ShinSekai Yori:Part 1 Chapter 2 - Revision history

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Dusanh at 01:36, 17 March 2013

2013-03-17T01:36:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:36, 17 March 2013
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	In this kind of situation, I have to admire Satoru's cleverness at the art of conversation. If there were an occupation in which one created frightening stories, I have no doubt that Satoru would be able to become the best at it. Of course, whatever kind of society one goes to, I couldn't imagine such a stupid job being established.		In this kind of situation, I have to admire Satoru's cleverness at the art of conversation. If there were an occupation in which one created frightening stories, I have no doubt that Satoru would be able to become the best at it. Of course, whatever kind of society one goes to, I couldn't imagine such a stupid job being established.

	"Was it, a ''~~Trickster Cat~~''.....?"<br />		"Was it, a ''TricksterCat''.....?"<br />
	Maria, though not normally wanting to hear of such things asked, and everyone began speaking simultaneously.		Maria, though not normally wanting to hear of such things asked, and everyone began speaking simultaneously.

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	While getting up form the bed, I looked into my mothers eyes. Somehow, mother looked as though unsettled.		While getting up form the bed, I looked into my mothers eyes. Somehow, mother looked as though unsettled.

	"Say, if one isn't able to graduate, is it true that a ~~NekoDamashi~~ comes to get them?"		"Say, if one isn't able to graduate, is it true that a ''TricksterCat'' comes to get them?"

	"How silly. Things such as ~~NekoDamashi~~ and the like do not exist in this world. Very soon now you'll be an adult so, if you keep saying such things you'll be laughed at."		"How silly. Things such as ''TricksterCat'' and the like do not exist in this world. Very soon now you'll be an adult so, if you keep saying such things you'll be laughed at."

	"But, I saw one."		"But, I saw one."
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	I pushed again, in order to be certain of mother's reaction. It wasn't as if I were actually lying. It was true that I had felt as though I was able to see it. However, It was only for a moment, and even I myself believed that it might well have been my imagination.		I pushed again, in order to be certain of mother's reaction. It wasn't as if I were actually lying. It was true that I had felt as though I was able to see it. However, It was only for a moment, and even I myself believed that it might well have been my imagination.

	"Yesterday evening, before returning home, around 4th street as I glanced back, I saw something like a ~~NekoDamashi~~ run past. Although it was gone almost immediately."		"Yesterday evening, before returning home, around 4th street as I glanced back, I saw something like a ''TricksterCat'' run past. Although it was gone almost immediately."

	Mother let out a sigh.		Mother let out a sigh.
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	Above the ceiling panneling, it was as though a somehow evil being were moving about. A sound that is heard, but cannot be heard. As though pointed claws were digging into wood.		Above the ceiling panneling, it was as though a somehow evil being were moving about. A sound that is heard, but cannot be heard. As though pointed claws were digging into wood.

	It seemed a ''~~NekoDamashi~~'' had arrived.		It seemed a ''TricksterCat'' had arrived.

	For a short amount of time, as though paralysed, I was unable to move.		For a short amount of time, as though paralysed, I was unable to move.

Dusanh at 01:32, 17 March 2013

2013-03-17T01:32:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:32, 17 March 2013
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	By the time the cherry blossoms had fallen, the class of 25 people had become 5, with Satoru and I amoung those remaining. The normally loud mouthed and combative Satoru even, predictably lost his energy, we fell into a daily routine in which, every morning, we would confirm that the other was still amoungst the stragglers, and breathe a sigh of relief. If possible, we wanted to graduate at the same time, and if it were not possible, secretly desired to be the first.		By the time the cherry blossoms had fallen, the class of 25 people had become 5, with Satoru and I amoung those remaining. The normally loud mouthed and combative Satoru even, predictably lost his energy, we fell into a daily routine in which, every morning, we would confirm that the other was still amoungst the stragglers, and breathe a sigh of relief. If possible, we wanted to graduate at the same time, and if it were not possible, secretly desired to be the first.

	However, my modest desire, was completely betrayed. With the coming of May, even Satoru, my final source of moral support, finally graduated ahead of me. It felt almost as though time had frozen for us as, at last it came to be that only two of us remained. It may seem strange but, no matter how hard I try, I cannot remember the name of that other person. I'm certain that, whatever he/she might have done, the classes most slow student was not one to stand out but, that fact is not the reason. Regrettably, it seems most likely that I myself, unconsciously sealed my memory.		However, my modest desire was completely betrayed. With the coming of May, even Satoru, my final source of moral support, finally graduated ahead of me. It felt almost as though time had frozen for us as, at last it came to be that only two of us remained. It may seem strange but, no matter how hard I try, I cannot remember the name of that other person. I'm certain that, whatever he/she might have done, the classes most slow student was not one to stand out but, that fact is not the reason. Regrettably, it seems most likely that I myself, unconsciously sealed my memory.

	Even after returning home, I had become remarkably taciturn, and I spent the ongoing days secluded in my room. Even my parents seemed to worry about me in that state.		Even after returning home, I had become remarkably taciturn, and I spent the ongoing days secluded in my room. Even my parents seemed to worry about me in that state.
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	"That may be true, but....."		"That may be true, but....."

	"I, don't want to become a leftover"*(can refer to a student who habitually cannot keep up in school)		"I, don't want to become a leftover"<ref>'''Leftover''': The Japanese word here matches the English both in its literal and figurative meanings, but in the case of the Japanese version, also has the additional slang meaning of 'a student who habitually cannot keep up in school.' As far as I can determine, it is not considered a particularly offensive word. I believe its treatment as such here is supposed to be surprising and/or confusing to Japanese readers as well.</ref>

	"You should never use that kind of word!"		"You should never use that kind of word!"
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	Remaining silent, I burried my face in a pillow.		Remaining silent, I burried my face in a pillow.

	"~~Time~~ of graduation is a thing decided by God, so, you need only to wait for your time. Any delay, will be made up for in no time."		"One's time of graduation is a thing decided by God, so, you need only to wait for your time. Any delay will be made up for in no time."

	"If perhaps....."		"If perhaps....."
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	"Say, if one isn't able to graduate, is it true that a NekoDamashi comes to get them?"		"Say, if one isn't able to graduate, is it true that a NekoDamashi comes to get them?"

	"How silly. NekoDamashi and ~~such,~~ do not exist in this world. Very soon now you'll be an adult so, if you keep saying such things you'll be laughed at."		"How silly. Things such as NekoDamashi and the like do not exist in this world. Very soon now you'll be an adult so, if you keep saying such things you'll be laughed at."

	"But, I saw one."		"But, I saw one."
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	In that moment, without a doubt, the color of absolute terror ran through my mothers eyes.		In that moment, without a doubt, the color of absolute terror ran through my mothers eyes.

	"What are you talking about. You must have been seeing things."		"What are you talking about? You must have been seeing things."

	"I definately saw it"		"I definately saw it"
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	Mother let out a sigh.		Mother let out a sigh.

	"Do you know the story, of the withered pampas grass that looks like a ghost? Although you may think it's very scary, it's actually nothing. That must be the way it was for you. What you saw was, without a doubt, just a nomral sized cat or weasel. Because in the twilight, the sizes of things often become difficult to judge."		"Do you know the story of the withered pampas grass that looks like a ghost? Although you may think it's very scary, it's actually nothing. That must be the way it was for you. What you saw was, without a doubt, just a nomral sized cat or weasel. Because in the twilight, the sizes of things often become difficult to judge."

	Mother's attitude returned to normal. She told me goodnight, turned out the light and, feeling completely relieved, I fell asleep.		Mother's attitude returned to normal. She told me goodnight, turned out the light and, feeling completely relieved, I fell asleep.
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	Above the ceiling panneling, it was as though a somehow evil being were moving about. A sound that is heard, but cannot be heard. As though pointed claws were digging into wood.		Above the ceiling panneling, it was as though a somehow evil being were moving about. A sound that is heard, but cannot be heard. As though pointed claws were digging into wood.

	It seemed a NekoDamashi had arrived.		It seemed a ''NekoDamashi'' had arrived.

	For a short amount of time, as though paralysed, I was unable to move.		For a short amount of time, as though paralysed, I was unable to move.
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	After a short period of waiting, as though a curse had been lifted, my freedom of movement returned. I quietly slid out of the bed, and without making a sound opened the door. By the moonlight shining in from the window, I made my way down the corridor. The season was well into summer but, the wood floor was still sticky and cold under my bare feet. Very soon, just a little more. My parents' bedroom was just past the bend in the cooridor.		After a short period of waiting, as though a curse had been lifted, my freedom of movement returned. I quietly slid out of the bed, and without making a sound opened the door. By the moonlight shining in from the window, I made my way down the corridor. The season was well into summer but, the wood floor was still sticky and cold under my bare feet. Very soon, just a little more. My parents' bedroom was just past the bend in the cooridor.

	~~Bedroom door's gap through~~ phosphorescent light shining ~~noticing, was relieved~~. As I raised my hand to open the sliding door, I heard a voice speaking inside. It was my Mother's voice. ~~Until now had never heard way~~ in, seriously worried ~~but~~ thoughtful tone ~~spoke~~. My hand stopped mid-motion.		I was relieved to notice the phosphorescent light shining through the gap beneath the bedroom door. As I raised my hand to open the sliding door, I heard a voice speaking inside. It was my Mother's voice. She spoke in a seriously worried yet still thoughtful tone the likes of which I had never heard from her. My hand stopped mid-motion.

	"I'm worried. As things are, it's possible....."		"I'm worried. As things are, it's possible....."
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	I quietly stepped back. The details of my Parents' conversation were beyond my understanding, but, the fact that I had heard something that should not be heard, I understood perfectly.		I quietly stepped back. The details of my Parents' conversation were beyond my understanding, but, the fact that I had heard something that should not be heard, I understood perfectly.

	In exactly the same way that I came, I noiselessly returned to my bedroom. Just beyond the window glass, an 'Oomizuao' had stopped. A light blue moth about the size of my palm, like a messenger from the land of the dead come to deliver ominous news. Although it wasn't cold, I had been unable to stop the shivering across my entire body since earlier.		In exactly the same way that I came, I noiselessly returned to my bedroom. Just beyond the window glass, an '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actias_artemis Oomizuao]' had stopped. A light blue moth about the size of my palm, like a messenger from the land of the dead come to deliver ominous news. Although it wasn't cold, I had been unable to stop the shivering across my entire body since earlier.

	What was I to do.		What was I to do.
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	In the next moment, despite there being no wind, the window frame began shaking and rattling. The shaking persistantly continued and, rather than settling down, grew steadily stronger. It was as if something outside were trying to tear the window out of it's frame.		In the next moment, despite there being no wind, the window frame began shaking and rattling. The shaking persistantly continued and, rather than settling down, grew steadily stronger. It was as if something outside were trying to tear the window out of it's frame.

	The sliding screen seemed to open of it's own will and, with a particularly furious sound closed again. I gasped.		The sliding screen seemed to open of it's own will and, with a particularly furious sound closed again. I gasped. Breathing became painful, as I attempted to pull air into my lungs. Ahh. It's no good. It's coming. It's coming. It's coming.....
	~~breathing~~ became painful, as I attempted to pull air into my lungs. Ahh. It's no good. It's coming. It's coming. It's coming.....

	Abruptly, within the room ~~all of the things,~~ with tremendous energy ~~began moving about~~. The chair and desk like a restive horse jumping, pens and pencils like arrows flew embedding themselves in the sliding door. The bed slowly began floating up into the air.		Abruptly, all of the objects within the room began movin about with tremendous energy. The chair and desk like a restive horse jumping, pens and pencils like arrows flew embedding themselves in the sliding door. The bed slowly began floating up into the air.

	I screamed.		I screamed.

	The sound of footsteps running this way in the corridor. The sound of my parents' voices calling my name. The sliding door, as though snapped apart ~~opened~~.		The sound of footsteps running this way in the corridor. The sound of my parents' voices calling my name. The sliding door opened as though being snapped apart.

	In the next instant, my parents lept into the room as though falling into a pile.		In the next instant, my parents lept into the room as though falling into a pile.
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	But, within my mind, the sound of my Mother bitterly screaming "I couldn't stand to loose another child!" continued to echo.		But, within my mind, the sound of my Mother bitterly screaming "I couldn't stand to loose another child!" continued to echo.


	~~End Chapter 2~~

	==Translation Notes==		==Translation Notes==

Dusanh: /* Chapter 2 */

2013-03-17T00:38:11Z

Chapter 2

Dusanh: /* Chapter 2 */

2013-03-16T20:30:28Z

Chapter 2

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:30, 16 March 2013
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	When tedious lessons and classwork came to be too much, we would wait for the fun play time of the afternoon. Furthermore, we had two whole days free on the weekends so, were able to run around in the fields to our hearts' content. In the period just after being admitted to Harmony Elementary, we went exploring along the gently bending waterway, at first looking around at every one of the thatch-roofed houses, but before long we came to be going as far as Kogane Village. With the coming of Autumn, the whole surface was covered with water striders, while Loach, Mosquito-Fish, and others swam underwater, with 'HelmetLobsters' stirring up the mud and eliminating weeds as they creeped along the river bottom. In the agricultural irrigation channels and reservoirs were insects such as ''FieldTurtles'', ''DrumBeaters'', ''AquaticPrayingMantis'' and ''DivingBeetles''<ref>Some of these animal and insect names are just literal descriptions from the Kanji used to spell them. I'm unsure how many are real things that were simply too obscure to show up in dicitonaries and how many were made up by the author</ref> along with fish such as Crucian Carp. The older children taught us to fish for crayfish using cuttlefish bait and cotton thread and, there were times when we would pass an entire day collecting buckets full of them.		When tedious lessons and classwork came to be too much, we would wait for the fun play time of the afternoon. Furthermore, we had two whole days free on the weekends so, were able to run around in the fields to our hearts' content. In the period just after being admitted to Harmony Elementary, we went exploring along the gently bending waterway, at first looking around at every one of the thatch-roofed houses, but before long we came to be going as far as Kogane Village. With the coming of Autumn, the whole surface was covered with water striders, while Loach, Mosquito-Fish, and others swam underwater, with 'HelmetLobsters' stirring up the mud and eliminating weeds as they creeped along the river bottom. In the agricultural irrigation channels and reservoirs were insects such as ''FieldTurtles'', ''DrumBeaters'', ''AquaticPrayingMantis'' and ''DivingBeetles''<ref>Some of these animal and insect names are just literal descriptions from the Kanji used to spell them. I'm unsure how many are real things that were simply too obscure to show up in dicitonaries and how many were made up by the author</ref> along with fish such as Crucian Carp. The older children taught us to fish for crayfish using cuttlefish bait and cotton thread and, there were times when we would pass an entire day collecting buckets full of them.

	The area surroundin Kogane Village also contained a great many birds. In Spring, the calls of the skylarks soaring through the high heavens would echo. Until the rice-plants finish growing with summer, many Scarlet Herons would arrive to hunt in the fields. Durring their winter mating season, the Scarlet Herons make nests in the nearby trees, and with the coming of fall, the chicks leave the nests all at once. No one would consider their calls astheticly pleasing, but the enormous hazy pink colored flocks of Scarlet Herons taking off were a magnificent sight to behold. In addition, although they rarely come to the ground, we often caught sight Great Kite Birds, Bulbuls, Chickadees, Turtledoves, FatSparrows, 3-winged Crows,<ref>'''3-winged Crows~~''' - 三羽鴉［サンバガラス］~~: I'm fairly certain this is not the best translation, but I'm unsure what would be better. If anyone knows of the proper English name for a real bird matching that Japanese word, throw me a PM on the forums, I'd be happy to make the correction. The same goes for '''~~Fat Sparrows~~''' - ~~膨雀［フクラスズメ］~~. -Dusanh</ref> and other such birds.		The area surroundin Kogane Village also contained a great many birds. In Spring, the calls of the skylarks soaring through the high heavens would echo. Until the rice-plants finish growing with summer, many Scarlet Herons would arrive to hunt in the fields. Durring their winter mating season, the Scarlet Herons make nests in the nearby trees, and with the coming of fall, the chicks leave the nests all at once. No one would consider their calls astheticly pleasing, but the enormous hazy pink colored flocks of Scarlet Herons taking off were a magnificent sight to behold. In addition, although they rarely come to the ground, we often caught sight Great Kite Birds, Bulbuls, Chickadees, Turtledoves, FatSparrows, 3-winged Crows,<ref>'''三羽鴉'''［サンバガラス］ - 3-winged Crows: I'm fairly certain this is not the best translation, but I'm unsure what would be better. If anyone knows of the proper English name for a real bird matching that Japanese word, throw me a PM on the forums, I'd be happy to make the correction. The same goes for '''膨雀'''［フクラスズメ］ - Fat Sparrows. -Dusanh</ref> and other such birds.

	Aside from birds, one would occasionally come across a ''Minoshiro''. They seemed to wander from the forest onto the paths amoung the ricefields in search of moss and small animals. ''Minoshiros'' were not only favored for their ability to improve the soil and kill harmful insects, but were treated with great care by farmers as messengers of god or lucky omens. In general they range in size from a few tens of cm to one meter, but there are also ''OniMinoshiro'' that can exceed two meters in size. The figure of a ''Minoshiro'', it's countless tentacles wiggling about and it's long body undulating as it advanced, possessed a dignity appropriate for the creature called a god-beast.<ref>0_o That is all.</ref>		Aside from birds, one would occasionally come across a ''Minoshiro''. They seemed to wander from the forest onto the paths amoung the ricefields in search of moss and small animals. ''Minoshiros'' were not only favored for their ability to improve the soil and kill harmful insects, but were treated with great care by farmers as messengers of god or lucky omens. In general they range in size from a few tens of cm to one meter, but there are also ''OniMinoshiro'' that can exceed two meters in size. The figure of a ''Minoshiro'', it's countless tentacles wiggling about and it's long body undulating as it advanced, possessed a dignity appropriate for the creature called a god-beast.<ref>0_o That is all.</ref>

	Other living things that collected faith in the same way are the 'Albino Japanese Rat Snake' <ref>'''白化型の青大将'''[Aodaishou] - (Albino)Japanese Rat Snake~~</br>~~		Other living things that collected faith in the same way are the 'Albino Japanese Rat Snake' <ref>'''白化型の青大将'''[Aodaishou] - (Albino)Japanese Rat Snake [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Rat_Snake Information] [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:JaIwakuniShiroHebi14CR.jpg Picture]</ref> and the 'Black Japanese Striped Snake', also called the 'Crow Snake'<ref>'''黒化型の縞蛇'''[Shimahebi] - (Blackened)Japanese Striped Snake
	[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Rat_Snake Information]~~</br>~~		[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_striped_snake Information] [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Elaphe_quadrivirgata%28blackened%29.jpg Picture]</ref> but, Minoshiros regrettably prey on both of these when they happen to meet. How the people of those different beliefs were able to maintain mutual relations in light of that truth is a mystery.
	[http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:JaIwakuniShiroHebi14CR.jpg Picture]</ref> and the 'Black Japanese Striped Snake', also called the 'Crow Snake'<ref>'''黒化型の縞蛇'''[Shimahebi] - (Blackened)Japanese Striped Snake~~</br>~~
	[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_striped_snake Information]~~</br>~~
	[http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Elaphe_quadrivirgata%28blackened%29.jpg Picture]</ref> but, Minoshiros regrettably prey on both of these when they happen to meet. How the people of those different beliefs were able to maintain mutual relations in light of that truth is a mystery.

	Upon reaching the upper grades, children go on an expedition-like trip starting from the westernmost tip of Kunugibayashi and heading directly south of Shirasuna, past the beautiful white sand* of Hasaki beach, and upstream on the Tone River along which flowers bloom in profusion all year round. At the waterside, spatula kingfishers & herons can be seen, and occasionally red-crested cranes would come flying. Searching amoung the reeds at the riverside for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Reed_Warbler Great Reed Warbler](ooyotsukiri) nests and heading up the mountain to search for ''HayThatcher''<ref>'''茅の巣作り'''[~~kayanosudzukuri~~] - HayThatcher: this does not appear to be a real bird. 'HayThatcher' is a descriptive translation using the Kanji in the Japanese name. Searching for information about the bird online only got me references to this book.</ref> nests was always a fun way to play. The ''False Eggs'' of the Haythatchers in particular, were a popular toy amoung prank-loving children.		Upon reaching the upper grades, children go on an expedition-like trip starting from the westernmost tip of Kunugibayashi and heading directly south of Shirasuna, past the beautiful white sand* of Hasaki beach, and upstream on the Tone River along which flowers bloom in profusion all year round. At the waterside, spatula kingfishers & herons can be seen, and occasionally red-crested cranes would come flying. Searching amoung the reeds at the riverside for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Reed_Warbler Great Reed Warbler](ooyotsukiri) nests and heading up the mountain to search for ''HayThatcher''<ref>'''茅の巣作り'''[Kayanosudzukuri] - HayThatcher: this does not appear to be a real bird. 'HayThatcher' is a descriptive translation using the Kanji in the Japanese name. Searching for information about the bird online only got me references to this book.</ref> nests was always a fun way to play. The ''False Eggs'' of the Haythatchers in particular, were a popular toy amoung prank-loving children.

	But, however rich in diversity it may appear to be, the true nature of the inside of the Holy Barrier was, after all, no more than what one might call a minerature garden. What I mean by this is that, in the past, there was a zoo in our town and, it might be said that, essentially, there was no difference between the inside and outside of it's fence. The Elephants, Lions and Giraffes that we saw were, as a matter of fact, ''FalseElephants'', ''NiseLions'' and ''TrickGiraffes''<ref>These animal names are all just the normal name with various prefixes and suffixes denoting falsehood tacked onto them.</ref> created by Jyuryoku and, if by some chance, they did escape from their cages, there wasn't any possibility of them inflicting harm on people.		But, however rich in diversity it may appear to be, the true nature of the inside of the Holy Barrier was, after all, no more than what one might call a minerature garden. What I mean by this is that, in the past, there was a zoo in our town and, it might be said that, essentially, there was no difference between the inside and outside of it's fence. The Elephants, Lions and Giraffes that we saw were, as a matter of fact, ''FalseElephants'', ''NiseLions'' and ''TrickGiraffes''<ref>These animal names are all just the normal name with various prefixes and suffixes denoting falsehood tacked onto them.</ref> created by Jyuryoku and, if by some chance, they did escape from their cages, there wasn't any possibility of them inflicting harm on people.
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	Also, the Cypress and Spruce trees that grow in the forest, by secreting a substance with an extremely potent scent to it, killed the mold spores, ticks, mites, and bacteria that are harmfull to human health.		Also, the Cypress and Spruce trees that grow in the forest, by secreting a substance with an extremely potent scent to it, killed the mold spores, ticks, mites, and bacteria that are harmfull to human health.

	When speaking about childhood, one thing that must not be forgotten are annual festivals events. In our town, there are a great number of festivals and other traditional events ~~that have been~~ handed down for generations, that produced the rythm of life(one's daily existence) of the various seasons.		When speaking about childhood, one thing that must not be forgotten are annual festivals and events. In our town, there are a great number of festivals and other traditional events handed down for generations, that produced the rythm of life(one's daily existence) of the various seasons.

	To give some examples, in spring 'Tsuina'~~(ceremony~~ of driving out evil spirits), rice-planting festival, and 'Hanashizume'(ancient flower)festival. In Summer are the Summer Festival (Monster Festival), the Fire Festival, and the 'Spirits of the Dead Meeting'. In Fall are the 'Hassaku'(8th 1st day of the Month) Festival and the 'Ninamesai'. Finally, speaking of things that remind me of Winter, are the Snow Festival, New Years Festival, and 'Sagichou'(LeftRighteousnessLong).		To give some examples, in spring 'Tsuina'<ref>'''追儺'''[Tsuina]: Ceremony of driving out evil spirits. There is a real version of this ceremony, and the one mentioned here is slightly different from it. If I have time, I may later do a proper translation of the [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%BF%BD%E5%84%BA Japanese Wikipedia article] about the real thing and point out how the two are different.</ref>, rice-planting festival, and 'Hanashizume'(ancient flower)festival. In Summer are the Summer Festival (Monster Festival), the Fire Festival, and the 'Spirits of the Dead Meeting'. In Fall are the 'Hassaku'(8th 1st day of the Month) Festival and the 'Ninamesai'. Finally, speaking of things that remind me of Winter, are the Snow Festival, New Years Festival, and 'Sagichou'(LeftRighteousnessLong).

	When I was young, the event most deeply and thuroughly engraved in my mind was the ceremony of 'Tsuina'.		When I was young, the event most deeply and thuroughly engraved in my mind was the ceremony of 'Tsuina'.
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	End Chapter 2		End Chapter 2


	==Translation Notes==		==Translation Notes==

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:38, 17 March 2013
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	When speaking about childhood, one thing that must not be forgotten are annual festivals and events. In our town, there are a great number of festivals and other traditional events handed down for generations, that produced the rythm of life(one's daily existence) of the various seasons.		When speaking about childhood, one thing that must not be forgotten are annual festivals and events. In our town, there are a great number of festivals and other traditional events handed down for generations, that produced the rythm of life(one's daily existence) of the various seasons.

	To give some examples, in spring 'Tsuina'<ref>'''追儺'''[Tsuina]: Ceremony of driving out evil spirits. There is a real version of this ceremony, and the one mentioned here is slightly different from it. If I have time, I may later do a proper translation of the [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%BF%BD%E5%84%BA Japanese Wikipedia article] about the real thing and point out how the two are different.</ref>, rice-planting festival, and 'Hanashizume'(ancient flower)festival. In Summer are the Summer Festival (Monster Festival), the Fire Festival, and the 'Spirits of the Dead Meeting'. In Fall are the 'Hassaku'(8th 1st day of the Month) Festival and the 'Ninamesai'. Finally, speaking of things that remind me of Winter, are the Snow Festival, New Years Festival, and 'Sagichou'~~(LeftRighteousnessLong)~~.		To give some examples, in spring 'Tsuina'<ref>'''追儺'''[Tsuina]: Ceremony of driving out evil spirits. There is a real version of this ceremony, and the one mentioned here is slightly different from it. If I have time, I may later do a proper translation of the [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%BF%BD%E5%84%BA Japanese Wikipedia article] about the real thing and point out how the two are different.</ref>, rice-planting festival, and 'Hanashizume'(ancient flower)festival. In Summer are the Summer Festival (Monster Festival), the Fire Festival, and the 'Spirits of the Dead Meeting'. In Fall are the 'Hassaku'(8th 1st day of the Month) Festival and the 'Ninamesai'. Finally, speaking of things that remind me of Winter, are the Snow Festival, New Years Festival, and 'Sagichou'.<ref>左義長［Sagichou］: I'm not sure what to call this in English. The kanji of the word mean 'Left', 'Righteousness', and 'Leader'. It does seem to be real, and I found [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B7%A6%E7%BE%A9%E9%95%B7 some information in Japanese], but I havn't gotten around to translating it yet. This also goes for [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%96%B0%E5%98%97%E7%A5%AD 新嘗祭][Ninamesai] and [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%85%AB%E6%9C%94%E7%A5%AD 八朔祭][Hatsusakumatsuri]</ref>

	When I was young, the event most deeply and thuroughly engraved in my mind was the ceremony of 'Tsuina'.		When I was young, the event most deeply and thuroughly engraved in my mind was the ceremony of 'Tsuina'.

	While the authenticity of the information is unknown, 'Tsuina', which hass also been called "Oniyarai", is said to be a traditional ceremony that has been held for 2000 years. ~~* Link to real thing or translation thereof *~~		While the authenticity of the information is unknown, 'Tsuina', which hass also been called "Oniyarai", is said to be a traditional ceremony that has been held for 2000 years.

	On the morning of the festival, we children too would assemble at the plaza. Wearing "Masks of Purity" painted with chalk made from partially dried clay, participated in the ceremony in the role of 'Shinshi'. From when I was very young, I could not help but be frightened by this ceremony. The reason is the appearance of masks representing two demons, and their unnecessairily grotesque appearance.		On the morning of the festival, we children too would assemble at the plaza. Wearing "Masks of Purity" painted with chalk made from partially dried clay, participated in the ceremony in the role of 'Shinshi'. From when I was very young, I could not help but be frightened by this ceremony. The reason is the appearance of masks representing two demons, and their unnecessairily grotesque appearance.
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	Of the masks off the two demons, the "Fiend" and the "Karmic Demon", the sight of the "Fiend" mask gave the impression of loud evil laughter. Later, after the ban on such information was lifted, I researched the origin of the ceremony but, in the end, things were not made clear. The most similar thing I found was, the ancient Noh Mask called 'Jiya' (The Serpent). This was one of three Noh Masks used to depict the transformation of a human into a demon. It seems this was the last stage in the sequence "Namanari"(Normal?) ==> "Wisdom" ==> "Serpent". On the other hand, the "Karmic Demon" mask in stark contrast, with an expression of terrifying anguish, was distorted as though melting, yet had not quite ceased to have the appearance off a human face.		Of the masks off the two demons, the "Fiend" and the "Karmic Demon", the sight of the "Fiend" mask gave the impression of loud evil laughter. Later, after the ban on such information was lifted, I researched the origin of the ceremony but, in the end, things were not made clear. The most similar thing I found was, the ancient Noh Mask called 'Jiya' (The Serpent). This was one of three Noh Masks used to depict the transformation of a human into a demon. It seems this was the last stage in the sequence "Namanari"(Normal?) ==> "Wisdom" ==> "Serpent". On the other hand, the "Karmic Demon" mask in stark contrast, with an expression of terrifying anguish, was distorted as though melting, yet had not quite ceased to have the appearance off a human face.

	The ceremony central to 'Tsuina', begins as follows. On ground of packed white sand, everyone gathered at the bonfire burning plaza and, to begin, 20 or 30 'Shinshi' appear, parading around while chanting "Oni Yaarai. Oni Yaarai."~~Explanation~~ in a peculiar tone.		The ceremony central to 'Tsuina', begins as follows. On ground of packed white sand, everyone gathered at the bonfire burning plaza and, to begin, 20 or 30 'Shinshi' appear, parading around while chanting "Oni Yaarai. Oni Yaarai." in a peculiar tone.

	Thereupon, ~~skillful from, Demon exorcising role in serves~~ 'Housoushi' makes his entrance. The 'Housoushi', his costume in accordance with ancient rites, carries a large halbred in his hands. However, more than anything else, the thing that draws attention is the 4-eyed golden mask that he wears.		Thereupon, the 'Housoushi' who serves in the role of the demon exorcist, skillfully makes his entrance. The 'Housoushi', his costume in accordance with ancient rites, carries a large halbred in his hands. However, more than anything else, the thing that draws attention is the 4-eyed golden mask that he wears.

	The 'Housoushi', along with the 'Shinshi's continues to chant "Oniyaarai", going round and round in circles, he scatters in every direction beans said to ward off calamity and malice. He may even throw them at the spectators but, the point has come to be to accept this while "pressing their hands together in prayer." ~~Beans spectators at also may throw at but, objective became thing is to accept it while "pressing one's hands together in prayer."~~		The 'Housoushi', along with the 'Shinshi's continues to chant "Oniyaarai", going round and round in circles, he scatters in every direction beans said to ward off calamity and malice. He may even throw them at the spectators but, the point has come to be to accept this while "pressing their hands together in prayer."

	From here, a dreadful scene quickly begins. The 'Housoushi' suddenly turns to look in the direction of the 'Shinshi' and, throws all of the remaining beans at them at once.		From here, a dreadful scene quickly begins. The 'Housoushi' suddenly turns to look in the direction of the 'Shinshi' and, throws all of the remaining beans at them at once.
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	While participating as one of the 'Shinshi', this scene was dreadful enough to leave me breathless. On at least one occasion, a 'Shinshi' right next to me was undexpectedly transformed into a 'Fiend'. While leaving behind the two Oni, the 'Shinshi' scatter in all directions as though taking flight but, all of them, I think, were without a doubt, driven into a real panic.		While participating as one of the 'Shinshi', this scene was dreadful enough to leave me breathless. On at least one occasion, a 'Shinshi' right next to me was undexpectedly transformed into a 'Fiend'. While leaving behind the two Oni, the 'Shinshi' scatter in all directions as though taking flight but, all of them, I think, were without a doubt, driven into a real panic.

	The 'Housoushi' then drives away the two Demons with his halbred while chanting "Impurity, Out."~~Explanation~~ The Demons put up a manner of opposition appropriate to their type but, with everyone chanting "Impurity, Out" in unison, are driven away towards some unseen place, and the ceremony finally comes to an end.		The 'Housoushi' then drives away the two Demons with his halbred while chanting "Impurity, Out."<ref>"'''Impurity, Out'''" 「穢れは、そとへ」 along with the earlier "Impurity is, Within" 「穢れは、うちに」 are sentence fragments of a type quite annoying to translate. They do not contain any verb, but do have 'particles' limiting what kind of verb could be used. There is no easy way to imply the meaning of the verb without actually stating it in English using so few words. As a result, any translation will either give confusingly little information, or too much (with the extra filled in by guessing). In the case of "Impurity, Within" I went with the extra information since the implied verb is one of 'being'. Japanese has several of these but English does not, so pretty much all of the possibilities would translate to 'is'. In the case of "Impurity, Out" the implied verb is one of 'motion'. Any verb indicating a type of movement physically possible for a person/demon could go in the blank, so I hesitate to simply fill it in with a guess. Sorry if that ended up being too much information. >_< </ref> The Demons put up a manner of opposition appropriate to their type but, with everyone chanting "Impurity, Out" in unison, are driven away towards some unseen place, and the ceremony finally comes to an end.

	Even now I remember the shiver I felt one time upon seeing Satoru's face as he removed the 'Shinshi' mask.		Even now I remember the shiver I felt one time upon seeing Satoru's face as he removed the 'Shinshi' mask.
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	My childhood was no exception to that but, Ironically, my worry at that time was that it was lasting just a little bit too long.		My childhood was no exception to that but, Ironically, my worry at that time was that it was lasting just a little bit too long.

	As I said previously, graduation times from Harmony Elementary differed from one person to another. The first of the class to graduate was Shun. This boy, who more than anyone else had good grades and intelegent ~~and~~ mature looking eyes, was one day unexpectedly no longer present. Our homeroom teacher Sanada-Sensei, while facing the remaining students, triumphantly informed us of Shun's graduation.		As I said previously, graduation times from Harmony Elementary differed from one person to another. The first of the class to graduate was Shun. This boy, who more than anyone else had good grades and intelegent, mature looking eyes, was one day unexpectedly no longer present. Our homeroom teacher Sanada-Sensei, while facing the remaining students, triumphantly informed us of Shun's graduation.

	After that, wanting to quickly graduate and go to the same school as Shun became my sole desire. However, while my classmates continued to leave one at a time, my turn never seemed to come. Even my close friend Maria went ahead, my feelings when left alone at that time, however long I might spend explaining, I doubt I could possibly confer them sufficiently.		After that, wanting to quickly graduate and go to the same school as Shun became my sole desire. However, while my classmates continued to leave one at a time, my turn never seemed to come. Even my close friend Maria went ahead, my feelings when left alone at that time, however long I might spend explaining, I doubt I could possibly confer them sufficiently.