Ribit! Ri-i-i-bit! 

Warning!

 Avoid this short story for those who are afraid of the green creature called “frog” 

(cause it is gigantic!)

       From the many short stories I have read in selected short stories class, I found this one to be the most interesting, with a very Japanese vibe and a little supernatural. Even if it is not my style, I believe it will appeal to a large number of readers, therefore I have decided to submit this review. 

       "Super Frog Saves Tokyo" is a mesmerizing short story by a contemporary Japanese writer, Haruki Murakami. This global and accessible Japanese-style short story is one of six in the "After the Quake" collection, which tells the story of six occurrences following the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan.

       This fantasy short story depicts the very ordinary life of Katagiri, a middle-aged man who is a collection officer for a company in the center of Tokyo. He lives alone without family and friends, works on duty day-to-day aimlessly until he suddenly encounters a supernatural, six feet tall, talking frog that comes to him with a significant mission: to save Tokyo from a monstrous worm that is about to destroy the entire city. Even though what he saw in front of him was hard to believe, it was the appearance of this enigmatic frog that rekindled his desire to have a purpose in life again.

       The writer employs strategies to manipulate the reader's thinking throughout the story. Regardless of what we hear or see, all of them are told from Katagiri's perspective, and we will feel the same emotions as the characters from beginning to end. Is this giant talking frog real? Raising questions and doubts that cannot be confirmed or convinced by one hundred percent from those images. The writer also uses magical realism that inserts the supernatural in the midst of the unbelievably normal, in the same style as Murakami's previous works.

       In addition to being interesting to follow and fun to read until the end, the story also uses backgrounds based on real events. It reflects the tragic events of history, enables us to comprehend the state of feelings, and allows us to see the anguish of Japanese people in society at the time. Furthermore, through Mr. Frog, who is akin to a philosopher, the writer inserts numerous thoughts from Western philosophers, which reminds and stimulates both Mr. Katagiri and readers like us. It inspires us to take a fresh look at ourselves and our values, as well as to live a better life by demonstrating that everyone can be a hero.

       "Super Frog Saves Tokyo" is a one-of-a-kind work pack with enigmatic secrets and just-right charm. This is one that I would strongly suggest to anyone who likes mystery stories because there are enough clues in the story to allow you to ponder about it indefinitely. However, if you are like me, prefer frankness and a definite ending without extra fancies, give this story a chance, Mr. Frog is always waiting for you. Who knows? You might love it.