Kaiki, according to my Japanese-English dictionary, means "grotesque; bizarre; mysterious; strange." And since August is the traditional time in Japan for telling hair-raising tales, this anthology — the second in a three-volume set from Fukuoka-based Kurodahan Press — may provide readers with some welcome relief from the summer heat by causing chills to run down their spines.
The book features nine stories of various lengths including "The Kudan's Mother," by renowned science fiction author Sakyo Komatsu, who passed away July 26 at age 80, and also contains one illustrated graphic story, "Only Child," by Ayuko Akiyama.
Nearly one-third of the book is taken up by Brian Watson's translation of Tei'ichi Hirai's novelette "Midnight Encounters," originally published in 1960. The protagonist, a high school teacher, travels to a remote part of Niigata Prefecture to research the archives of an influential local family. After several days, he observes "there was something odd about the Aso family." He hears noises in the house, his eyes begin playing tricks on him and his sleep is invaded by strange nightmares. Hirai gradually builds up the suspense, as his naive character is enchanted by the beautiful young widow who appears to be the large house's sole occupant.