The Lantern Of Lost Memories

‘The Lantern Of Lost Memories’, written by Sanaka Hiiragi, is a moving and life-affirming Japanese masterpiece about the people that make us who we are and the moments in life that change us.

This heartwarming story takes place photography studio owned by the kindly Mr Hirasaka, serving as a final stop: the door to the afterlife. It is the place between life and death where those who have departed have a chance to choose photos of every day of their life to put into a beautiful Japanese lantern. When set into motion the lantern will spin and the photos; one for every year of the persons life, will be set into motion and the memories will, as we have all certainly heard once, flash before the person’s eyes, allowing them to cross over to the afterlife and rest peacefully.

In three richly painted vignettes we accompany the selfless ninety-two year old Hatsue who worked as a nursery teacher, the rowdy Waniguchi, a yakuza overseer who is also capable of great compassion, and a young child who has tragically lost her precious life at the hands of her abusive family.

Our most revisited memories fade over time like photographs when frequently thumbed through, and fortunately Mr Hirasaka offers a gift: to return back in time and retake that one particular moment in their lives that they cherish so dearly.

While this story addresses pressing issues like bullying, abuse, and standing up for what is right, the focus is on the small details and how each breathtaking story is laced with small, yet meaningful doses to create a powerful novel as we process death alongside each character and see the other side of the afterlife through Mr Hirasaka himself.

Overall the ‘Lantern Of Lost Memories’ is thought-provoking, emotional and at times tragic. While shorter and perhaps darker than your average comfort novel, it is heavy in spiritual weight and truly emotional for anyone who has ever dealt with loss before. Through the lens of Mr Hirasaka the readers get to experience a side of death different from your atypical legends with sensitivity and sentimentality. The delicate yet simply portrayed emotions make the book hard to put down, and hard to continue sometimes. Vivid and poignant, it strongly speaks to the heart and soul.

Personally, the last story was the climax; the hardest to read and also the most touching out of all of them. I did not regret reading this, and neither will you. Enjoy reading this beautiful, powerfully moving and engaging work of art that gently reminds us of the value of life and shows us what it truly means to be ourselves and live our precious lives to the fullest.

Natasha Lee

Secondary 2 Diligence

2025