名勝地帯Scenic Zone

What you'll learn

The story introduces a scenic area near Mt. Fuji and a lake where farmer Yonekichi Kogura builds a toilet without permission. The police fine him, leading to conflict. Later, when pigeons eat his crops, he shoots them, but the police investigate.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てやがる N1Vulgar, contemptuous form of ～ている, used to express disdain for someone's action.
  何ぬかしヤがんだい！
• ～というのに N3Even though, despite (indicating contrast or unexpected result).
  自分の住家の前に便所を建てていけないというに到っては、別荘も、別邸もあったもんじゃなかった。
• ～てくれ N4Request form: 'please do for me' (casual).
  一寸、警察まで来て呉れ。
• ～なければならない N3Must, have to (obligation).
  何故、あの林に這入って、勝手に、必要なものを伐ってはいけないのか！　それを考えると、不思議な気がした。

Cultural notes

• Imperial and Prefectural Forests (御料林・県有林)In pre-modern and early modern Japan, large forested areas were designated as imperial forests (御料林) or prefectural forests (県有林). These were strictly protected, and local farmers were prohibited from cutting trees or collecting wood, even for personal use. This often caused resentment among rural communities.
• Scenic Areas and National Parks (名勝地帯・国立公園)The text mentions the area being a 'scenic zone' and later expected to become a national park. Japan's national park system began in 1931 with the National Parks Law. Such designations brought prestige but also restrictions on land use, affecting local farmers.
• Police and Fines for Unauthorized ConstructionIn the Meiji and Showa periods, police had broad authority to issue fines for minor infractions like unauthorized building, which was seen as detrimental to 'scenic beauty.' This reflects the strict enforcement of regulations in scenic areas.

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Topics

Short Storypovertyinjusticehumorousdarkaozora bunko