I recently ordered a copy of Coffinman: The Journal Of A Buddhist Mortician (Nokanfu Nikki) by Aoki Shinmon (Translation by Wayne Yokoyama):
Coffinman: The Journal Of A Buddhist Mortician
The 2008 Japanese film Departures (Okuribito) is loosely based on the novel. In it, unemployed Orchestra cellist Daigo Koboyashi heads back to his hometown looking for a new job and answers an ad for a “Nokan Agent” unaware that the position involves the ritual preparation of the deceased for burial.
The film went on to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009 and practically swept the Japanese equivalent of the Academy Awards the same year, garnering wins in the Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor categories (along with many, many more). It’s a beautiful film, funny and heartwarming, and highly recommended.
The poster for Japan's Best Film of 2009: Departures
On a related side note: kudos to the lovely people over at BCA Bookstore in Berkeley for the several personalized touches included with the shipment, namely:
The Book Itself, Carefully Wrapped And Sealed,
A Complimentary Incense Sample,
And A Handwritten Thank You On The Invoice
Nicely done!
Now if only every seller took the time to personalize their orders this way.
I’ll try to post a review of the book some time next week.
Tags: Aoki Shinmon, BCA Bookstore, Coffinman, Departures, Departures Coffinman, Nokan Agent, Nokanfu Nikki, Okuribito, Shinmon Aoki
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