四十不惑Forty and Unconfused

What you'll learn

The protagonist, a 41-year-old department head, is reminded by his wife on his 40th birthday to be 'without confusion' regarding women. He oversees a group of young typists, including the beautiful Koshiko, who ask him to teach them English. Though initially hesitant, he eventually agrees after Koshiko visits his home to persuade his wife.

The protagonist teaches English to the typists, while his wife begins teaching tea ceremony to Koshiko. The wife reveals her strategy: by keeping Koshiko close, she can monitor her husband's attraction. The protagonist reluctantly starts learning tea ceremony alongside Koshiko.

A young man follows Koshiko home, claiming he recognized a sash (obi) she was wearing as his own artwork. He explains he painted a pattern of hibiscus flowers on the obi and wanted to meet its owner. The protagonist chases him off, but the incident deepens the intrigue around Koshiko.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～て下さい N5Please do ~ (polite request)
  迷わないで下さい
• ～てしまう N4to complete; to do something regrettable/unexpected
  思ったことがつい口に出てしまう
• ～てから N5after doing ~
  考えてから
• ～という N4called; that is called
  四十にして惑わずと申しますから
• ～かもしれない N4might; perhaps
  まだその辺にいるかも知れません

Cultural notes

• Tea Ceremony (茶道)The tea ceremony (chado) is a traditional Japanese ritual involving the preparation and consumption of matcha (powdered green tea). It emphasizes aesthetics, discipline, and hospitality. The wife's enthusiasm for teaching tea ceremony reflects its cultural importance as a refined accomplishment for women in Japan.
• Forty Without Confusion (四十にして惑わず)This phrase originates from Confucius's Analects, meaning 'At forty, I had no doubts.' It is often used as a milestone for maturity and self-assurance. The wife repeatedly references it to remind her husband to avoid romantic temptations.

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Read a sample in Japanese

Topics

Short Storycomedymidlifefidelityhumorousaozora bunko