Irony of a civilized world
In the story of Horai a place is described where there is a natural atmosphere made out of souls of people that lived there for centuries. That atmosphere makes that place special and makes the traveller think the way those people many years ago did. But, the more people know about the place and the more influence the West has on it, that atmosphere shrinks until it completely disappears. The influence of a "civilized" world makes the natural beauty of the place disappear, makes those souls literally disappear which evokes the notion that the "civilized" world is soulless.
Irony of The Story of O-Tei
Irony in this story lies in the love story between O-Tei and Nagao Chosei. The couple ends up in the end together but at what cost? Nagao lost his parents and his wife and children. It makes one wonder if the dying girl's wish had something to do with those events as it is known that the power of those wishes is not to be underestimated.
Irony of Mimi-Nashi-Hoichi
Mimi-Nashi-Hoichi translates to Hoichi the Earless. Poor man went through that terrible experience with ancient spirits but all he became known for is the lack of his ears.
Irony of a world order based on ants
In the Insect Studies of ants the narrator discusses the possibility of a world order based on ants. The main point he makes is the focus on the common wealth over individuality. Ironically the lack of individuality would lead to a very grim world-imagine a world where everyone basically looks the same and is focused on the same goal. The idea doesn't seem very appealing. Therefore, even though it is an interesting idea the holes in it overshadow the positive sides.
Irony of Jikininki
The irony of this story lies in the punishment that the greedy priest received in his next life. He used deaths of people for his own gain, for his own mouth one could say. Ironically, his punishment was just taking this behavior from previous life and making it literal.
