妖怪記The Yōkai Record

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What you'll learn

Osa experiences strange supernatural events in her home. A traveling monk gives her a wooden talisman, warning of a curse after 18 years. When a group of samurai demand lodging and her daughter's company, Osa burns the talisman, revealing the samurai to be monkeys.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• 〜てしまう N4Indicates completion or regret of an action. Here used for 'burns completely'.
  お作はその紐を引きちぎって袋ごと火の中へ投げ入れた。
• 〜ながら N3Means 'while doing' two actions simultaneously.
  旅僧は何か唱えながらそれを地炉の火に入れた。
• 〜ず N3Archaic negative form, equivalent to 〜ないで. Means 'without doing'.
  彼女はおっちりともせずに夜を明かし
• 〜かもしれない N4Means 'might, perhaps, maybe'.
  ついすると、十八年目に祟りをするかも知れん

Cultural notes

• Exorcism (お加持)A Buddhist ritual to drive away evil spirits. The monk performs a simple exorcism by burning paper and chanting.
• Pilgrim's Staff (錫杖)A metal staff with rings carried by Buddhist monks, often used during begging or to announce presence.
• Offering Millet Cakes (黍の餅)Millet cakes are a traditional Japanese food, often offered to travelers or monks as alms.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storyfolkloreghost storysupernaturalfeareeriesuspenseful〜かもしれないkamo shirenai · might / maybe〜ながらnagara · while (doing both)〜てしまうte shimau · ended up (regret)〜ずzu · without / not (literary)