銀座幽霊The Ginza Ghost

What you'll learn

A murder occurs in a tobacco shop. The owner Fusae is seen by cafe waitresses killing her employee Sumiko, but later Fusae is found dead in a closet. The medical examiner reveals Fusae died before Sumiko, creating a paradox.

The police investigation begins. Alibis are checked, and Tatsujiro has an alibi. Kimiko's testimony is taken. The police are baffled and consider various theories, including Kimiko being the murderer, but time constraints make it impossible. The case seems unsolvable until a call from a cafe manager claims to have found the ghost's identity.

The cafe manager Nishimura invites the police to the cafe, claiming he will show them the ghost. The chapter sets up the reveal of the solution.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～ては (conditional) N3Indicates repetition or pattern; here it means 'whenever' or 'each time'.
  時とすると、窓の硝子扉へ、あられもない影法師のうつることさえあった。
• ～ことなしに N1Means 'without doing something'. Used in formal writing.
  そのうちの一人は、交番へ飛んでいった。あとの二人がすっかり酔もさめはててうろうろしていると、

Cultural notes

• GinzaA famous upscale shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo, known for its neon lights, jazz clubs, and vibrant nightlife. The story is set in a side street of Ginza.
• Jazz in Post-War JapanJazz music became popular in Japan after World War II, and jazz cafes and bars were common in places like Ginza. The story mentions jazz multiple times, setting the atmosphere.

Try a comprehension question

Read a sample in Japanese

Topics

Short Storymysteryghost storysupernaturalurban legendeeriesuspensefulaozora bunko