他人の夏The Summer of Others

Read a sample in Japanese

What you'll learn

In a coastal town overwhelmed by summer tourists, high school student Shinichi works at a gas station. One night after work, he goes swimming and encounters a young woman who seems intent on drowning herself. He shares his father's philosophy about respecting others' choices, revealing that his father committed suicide. The next day, the woman visits his gas station, thanks him, and drives away.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てしまう N4Indicates completion or regrettable action.
  夏のあいだじゅう、町は人口も倍近くにふくれあがり、海水浴の客たちがすっかり町を占領して、夜も昼も、うきうきとそうぞうしい。
• ～かもしれない N4Expresses possibility: 'might' or 'maybe'.
  ただ、なんとなく女を自分とつなぎとめておきたかったのかもしれない。
• ～のだ N4Provides explanation or emphasis.
  都会から、らくに日帰りができるという距離のせいか、避暑客たちが山のように押し寄せてくるのだ。

Cultural notes

• Summer Resort Towns in JapanCoastal towns like the one in the story experience a seasonal influx of tourists from large cities. This phenomenon is common in Japan, where many people escape the heat of urban areas to enjoy beaches and resort activities during summer holidays.
• Noctiluca (夜光虫)Noctiluca are bioluminescent marine plankton that emit a blue-green light when disturbed. They are often seen in Japanese coastal waters during summer, creating a magical effect. The phenomenon is called 'night light' and is a popular natural spectacle.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storycoming of agealienationsummermelancholynostalgicaozora bunko〜んですexplanatory (んだ / のだ)〜かもしれないmight / maybe〜てしまうended up (regret)