作品Free Graded Reading
選挙殺人事件The Election Murder Case
Senkyo Satsujin Jiken
by 坂口 安吾 · Sakaguchi Ango
JLPT N1Short StoryQuiz ready
A candidate is murdered during election season.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnReporter 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.
Language difficultyAdvanced · 78/100
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 選挙 (せんきょ) | election |
|---|---|
| 素ットンキョウ (すっとんきょう) | absent-minded laugh |
| ポチャ〳〵 (ポチャポチャ) | plump and cute (onomatopoeia) |
| サクラ | decoy; hired applauder |
| モウケ頭 (もうけがしら) | profit leader; successful businessman |
Grammar points you'll meet
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
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.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhy does Kankichi think Sanko is running for election?
- He genuinely wants to become a politician.
- He is using it as a front for something else.
- He is politically ambitious and well-connected.
- He wants to promote his furniture business.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to the narrator's inner thoughts and deductions—they guide the mystery.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in Japanese三高木工所の戸口には、「選挙中休業」のハリガミがでている。候補者の主人はそれですむであろうが、従業員は困るだろう。近所の噂をきいてみると、「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。みんな選挙運動に掛りきりですから、商売は休業でも多忙をきわめているのですよ」という話であった。三高吉太郎という人物は、終戦後この土地へ現れて冷蔵庫を造って当てた。今では職人も使って木製の家具類を造り、このへんではモウケ頭の方だ。しかし、この立候補でモトのモクアミになるんじゃないかと近所の取沙汰であった。代議士に当選すれば金になるかも知れないが、立候補だけでは金になる筈がない。店の宣伝という手もあるが、冷蔵庫やタンス製造という商売にはキキメがないだろう。「つまり政治狂というヤツだな」誰しもこう考えるにきまっているが、これが、どうも、そうらしくない。
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