Clog Thong

Introduction to Hikoichi

・Japanese  ・English ・Japanese＆English

English translator　REN HANADA(花田れん)

　Once upon a time, there was a very clever child named Hikoichi.

　Well, a funny thing has been going on among the young samurais lately.
　That is, to make a kimono out of velvet.
　Velvet is a soft, glossy fabric that is imported.
　Because they were bought from abroad, the price was very high, and the untidy look was not very samurai-like.
　Therefore, His Highness forbade the young samurais to wear velvet kimonos, but some of them did not wear them at the castle, and instead walked around in them everywhere else as usual.
"Well, what should I do? I could give them a stern warning, but that would also make me look a tough person?" said His Highness.
　His Highness was puzzled, so he summoned Hikoichi for a consultation regarding the current situation. He has always given his Highness great ideas.
''Hikoichi, is there any way to get them to stop looking like that on their own?"
　Then Hikoichi thought about it for a while and asked, "Your Highness, the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, when would you like to hold the cherry blossom viewing?"
　His Highness then exclaimed, "What's the matter with you? The cherry blossom viewing is scheduled to take place the day after tomorrow, so you should come too."
　Then Hikoichi said, "Yes, thank you very much. By the way, Your Highness, please let your guests know that they may wear velvet kimono when they are viewing the cherry blossoms. And I hope you'll forgive me for bringing many of my friends with me on that day."
　At Hikoichi's words, His Highness realized that he must have come up with something clever, so he did just that.

　Now, it's finally the day for the cherry blossom viewing.
　A large number of young samurais were granted permission by His Highness to wear velvet cloaks and hakama, which they were proud to wear.
　Then, while His Highness was enjoying the cherry blossom viewing, Hikoichi showed up with about 20 of the town's inferior citizens.
　One of servants noticed, "Why did you bring these townspeople here again, hey Hikoichi?" But His Highness said, "No, don't scold him.By the way, Hikoichi. That person and the other townspeople are wearing Japanese sandals with unusual clog thongs.
　Hikoichi smiled and said loudly,
"Oh, this is the one, this is the one made of velvet. These days, it's very popular among the townspeople to wear velvet clog thongs."
　His Highness, knowing what Hikoichi was thinking, said in a loud voice in time with Hikoichi,
"The velvet clog thongs are funny. Speaking of which, some of my servants are happy to make a kimono out of the townspeople's clog thongs. Wahahahahahaha."
　The velvet-clad young samurais were thoroughly embarrassed when they heard this.

　From then on, it was said, there were no more young samurais who wore velvet kimonos.

End

One point advice : Correct your manners by seeing others' faults.

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