkilö Japanin historiassa. Mitä käy, kun hieman yksinkertainen Asunaro saa hallintaansa lähiseudut isänsä kuoltua? Nykypäivästä tapahtumia kommentoiva kertoja tuo mukanaan huumoria ja Japanin historian tapahtumia. En tykännyt erityisesti, sen verran mieskeskeistä ja "humoristista" tarinointi oli.
November 25, 2021
Another brilliant short story part of the red circle series! Full review to come.
August 27, 2020
For my review see my blog post here: https://hoodcp.wordpress.com/2020/08/...
February 3, 2020
Read this in one sitting! A Must Read novella for anyone interested in Japan or Japanese literature (Bungaku) or more so for anyone out there grappling with their own dose of parental expectations. Finding yourself and your own path in life is as important task for all, and as we find out in this delightful beautifully crafted multi-layered tale, even for a Japanese Warlord trained in the skills of the sword facing a new era of peace!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews