Abstract
Kaori Ekuni’s “A Story of Kusanojyo” is a story included in a high school textbook. The guide book for
this work promotes that learners should read deeply by paying attention directly to the narrator. However,
the suggestion is not written in concrete guidance instances. Therefore, this paper suggests a learning
methodology and analysis of details for learners reading “A Story of Kusanojyo” by comparing it to Makoto
Shina’s “Haircut in the Bath” and Hyakken Uchida’s “The Underworld”. Through comparing these stories
the aim is to help students read more deeply and focus on the work’s structure and narrative. Furthermore,
by guiding the students towards an authentic reading we can connect discussion with nurturing their critical
abilities. Kaori Ekuni’s “A Story of Kusanojyo” therefore has worth as teaching material from which learners
can use it to hone their critical skills.
