[Reading] "The Cat's Oracle Under the Tree" by Michiko Aoyama [A charm that doesn't end with 'it's just a story']

"The Cat's Oracle Under the Tree" (by Michiko Aoyama). I encountered Aoyama's work through "What You Are Looking For Is in the Library," a nominee for the Japan Booksellers' Award, and became captivated by its kindness. I have read her other works, and this is the fifth one.

It had a warmth that felt like it was taking out the hazy feelings I usually try to gloss over and deal with internally, and carefully unraveling them.

The cat's oracle written on a holly leaf

At that shrine deep down a narrow path, there was a holly tree whose leaves can be scratched to write letters. Occasionally, a cat with a white star on its bottom drops a leaf with an oracle written on it in front of a troubled visitor.

The holly is designated as the "post office tree," and its leaves can be sent if you attach a stamp. Its flower language is "to convey."

The words of the oracle written on the leaf, such as "facing west" or "ticket," are things that at first glance you don't understand what they refer to, but the visitors use those words as hints to move forward.

Charm 1: Relatable worries

The first charm of this story is that the worries of the visitors are all things that one can 'understand'.

The visitors range from elementary school students to grandfathers. I particularly empathized with Shin, who is lost regarding his career path after graduating from university, and Chisaki, who tends to harbor negative emotions.

Feeling anxious because you can't find something only you can do.
Comparing yourself to others, being chased by what's in front of you, and losing your composure.

The vague, unsettled feelings in my daily life that I had half-given up on and brushed aside were put into words, allowing me to face myself once again.

Charm #2: The connections between the characters

This story is a collection of linked short stories, and you can enjoy the connections between the characters.

It's not just within this work. I was also able to reunite with characters who appeared in other works, which made me very happy.

Depending on the order in which you read Aoyama's works, the realization of "Oh, it's so-and-so from that book" brings a joy similar to meeting an old friend from school after a long time.

Charm #3: It doesn't end with 'it's just a story'

And, while I think this is the greatest charm of all, you don't get the feeling that 'it's just a story, so things work out too well or too perfectly'.

Someone who was looking down lifting their head once more. Meeting the right person or hearing the right words at the perfect time. Gaining the courage to face the world by changing one's mindset or perspective.

'Reality isn't that sweet.' Instead of brushing it off with words like these, when you read this book, you can actually move forward.

The reason for this, I believe, is that the visitors are not just relying on the effects of the oracle, but are carving out their own paths through their own efforts. There is no doubt that the oracle is a catalyst, but the characters think and act for themselves. I feel that if I take a step forward while keeping the wonderful words I encountered in this book in my heart, the world I see might change.

Thank you for reading today as well.
When you are tired or troubled, please try to regain your energy with this work.

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Click here for book reviews of other works by Michiko Aoyama ↓