質屋の通帳The Pawnshop Passbook

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What you'll learn

The narrator recalls a visit from a young writer named K, who awkwardly asks to borrow a pawnshop passbook to pawn his haori. The narrator does not have one, leading to an embarrassing conversation. Later, the narrator's friend Dr. U comments on the cultural significance of pawnshop passbooks for artists.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てゐる (archaic form of ～ている) N3Progressive or state. In classical/literary style, てゐる is used instead of ている.
  京都に住んでゐた頃、たしか花時の事だつたと思ひます。
• ～やうだ (ようだ) - seem, appear N4Expresses conjecture or resemblance based on appearance.
  初めて伺つて、失礼な事を申すやうですが、
• ～ながら (while, although) N3Indicates simultaneous action or a contrasting state.
  高名な画家の住居にしては、見すぼらし過ぎる家だなと思ひ乍ら、
• ～てしまう (finish, regret) N4Indicates completion or an unfortunate result.
  断られてしまひました。

Cultural notes

• Pawnshop Passbooks in JapanPawnshop passbooks (質屋の通帳) were used to record transactions with pawnshops. They were common household items, especially among those who needed quick cash. Artists often used them as a practical tool for managing finances.
• 谷口靄山 and the Painter's House谷口靄山 (Taniguchi Aizan, 1807-1883) was a notable Japanese painter of the Nanga school. The house described in the text was his former residence, which had historical significance but had fallen into disrepair.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storycuriositysocial observationnostalgichumorousaozora bunko〜ているte iru〜ながらnagara〜てしまうte shimau