Summary

This story was written during the Taisho era (1912-1926), a period of rapid Westernization and modernization in Japan, when urban elites often adopted Western fashions and hobbies such as sport hunting. Miyazawa, who was deeply connected to rural life and nature, frequently critiqued the arrogance of those who exploited the natural world for entertainment. The tale draws on traditional Japanese folklore motifs of supernatural beings luring and tricking humans who wander into the mountains.