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In the Sea or In the Bed

(Kicchomu-san’s Witty Tale)

Translation　Okumiya Ren　twitter

Japanese　←→　Japanese ＆ English　←→　English

　Once upon a time, there was a very pleasant man called Kicchomu-san.

　In Kicchomu-san’s village, there was an orphan named Naokichi.

　Naokichi’s mother passed away from disease, and his father was a harpooner on a whaler, but one day he got caught in a storm and drown in the sea with the ship.

　Therefore leaving his seaside home village since he was little, Naokichi was fostered by his uncle who lived Kicchomu-san’s village.

　However, there was not a single day when Naokichi forgot the sea.

　I will get on a whaler and be a good harpooner like Dad!

　Naokichi was always thinking so.

　And then, when he became 11 years old, Naokichi let his uncle know his resolution, and it had been decided that he will return to the village where he was born.

　Having heard about Naokichi, all the people of the village came to say farewell to him with the gift.

“That’s the boy, Naokichi. You are your father’s son.”

“You must be a good harpooner.”

　While everyone unanimously encouraged Naokichi, one youth named Sampei said to him,

“Hey, Naokichi. Everyone irresponsibly praises you a lot, but it’s not exactly admirable to be a harpooner on a whaler.”

　Naokichi asked Sampei in surprise.

“What do you mean, Sampei-san?”

“I’ve heard your father drowned in the sea. I mean, I thought it might bring you bad luck if you work on the unlucky sea where your parent died.”

　Silence.

　All the people had been pleased until while ago, but Sampei’s words pulled them in dead silence,

　and Naokichi was about to burst into tears for the sudden unpleasant subject.

　Kicchomu-san was listening to Sampei at the back, but came forward and asked him.

“Sampei, I have something to ask you. Where has your father died?”

”Unlike Naokichi’s father, he has fortunately and surely died in his bed at our home.”

“Uh-huh, so how about your grandfather?”

“So has Grandpa. He has not drowned in the sea like Naokichi’s father.”

　Kitcchomu-san grinned to hear that.

“Then, Sampei, it makes no sense that you are against Naokichi going to sea.”

“What?”

“Don’t you think so? You say the place where a parent has died is unlucky, but as for your house, not only your father but also your grandfather has died, right?”

“That’s…right, but—.”

　Sampei as he was, he didn’t know how to answer.

　Then the village headman beside Naokichi pat on his shoulder and said,

“Be a good harpooner, Naokichi.”

“Yes, I will do my best!”

　Thus, seen off by everyone, Naokichi briskly left the village.

The End

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