Footprints in the Snow

The journey of Shintaro Kikuchi in Footprints in the Snow reflects the struggles for education and personal growth amid societal changes in Japan.

First published in 1901, Footprints in the Snow tells the poignant story of Shintaro Kikuchi, a young boy from Japan who faces significant hardships in his quest for education and a better life. After his father's bankruptcy, Shintaro is determined to restore his family's fortunes. He leaves his home in a remote area of Kyushu, hoping to carve out a future for himself. However, his journey is fraught with challenges, including theft, hunger, and exhaustion. Despite these obstacles, he perseveres, eventually finding his way to a Christian College in Kyoto.

At the college, Shintaro excels academically and embraces Christianity, yet he is disillusioned by the condescending attitudes of some Western missionary teachers toward his Japanese peers. This conflict leads him to leave the college in protest. After four arduous years, he arrives in Tokyo, the city he has long dreamed of, but his struggles are far from over. Shintaro must navigate the demands of university life, pursue his ambitions as a writer and journalist, and strive to win the heart of the girl he loves.

The original Japanese title of Footprints in the Snow is Omoide no Ki, and Kenjiro Tokutomi's novel continues to resonate in Japan today. It captures the essence of youth during a transformative period in Japan's history, making it a significant read for anyone interested in Japanese literature, Asian literature, or literature in general.