Furari.  

Furari, ふらり。

Jiro Taniguchi's new book tells a story about an unnamed character who takes a leisurely stroll through Edo, Japan. The word "furari" could be translated as aimlessly wandering or going with the flow. However, this time our protagonist is not just drifting along; he has a clear purpose and is taking in every detail of his surroundings. Taniguchi's tale is inspired by Tadataka Ino (1745-1818), an historical figure who was known for being an early cartographer. The book invites readers to follow this character as he explores the various districts of Edo, taking note of its many small pleasures and wonders. Taniguchi's writing style is similar to his previous work, "The Times of Botchan," where he slips easily into the mind of Soseki, the writer. In this new book, Taniguchi provides a detailed and vivid portrait of life in Edo, allowing readers to fully understand and appreciate its beauty.

Furari. was published in English by Ponent Mon/Fanfare on May 28, 2015.