The Gate of Years

Fusajirou is a fabric merchant living in Edo whose life is irrevocably changed when he meets the inventor of a remarkable gate, one that the inventor claims has extraordinary properties. Initially skeptical, Fusajirou is captivated when the inventor relates the tales of other customers who have passed through it, and he soon resolves to undertake a journey of his own. A beautiful and meticulously crafted story that will stay with you forever.

This series is an adaptation of the award-winning short story "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," by Ted Chiang. In our adaptation, with the permission of the author, we have moved the story from its original Middle East setting to Edo-era Japan. Though there is a small amount of semi-archaic Japanese in places, we have worked hard to keep the language accessible for learners. We hope this provides a gentle introduction to the kind of Japanese you might hear in period dramas. It is our great honor and privilege to present this unforgettable story to you. (Ongoing, 96 episodes)