“The forger’s life is a shadow cast by the original—always present, yet never truly seen.”
Chapter 1: The Discovery
The story begins with the narrator, a writer, stumbling upon an old newspaper article about a counterfeiter named Keigaku Ōnuki. Intrigued by the obscure artist who spent his life replicating the works of a famous painter, Hōsui Yamamoto, the narrator sets out to uncover the truth behind Ōnuki’s life.
Chapter 2: The Forgotten Artist
Through interviews and fragmented accounts, the narrator pieces together Ōnuki’s early years—his failed attempts at original art, his admiration for Yamamoto, and his eventual descent into forgery. Unlike typical criminals, Ōnuki was driven not by greed but by an obsessive desire to perfect his imitations.
Chapter 3: The Master and the Shadow
The relationship between Ōnuki and Yamamoto is explored. Though they never met, Ōnuki’s life became inextricably tied to Yamamoto’s legacy. The narrator reflects on the irony of an artist who could only express himself through another’s work, blurring the line between authenticity and deception.
Chapter 4: The Downfall
Ōnuki’s forgeries eventually attract suspicion, leading to his exposure and disgrace. Yet, even in ruin, he remains enigmatic—neither repentant nor proud. His quiet acceptance of his fate contrasts with the scandal that briefly surrounds him before he fades back into obscurity.
Chapter 5: The Legacy
The narrator contemplates the meaning of Ōnuki’s life. Was he a failed artist or a master of a different kind? The story closes with a meditation on art, identity, and the invisible figures who linger in the margins of history.
Key Ideas
- The duality of artistic creation and imitation.
- The psychological toll of living in another’s shadow.
- The fleeting nature of fame and recognition.
- The blurred line between authenticity and forgery.
- The quiet tragedy of unfulfilled potential.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in psychological character studies.
- Fans of Japanese literature and postwar narratives.
- Those intrigued by the ethics and artistry of forgery.