気のいい火山弾The Good-Natured Volcanic Bomb

Read a sample in Japanese

What you'll learn

The story introduces Bego, a round volcanic rock, who is repeatedly teased by angular rocks and plants for his shape and gentle nature. Despite the mockery, Bego remains calm. Later, scientists discover Bego is a perfect volcanic bomb specimen and take him away to a museum.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てしまう N4Indicates completion of an action, often with regret or emphasis
  苔は、むしられて泣きました。火山弾はからだを、ていねいに、きれいな藁や、むしろに包まれながら、云いました。
• ～なければなりません N4Must do something; obligation
  私共は、みんな、自分でできることをしなければなりません。
• ～たことがある N5Indicates experience of doing something
  一ぺんも怒ったことがないのでした。
• ～かもしれない N4Indicates possibility; might be
  お前さんも、ことによったら、臆病のためかも知れないよ。

Cultural notes

• Kenji Miyazawa's AnthropomorphismMiyazawa often gives human traits to natural objects, as seen here with the volcanic rock Bego and other plants and stones. This reflects a Shinto-influenced worldview where spirits reside in nature.
• Volcanic Bombs in Japanese GeologyA volcanic bomb is a pyroclastic rock that cools during flight from a volcano. Japan has many volcanoes, and such rocks are studied. The story reflects a scientific appreciation for natural objects.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storychildrenkindnessperseveranceheartwarminghumorous〜たことがあるta koto ga aru · have done before (experience)〜かもしれないkamo shirenai · might / maybe〜てしまうte shimau · ended up (regret)