English translation of the prose
AI-assisted English translation of the prose; quoted poems remain in Japanese. The Japanese original remains authoritative.
Originally published:
This is material published on the Japanese website. Dates and notices in the text describe the circumstances at the time of its original publication.
The prose is translated into English. The four tanka are retained in Japanese.
Dear Jun Hayama,
For today's Bon dance, I will aim to arrive at the gymnasium at about 12:30. I considered bringing a bouquet, perhaps one for 清水さん as well, but decided to do nothing: it would be unfortunate if it gave people cause for all sorts of speculation. You will sing with such overwhelming force that you command the whole venue. I think that is all that matters. So I am coming, not to size up your performance, but with the feeling of watching my younger sister appear in a school show. I offer you these four tanka.
幾月夜遺る唄かと思いつつ
永久に遺れと祈りつ観るかや
唄方の漕ぎゆく舟に竿さしつ
上方人の盆なつかしむ
母たちの踊り廻れる噴水の
ロータリー知る者哀しや吾のみ
君もまた母なればこそ見せたき汝が姿
想いつ勤しむ汝が子を赦さむ
High summer, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Seishu
Original wording, author credits, notes and source materials are preserved there.