Miyazawa Kenji: Iwate’s Dreamer, Storyteller, and the Japanese Roald Dahl
In the mountains of northern Japan, where wildflowers bloom in summer and snow whispers across winter fields, lived a man who saw the world through stardust and poetry. His name was Miyazawa Kenji (宮沢賢治). He is a farmer, a scientist, a Buddhist, and a literary genius who turned the quiet countryside of Iwate into a galaxy of wonder.
Just as Roald Dahl gave us Willy Wonka’s chocolate river and giant peaches that fly, Kenji gave us trains that ride the Milky Way, talking cats, and celestial farmers. But his world was uniquely Japanese, filled with moral depth, Buddhist thought, and the rugged beauty of rural life.
Who Was Miyazawa Kenji?
Kenji was born in 1896 in Hanamaki, a small town in Iwate Prefecture. He was the son of a wealthy pawnbroker, but from a young age, Kenji felt deeply connected to nature, the poor farmers around him, and the spiritual world.
He was a man of many hats:
– Poet – with a lyrical style full of nature and cosmic imagery.
– Children’s author – writing whimsical, heartfelt, and often bittersweet tales.
– Educator – teaching science and agriculture to villagers. I even taught at the very same school he did in Morioka.
– Social activist – advocating for compassion and sustainability.
– Buddhist believer – following the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism with devotion.
Though he died young (at 37), Kenji left behind a magical legacy that continues to inspire children and adults alike.
What Kind of Stories Did He Write?
Kenji’s stories feel like dreams mixed with science and soul. They’re imaginative and often surreal, but always filled with compassion and moral depth.
Here are a few of his most famous works:
1. Night on the Galactic Railroad (銀河鉄道の夜)
A lonely boy named Giovanni boards a train that rides across the Milky Way, meeting passengers who’ve recently died. It’s dreamy, mysterious, and deeply emotional. It’s a meditation on life, loss, and love.
2. The Restaurant of Many Orders (注文の多い料理店)
Two arrogant hunters find a strange Western-style restaurant in the forest. As they enter, the “orders” become increasingly bizarre… and dangerous. A darkly funny and slightly spooky story about greed and respect for nature.
3. Gauche the Cellist (セロ弾きのゴーシュ)
Gauche, a struggling musician, gets late-night visits from animals who help him discover the true meaning of music. It’s a gentle tale of growth, patience, and the unseen beauty of effort.
4. Matasaburo of the Wind (風の又三郎)
A mysterious boy appears in a rural school, seemingly controlling the wind. Is he a god? A spirit? Or just a lonely child? This story captures the feeling of being new, different, and maybe magical.
Why Is He Called the “Japanese Roald Dahl”?
Like Roald Dahl, Miyazawa Kenji:
– Wrote imaginative tales that mix reality and fantasy.
– Created stories for children that adults love too.
– Blended darkness with humour and wonder.
– Believed in the power of storytelling to teach and transform.
But while Dahl’s stories often take place in candy factories or English homes, Kenji’s tales are set in fields, mountains, and starry skies. They are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, spirituality, and nature.
Iwate: The Heart of Kenji’s Imagination
Kenji didn’t just write about Iwate, he lived it, breathed it, and loved it. His hometown of Hanamaki appears in many forms in his work, often renamed “Ihatov,” a fantasy version of Iwate he imagined as an ideal land.
Today in Iwate, you can:
– Visit the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum in Hanamaki.
– Ride the SL Ginga (Galaxy Steam Train), themed after Night on the Galactic Railroad.
– Explore nature trails and parks inspired by his stories.
– See sculptures and murals of his characters in town.
Everywhere in Hanamaki, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into his stories.
Kenji’s Messages: Still Shining Today
Miyazawa Kenji wasn’t just writing for fun, he had a mission. Through poetry and fantasy, he shared powerful messages:
– Be kind, especially to the weak and voiceless.
– Respect nature, because everything is connected.
– Chase your dreams, even if no one understands.
– Live for others, not just yourself.
These messages still resonate today, especially in a world that often feels rushed, divided, or disconnected from nature.
Final Thoughts: The Star Poet of Iwate
Miyazawa Kenji once wrote:
「雨ニモマケズ 風ニモマケズ」
“Be not defeated by the rain. Be not defeated by the wind.”
That’s the spirit of Iwate, and of Kenji himself. It’s a place and a man filled with quiet strength, deep empathy, and boundless imagination.
Whether you’re a dreamer, a nature-lover, or someone who believes in the magic of stories, Kenji’s world is waiting for you. Just hop on the Galactic Railroad and ride toward the stars.
