The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi

A Bittersweet Exploration of Memory, Regret and Redemption

There’s something achingly beautiful about the concept of revisiting our most cherished memories one last time before departing this mortal coil. In her enchanting novel “The Lantern of Lost Memories,” Japanese author Sanaka Hiiragi invites us into a liminal space between life and death – a quaint photo studio where the recently deceased get to curate the highlights of their lives and relive one precious moment before moving on.

As I turned the final page of this slim yet emotionally weighty book, I found myself pondering my own life’s journey and which snapshots I’d choose to illuminate my own memory lantern. Hiiragi’s tale is a gentle reminder to treasure the small moments of beauty and connection that give our lives meaning, even in the face of hardship or regret. While occasionally veering into sentimentality, the novel’s empathetic portrait of human frailty and resilience left me misty-eyed more than once.

A Magical Premise with Heart

At the center of the story is the enigmatic Mr. Hirasaka, proprietor of a most unusual photo studio. When the recently deceased arrive, disoriented and unsure of their fate, Hirasaka calmly explains their situation and guides them through the process of selecting photos from their life to adorn a spinning lantern. As the lantern revolves, illuminating snapshots both joyful and painful, the departed soul gets to relive their earthly existence one last time before moving on to whatever comes next.

What elevates this premise beyond mere whimsy is Hirasaka’s ability to send his “clients” back in time to recreate one cherished photo, offering a chance for closure or a moment of grace. It’s in these poignant scenes where Hiiragi’s writing truly shines, capturing the bittersweetness of revisiting pivotal moments armed with the perspective of a life fully lived.

Three Lives, Three Lanterns

The novel is structured around three main characters whose stories intertwine with Hirasaka’s own mysterious past:

Hatsue: A Life of Nurturing

We first meet 92-year-old Hatsue, a former nursery school teacher whose dedication to her young charges sustained her through post-war hardships. As she sifts through photos spanning nearly a century, we witness Japan’s transformation through her eyes. Hiiragi deftly weaves historical details into Hatsue’s recollections, from the struggles of rebuilding after WWII to the economic boom of later decades.

Hatsue’s journey back in time to capture a photo of her makeshift nursery school (a converted bus!) is particularly touching. Her unwavering belief that “children are worth whatever it takes” resonates throughout her story, reminding us of the profound impact seemingly ordinary lives can have.

Waniguchi: Redemption for a Rough Soul

In sharp contrast to Hatsue’s nurturing presence, we next encounter Waniguchi, a gruff yakuza enforcer stabbed in the back (literally and figuratively). His initial bravado masks a deep-seated regret for the path his life took. As he reluctantly selects photos for his lantern, we glimpse moments of unexpected tenderness – particularly in his relationship with a quirky repairman nicknamed “Mouse.”

Waniguchi’s trip to the past allows him to capture a moment of genuine connection, hinting at the kinder man he might have become under different circumstances. His story serves as a nuanced exploration of nature versus nurture, asking whether even the most hardened souls contain a spark of goodness.

Mitsuru: A Childhood Reclaimed

The most heartrending tale belongs to young Mitsuru, a victim of horrific child abuse whose brief life was cut tragically short. Hiiragi handles this difficult subject matter with sensitivity, focusing on moments of unexpected joy rather than dwelling on the trauma. Mitsuru’s day in the park with Hirasaka, learning to make a campfire and shout from a mountaintop, is a beautiful interlude that had me welling up.

In a twist that pushes the boundaries of Hirasaka’s role as a neutral guide, we see him subtly empower Mitsuru to alter her own fate. This bending of the rules adds tension to the story’s conclusion, hinting at deeper mysteries surrounding Hirasaka’s true nature.

Themes of Memory and Identity

Throughout these interconnected tales, Hiiragi explores how our memories shape our sense of self. The photos selected for each lantern become a kind of curated autobiography, forcing characters to confront both their proudest moments and deepest regrets.

The author also plays with the unreliability of memory, showing how certain recollections fade or distort over time. This is visually represented by overexposed or damaged photos, a clever metaphor for the imperfect nature of human recall.

Hiiragi seems to suggest that while we can’t change the past, we can choose which moments to hold close and let define us. It’s a comforting thought in the face of mortality, offering a measure of agency even as we approach life’s final chapter.

A Reflection on Japanese Culture

While the themes of “The Lantern of Lost Memories” are universal, the novel is steeped in Japanese cultural touchstones. From the importance of proper greetings to the rituals surrounding death and remembrance, Hiiragi offers glimpses into Japanese society that add richness to the narrative.

The post-war setting of Hatsue’s story provides particular insight into a pivotal period of Japanese history. Her struggles to establish a nursery school amid scarcity and rebuilding efforts paint a vivid picture of a nation recovering from trauma and forging a new identity.

Hirasaka: An Enigma at the Heart of the Tale

Perhaps the most intriguing character is Hirasaka himself. As the story unfolds, we learn that he has no memory of his own life or how he came to be the caretaker of this liminal space. His single photo – the only clue to his identity – becomes a tantalizing mystery that left me craving more.

Hirasaka’s gentle guidance of souls in transition is deeply moving. His willingness to bend the rules for Mitsuru, even at great personal cost, transforms him from a neutral observer into the emotional core of the novel. I found myself invested in his journey of self-discovery as much as those of the departed souls he assists.

A Critique of Style and Structure

Hiiragi’s prose (beautifully translated by Jesse Kirkwood) has a deceptive simplicity that serves the story well. The matter-of-fact descriptions of Hirasaka’s supernatural photo studio create an atmosphere where the magical feels utterly plausible.

That said, the novel occasionally lapses into exposition-heavy passages, particularly when explaining the rules of Hirasaka’s realm. A few of these sections could have benefited from a lighter touch, trusting the reader to infer the parameters of this in-between world.

The structure of three interconnected stories works well overall, though Mitsuru’s tale feels slightly rushed compared to the others. I found myself wishing for a bit more time with this character, whose tragic circumstances were the most emotionally impactful.

Comparisons and Literary Context

“The Lantern of Lost Memories” sits comfortably alongside other Japanese novels that blend the supernatural with everyday life, such as Banana Yoshimoto’s “Kitchen” or Yoko Ogawa’s “The Memory Police.” Hiiragi’s gentle approach to weighty themes also recalls the work of Kazuo Ishiguro, particularly “Never Let Me Go” with its exploration of memory and mortality.

Readers who enjoyed the structurally similar “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig will find much to appreciate here, though Hiiragi’s take on the “life review” concept feels more grounded in specific cultural context.

Final Thoughts: A Lingering Glow

Like the soft illumination of its titular lantern, “The Lantern of Lost Memories” casts a warm glow that lingers long after the final page. Hiiragi has crafted a deeply humane story that celebrates the beauty of ordinary lives while acknowledging the regrets and what-ifs that haunt us all.

The novel’s central metaphor – distilling a life into a curated collection of snapshots – is a powerful one that invites self-reflection. I found myself mentally cataloging my own treasured memories, considering which moments I’d want illuminated in my own lantern when the time comes.

While it occasionally teeters on the brink of sentimentality, the sincerity of Hiiragi’s writing and the genuine emotion it evokes make this a forgivable sin. “The Lantern of Lost Memories” is a tender, life-affirming read that reminds us to cherish the fleeting moments of beauty and connection that give our lives meaning.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, there’s comfort to be found in Hiiragi’s vision of a gentle transition guided by empathy and understanding. This slim volume punches well above its weight, offering a poignant meditation on what it means to live a life well-lived.

For readers seeking a thoughtful exploration of life’s big questions wrapped in a touch of magic, “The Lantern of Lost Memories” is a must-read. Just keep a box of tissues handy – you’re likely to need them.