Did you know that there is a famous Onmyoji Abe no Seimei associated with Okayama Prefecture?
At Abe Shrine (located at Abe-yama) in Asakuchi City, there is a legend that Abe no Seimei built a residence for astronomical observations.
The story begins in Asakuchi City with the series "The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei's House".
I spoke with the author, Karasuma Shimei.
The story features many local specialties from Okayama, where the protagonist develops a warm bond with gods and spirits.
In the interview, I was able to hear interesting stories about why they chose Okayama as the setting and the thoughts behind the work.
Even those who are not from Okayama will surely enjoy reading it.
The Story of the Unfortunate Protagonist Set in Okayama
The third volume of the novel "The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei's House" (by Karasuma Shimei) was released in January 2021.
It won the Ayakashi Award at the 2nd Character Literature Awards.
Okayama appears in the story from various aspects, including Abe Shrine, associated with Onmyoji Abe no Seimei, located in Asakuchi City, as well as other spots in Okayama Prefecture, sweets, sake, and local specialties.
The story features many sweets and local specialties.
While specific product names are not mentioned, Okayama residents will surely recognize them immediately.
Even those who have never visited Okayama can enjoy it, and there is also the fun of searching for the local specialties that appear in the work when they visit.
The comic adaptation was published on March 18, 2021, on Alphapolis.
This is a must-read work for book lovers, not just for Okayama residents.
Synopsis
The young man, Kichijo Makibi, who has an unfortunate attribute and never seems to have good luck.
He inherited a "one tsubo" plot of land from his late grandfather. In fact, this land is a door that connects to the spirit world.
Beyond it lies the vast mansion left by the genius Onmyoji, Abe no Seimei, where many "gods" and "spirits" reside.
By chance, Makibi is made the "landlord" of that mansion.
The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei's House | Novel | From the Introduction Page of Alphapolis Bunko
The Protagonist Builds Bonds with Gods and Spirits
The story begins when the protagonist, Kichijo Makibi, arrives at Kamogata Station to see the one tsubo plot of land he inherited from his grandfather.
Inheriting this "one tsubo" plot of land will greatly change Makibi's life.
Despite having a seemingly auspicious surname, Kichijo Makibi is a being that can only be described as having an "unfortunate attribute," as he constantly faces misfortune.
"Unlucky" is too light a term. It cannot be explained simply by saying he tends to draw the "short straw."
From Volume 1, Chapter 1, Page 5
The most unfortunate event is that, despite struggling with his job search, he is made the master (landlord) of the mansion left by Abe no Seimei.
The author was born in Okayama Prefecture, but I had no idea that there were places associated with Abe no Seimei in the prefecture.
This work is filled with episodes where the protagonist interacts with spirits and gods, sometimes flustered, sometimes moved to tears, and often laughing, making the gods feel close to the reader.
Makibi is set up as an ordinary person, but he possesses a talent for empathizing with and connecting with others.
In that sense, it can be said that this is a story about Kichijo Makibi building bonds with gods and spirits.
Interview with the Author of "The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei's House", Karasuma
About the Story and Research
Please briefly tell future readers about the story of the series "The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei's House".
Karasuma
It is a story about an ordinary person who has inherited what Abe no Seimei left behind to protect Japan after his death.
Of course, the protagonist has no talent to handle such things.
He is forced to inherit something beyond his means and is told to devote himself to protecting this country.
It is a story about a plain and unfortunate protagonist who struggles while building bonds with gods and spirits.
Did you actually visit Asakuchi City, where Abe Shrine is located, for research while writing the work?
Karasuma
I have visited all the places mentioned in the work, as well as those that served as models, even if their names are not disclosed.
I have actually walked around Kamogata Station, which appears at the beginning of Volume 1, and the surrounding townscape.
It seems that Karasuma lives in Hyogo Prefecture, but are there any difficulties in setting a work in a region where you do not live?
Karasuma
It is indeed challenging to schedule interviews. We are in an era where moving is hesitated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
My housemate is from Okayama, so I have been getting a lot of help.
How did you come up with the name of the protagonist, Kichijo Makibi?
Karasuma
Makibi was born in Ayata, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and is derived from Kibi no Makibi, who is considered the ancestor of Japanese onmyoji (yin-yang masters).
Since the protagonist has a rather unfortunate setting, I wanted to give him a name that sounds auspicious, so I researched actual surnames and decided on Kichijo.
Sweets Featured in the Work and Flavors of Okayama
Was the setting of Makibi being fond of sweets inspired by the land of Okayama?
Karasuma
That is part of it, but I also wanted to give the protagonist the personality of being "completely uselessly extraordinary."
In the story, he is merely contributing to the introduction of Okayama sweets, drawn by gods and spirits.
Many sweets appear in the story. Do you have any favorites among the sweets from Okayama?
Karasuma
I can't mention actual product names, so I write about them vaguely in the story, but the waffles from Hakujuji are simply irresistible.
I could really eat as many as I want.
Are there any flavors from Okayama that you like besides sweets?
Karasuma
Yellow Nira!
I feel sad that it is hardly distributed outside of Okayama...
I have had it in various dishes, including sashimi, and it was incredibly delicious.
The scene with alcohol in Volume 2, Chapter 3 is also impressive. Do you have any favorite alcoholic beverages?
Karasuma
Actually, I can't drink alcohol.
However, I have experience working part-time at an izakaya and as a waiter at a French restaurant, so I have knowledge about alcohol.
Because I can't drink myself, I wrote the scenes where the gods have a banquet as my ideal drinking party.
The Setting of the Unfortunate Attribute
The setting of Makibi's unfortunate attribute is something I have never read before. Where did you come up with this setting?
Karasuma
I sometimes find myself in that state.
For example, even though it is still evening, the coffee machines at convenience stores are being cleaned, and I have returned home after failing to buy a cafe latte at five consecutive stores...
From my own experiences, I came up with the setting of the "unfortunate attribute."
I understand you have always been interested in ancient texts like the Kojiki, but did you know about Okayama's legends, such as the legend of Ura, before visiting Okayama?
Karasuma
I knew about the legend of Ura.
I think it started when I was given an assignment in school to "write a continuation of Momotaro" and researched Momotaro.
In writing the "Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei," were there any works that influenced you?
Karasuma
The base concept was already in place in 2013, and I adapted it into a character literature format in 2018, which became this work.
In terms of learning the know-how of character literature, I was influenced by Mai Mochizuki's series Wagaya wa Gion no Omiya-san and Ao Tomo's series Asakusa Oniyome Diary.
Unlike general literary novels, the characters surrounding the protagonist are unique like those in manga and anime, and this genre of novels with distinctive settings is defined as "character literature".
4th Character Literature Award | Alphapolis - The Floating City of the Internet -
It seems that the work will be adapted into a comic.
Karasuma
It was published on Alphapolis starting March 18, 2021 (Thursday).
Anyone can read it by registering on Alphapolis, so I hope you enjoy it along with the novel!
Places I Want to Write About in the Future and My Impression of Kurashiki
You mentioned wanting to write about Okayama's scenery and specialties in the future. What kind of places would you like to feature in your works?
Karasuma
When it comes to the locations featured in the work, I often choose them based on the legends that are passed down in those areas.
Okayama has many wonderful places, so I would like to actively introduce places that can be easily visited in the future.
If I were to do a pilgrimage (visiting locations featured in the work) based on the information up to volume 3, it would be quite tough.
Kurashiki Tocotoco is a web media focusing on Kurashiki City. Please tell us your impression of Kurashiki.
Karasuma
In fact, I love Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area so much that I want to write another work set there.
The white walls and namako walls of the Edo period, the well-maintained roads and waterways, coexist with retro-modern Western-style buildings from the Meiji period and beyond.
That exquisite balance is irresistible.
Not only in terms of scenery, but in various aspects, you can enjoy both the "good old" and the "stylish and cutting-edge" at the same time.
It is truly a place I love.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Please tell us your future aspirations and goals.
Conclusion
The author, Karasuma, lives in Hyogo Prefecture.
However, they have shown interest and affection for Okayama Prefecture and have written an attractive story.
People from other prefectures who want to visit Okayama, as well as those living in Okayama Prefecture, will surely discover new charms.
In fact, the writer also encountered this story through research and became captivated by it.
I am looking forward to the continuation of the story and the comic adaptation!
I am excited about the future developments and want to keep an eye on the fate of Kibi no Makibi's landlord.
I want more people to know about "The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei" and to continue the series with volumes 5 and 6.
In the world of character literature, whether the next volume will be published is determined by looking at the sales figures critically.
Even if a comic adaptation is decided, that does not change.
Therefore, the fact that only three volumes have been published is actually quite amazing, but I want to continue weaving this story.
I hope that more people will come to know and love "The Unfortunate Landlord of Seimei."