Return to the Most Beautiful Village in the World

Mirado has been traveling with the circus all over the world, but he still thinks of Paghman Village and his friend Yamo every day. When he hears the news that the long war will be over, Mirado decides to return to the village, heading east by train, bus, carriage, and finally by foot. Supported by the kindness of people he meets on the way, he finally arrives, but he sees Paghman Village was completely destroyed by the war—and he can't find Yamo. But one morning as he plays his flute on the street, people gather around, and Mirado hears a familiar voice singing.

Yutaka Kobayashi is a Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings) artist and picture book author.