赤い蝋燭Red Candle

What you'll learn

A monkey finds a red candle and mistakes it for a firework, causing excitement among the animals. They plan to launch it at night, but when a boar finally lights it, it simply burns quietly.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てはいけない N5Must not, not allowed to
  危い危い。そんなに近よってはいけない。
• ～てしまう N4Indicates completion or regret
  猿は赤い蝋燭を花火だと思い込んでしまいました。
• ～たことがある N5Experience of doing something
  花火などというものは、まだ一度も見たことがありません。
• ～のだ N3Explanatory or emphatic nuance
  その花火を猿が拾って来たというのであります。
• ～ことになる N3It has been decided that, results in
  いよいよこれから花火を打上げることになりました。
• ～ばかり N3Just, only, nothing but
  しかし蝋燭はぽんともいわずに静かに燃えているばかりでした。

Cultural notes

• Japanese Fireworks (Hanabi)Fireworks are a beloved summer tradition in Japan, often associated with festivals and gatherings. The story plays on the contrast between the expected spectacular display and the quiet reality of a candle.
• Animal Folklore in JapanJapanese folktales often feature animals like monkeys, tanuki (raccoon dogs), and foxes as characters. This story echoes the tradition of anthropomorphized animals with distinct personalities.
• Red Candles in Japanese CultureRed candles are sometimes used in Japanese Buddhist rituals or as festive items. The monkey's confusion highlights the mundane nature of the object.

Try a comprehension question

Read a sample in Japanese

Topics

Short Storychildrenimaginationinnocenceheartwarminghumorousaozora bunko