The Bird of Compassion and Other Writings

A young traveler’s diary follows a murder investigation in Nikkō, where a birdkeeper’s pride has endangered his daughter. Beneath the mystery lies a painful human tragedy.

Five complete writings by Okamoto Kidō also include a moonlit shadow tale, memories of Tokyo’s disappearing customs, affection for childhood toys, and an account of extraordinary resistance in an Edo prison.

The English edition preserves the diary entries, unresolved supernatural details, and the historical narrative’s difficult claims. Notes clarify readings and textual inconsistencies. AI-assisted translation, prepared and edited by Valentin Sarić.