選挙殺人事件The Election Murder Case

Read a sample in Japanese

What you'll learn

Reporter Kankichi investigates candidate Sanko Yoshitaro, who seems to be running a bizarre election campaign. He follows Sanko to a red-light district and a cherry blossom viewing, observing odd behavior including a fight and Sanko crying. Later, a headless corpse is found near Sanko's workshop, and a suspicious man named Emura disappears.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～たって N3Casual form of ～ても, meaning 'even if' or 'although'.
  従業員たって、小僧のようなのも合わせて七八人の事ですよ。
• ～からには N3Since; now that; because.
  他人の票を奪うからには、それだけの顔も力もなければならぬ。
• ～が最後 N1Once something happens, then...; often implies an irreversible outcome.
  あの人なら貸したが最後、返さないわよ。
• ～しまつだ N1End up doing; the situation is such that... (often negative outcome).
  途方もないことを口走るシマツになった。
• ～たところで N1Even if; no matter how; regardless.
  直接本人に当ったところで、本音はきける筈がない。

Cultural notes

• Japanese Election CampaignsIn Japan, election campaigns have strict regulations. Candidates often put up signs, give speeches on street corners, and employ campaign workers. 'Sakura' (cherry blossoms) also refers to hired applauders or decoys. The story shows a candidate using unconventional tactics like speaking in red-light districts.
• Panpan GirlsAfter WWII, 'panpan' were street prostitutes who catered to Allied soldiers. They were often seen in red-light districts. The story mentions a 'パンパン街' (panpan street) where the candidate gives a speech.
• Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of cherry blossoms. People often have picnics and drink sake under the trees. In the story, the candidate gives a speech at a hanami spot, attracting a drunken crowd.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storymysterycrimeambitionsuspensefulphilosophical〜が最後once you do, that's it〜たところでeven if (futile)