作品Free Graded Reading
他人の夏The Summer of Others
Tanin no Natsu
by 山川 方夫 · Yamakawa Masao
JLPT N2Short StoryQuiz ready
A local boy feels like a stranger in his own hometown during tourist season - then meets someone mysterious.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnIn 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.
Language difficultyAdvanced · 72/100
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 避暑客 (ひしょきゃく) | summer visitor; vacationer |
|---|---|
| 夜光虫 (やこうちゅう) | Noctiluca; phosphorescent plankton |
| 銛 (もり) | harpoon |
| 自殺 (じさつ) | suicide |
| 底引き網 (そこびきあみ) | bottom trawl net |
Grammar points you'll meet
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
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.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhy does Shinichi work at the gas station during summer?
- To support his family
- To save money for high school
- To avoid tourists
- To meet the woman
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to descriptive language that sets the atmosphere of the seaside town and the summer heat.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in Japanese海岸のその町は、夏になると、急に他人の町になってしまう。――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。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。その年も、いつのまにか夏がきてしまっていた。ぞくぞくと都会からの海水浴の客たちがつめかけ、例年どおり町をわがもの顔に歩きまわる。大きく背中をあけた水着にサンダルの女。ウクレレを持ったサン・グラスの男たち。写真機をぶらさげ子どもをかかえた家族連れ。真赤なショート・パンツに太腿をむきだしにした麦藁帽の若い女たち。そんな人びとの高い笑い声に、自動車の警笛が不断の伴奏のように鳴りつづける。
Read the full text with furigana + instant lookups in Yomimaru →
Topics
More N2 reads
