The bridegroom wore a crimson military uniform decorated with various medals and a striking blue sash.

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More than a simple satire on conservative social mores, "Bridegroom" is a metaphysical mystery.

CNN: VIEWS FROM THE FRINGE

It is the title story, "The Bridegroom Was A Dog, " which won Tawada the Akutagawa in 1993.

CNN: VIEWS FROM THE FRINGE

Bridegroom includes three absurdist tales examining the nation's ultra-civil psyche from its fringe.

CNN: VIEWS FROM THE FRINGE

In contrast, Tawada's short stories in The Bridegroom Was A Dog don't beat you down as much as mess with your head.

CNN: VIEWS FROM THE FRINGE

The bridegroom is Tunde Adebimpe, from TV on the Radio.

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She said that in her village the bridegroom was expected to take bushmeat to his in-laws as part of his dowry, but the zoo visit had shown her that there could be other alternatives to bushmeat.

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Less expected was its choice of bridegroom.

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