作品Free Graded Reading
蘭丸の絵Ranmaru's Picture
Ranmaru no E
by 牧野 信一 · Makino Shin'ichi
A boy's obsession with fake tattoos leads to trouble.
About this story
About this storyA boy recalls the fad of water-transfer pictures in his childhood and an encounter with a friend.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in JapaneseWhat you'll learn
What you'll learnThe narrator introduces the childhood trend of 'utshie' temporary tattoos. He describes the process and the excitement among children.
The narrator becomes obsessed with obtaining a temporary tattoo of Ranmaru. He vows to find it himself but eventually gives in and asks Hamada to join his group.
The narrator hosts Hamada and friends at his house while his mother is out. He becomes obsessed with applying the Ranmaru tattoo, pressing it painfully in hopes it will transfer perfectly.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 写絵 (うつしえ) | temporary tattoo (transfer picture) |
|---|---|
| 蘭丸 (らんまる) | Mori Ranmaru (historical figure) |
| 貼付ける (はりつける) | to attach, to stick on |
| 癪に障る (しゃくにさわる) | to get on one's nerves, to irritate |
| 空頼 (そらだのみ) | vain hope, wishful thinking |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～てしまう N4Indicates completion of an action, often with a nuance of regret or finality.その絵がそのまゝ腕に写つてしまふのです。
- ～ておく N4To do something in advance or leave something as is.こんなのを腕に貼つとけば他の者が羨ましがるぜ。
- ～てくれる N4Indicates someone does a favor for the speaker.どうしても浜田が来て呉れとまで云ふので、渋々ながら降りて行つた。
- ～のだ N2Provides explanation or emphasis.写絵といふものが非常に流行しました。
- ～ように N4Expresses resemblance or purpose.まるで芝居にでも出て来る強い若武者を目の当りに見るやうに感じられた。
- ～ばかり N4Indicates 'only', 'just', or 'about to'.未だ此方に蘭丸や牛若丸や沢山あるんだけれど、そんなのをやらないばつかりだ。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- 写絵 (Utsushie) – Temporary TattoosIn early 20th century Japan, children enjoyed 'utshie' – pictures printed on paper that could be transferred onto skin by wetting and pressing. This was a popular pastime, and rare or beautiful designs were highly coveted.
- 森蘭丸 (Mori Ranmaru)A famous historical figure, Mori Ranmaru was a young retainer of Oda Nobunaga. He died at the Honnō-ji Incident in 1582, defending Nobunaga. Known for his beauty and loyalty, he became a romanticized figure in Japanese culture.
- 本能寺の変 (Honnō-ji Incident)The incident where Oda Nobunaga was betrayed by his general Akechi Mitsuhide and forced to commit suicide at Honnō-ji temple. This event is heavily romanticized in Japanese literature and drama.
- 浅草 (Asakusa)A district in Tokyo, famous for its entertainment and shopping areas. In the story, Asakusa is where the rare temporary tattoos are sold.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat is the narrator's main feeling about the temporary tattoos at the beginning of the story?
- He loves them and finds them fascinating.
- He dislikes them because his mother scolds him.
- He is indifferent to them.
- He thinks they are dangerous.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to the archaic verb endings like ～たつた (instead of ～った) and ～居る (iru) as ゐる. These are characteristic of older written Japanese.
Topics & grammar
Topics & grammar
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