Okuru Hatashi

Footprints in the Snow Okuru Hatashi

The details concerning the account to follow are shrouded in mystery. Written by Okuru Hatashi (and translated by Henry Allen) the earliest manuscript known to exist is dated 1717 and was found in 1789 in the Gyokusendo Cave in Okinawa, Japan. The story begins with the narrator fleeing from someone or some group because of something he has done which is never stated. Wounded, the narrator finds a small cabin in which to recoup his strength and prepare for an inevitable battle. The following night an assassin arrives and so begins an all-night standoff between two very skilled and patient warriors - a silent battle in which no words are exchanged and one arrow will determine the fate of both men.