Kokoro (which means heart) offers deep insight into the human psyche and investigates several internal struggles, especially the darker sides of admiration, envy and temptation. The story is set in the late Meiji (1868-1912) and early Taisho (1912-1926) eras and explores the evolving Japanese mores of the times, focusing on the contradictory impulses of honoring the common good versus individual needs and desires. Read our review.