壊れたバリコンThe Broken Variable Capacitor

What you'll learn

A radio amateur recalls how he received a distress signal from a stranger named Hayao, who claims to have discovered a secret enemy base in the mountains. He rushes to inform the military police, leading to a tense night of communication and investigation.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～のです N5Explanatory 'no da' to provide reason or explanation.
  それは弱ったな、此の頃はトント素晴らしい受信機の発明もないのでネ。
• ～てしまう N4Expresses completion or regret of an action.
  今日は思い切って、そいつを御話してしまうことに致しましょうか。
• ～なければならない N3Expresses obligation: 'must do'.
  貴方は当然私に答えて下さらなければならないのです。
• ～という N4Quotation or definition: 'that', 'called'.
  ストロボダインという新受信機が大分おおげさに吹聴してあったようですね。
• ～かもしれない N4Expresses possibility: 'might', 'may'.
  火星か金星かにぶつかってそこに棲んでいる生物から前代未聞の怪しげな応答信号が僕に向って発せられるかも知れない。

Cultural notes

• Pre-war Japanese Radio HobbyistsIn the 1930s, amateur radio (ham radio) was a popular hobby in Japan, with enthusiasts building their own receivers and transmitters. The story reflects this era, highlighting the fascination with shortwave and the thrill of receiving distant signals.
• The Military and Espionage in Pre-war JapanThe story involves the Kempeitai (military police) and foreign spies, mirroring the tense international atmosphere leading up to WWII. The protagonist's race to report the secret base underscores the era's security concerns.

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Read a sample in Japanese

Topics

Short Storyghost storyfatemysteryeerienostalgicaozora bunko