Blue Literature
THE SPIDER'S THREAD
Host Sakai Masato
In the Taisho era, there was one young author who was renowned as a prodigy
for his elegant writing style and articulately composed stories.
Prodigy
That was Ryunosuke Akutagawa.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa
At the young age of 23, he published "The Nose".
The Nose
Upon reading the work, Soseki Natsume wrote the following in his letter to Akutagawa:
"I found your story very interesting. I admire your work.
"You will be a unique writer in the literary world."
As a friend, Kan Kikuchi acclaimed Akutagawa's works
Kan Kikuchi
Akutagawa Prize
and established the Akutagawa Prize.
It's still seen as a gateway to success for many young authors.
It's said that even Osamu Dazai showed admiration for Akutagawa.
Dazai Osamu
The work this renowned prodigy published when he was twenty-seven
The Spider's Thread Akutagawa's first children's book, published in 1918
is this book, "The Spider's Thread".
It was his first literary work aimed at children.
It was highly praised as a noticeably prominent work even among the Taisho fairy tales.
Prominent work even among the Taisho fairy tales
The masterpieces are blue.
The masterpieces are blue
Please enjoy "The Spider's Thread".
THE SPIDER'S THREAD
All hail the King!
You're-
That's right.
I'm Kandata.
I... I have money.
Take as-
I will.
Shut up.
Someone...
Someone help!
Some...
Oh, man.
I told you to shut up.
Here they come.
There he is!
This is fun.
Seize him!
I'm over here!
This is no game!
Who wants to die next?
There he is!
Don't let him get away!
Mommy, I'm gonna go see the parade.
Don't stay out too late.
I know!
Sorry, mister!
I'm hungry.
Hey!
Get me some food.
Make way for the King.
This day is a truly joyous day for our country.
After a century of time, our country is walking the path to prosperity.
It is a truly and extremely joyous day.
All hail the King!
So fucking noisy.
Thank you, my people.
Having said that, my country is still small.
Let us all join hands, cooperate, cheer each other on, and wish for even greater prosperity.
May patriotism and loyalty be shown by all, and days that...
An intruder!
Who be you?!
Me?
I'm Lord Kandata.
And what do you, Kandata want?
You are rude.
No you're fucking rude.
You're so fucking loud!
What do you mean?
This is my parade.
You dare to call me rude?
King, do not be bothered with this man.
Where are the gunners?! What are they doing?!
Do something about him!
Outta my fucking way!
It's about time this joke came to an end!
All hail Lord Kandata!
How dare you call me a joke when you are one yourself?
That fool insulted my parade.
I cannot forgive that monster!
Never!!
Sir, have you paid?
Kandata!
That was good.
Why is he here?
Move it! Move it!
Is it you?
Are you the criminal named Kandata?
I see, you do look like a criminal.
Who the fuck are you?
Me?
I see, you want to know my name?
I see, is that so?
My name is-
I look like a criminal?
Take a look in the damn mirror.
Give me...
Give me back my mommy.
Sorry.
Hey!
Get me some food.
My...
My mommy.
You... fucking son of a...
There's Kandata!
Goddammit!
Ow...
Fuck...
Ow...
A spider?
Aren't you afraid of me?
Don't you know how evil I am?
Like you understand.
You're small, but I'm sure you have a life.
No matter how small, taking it away like it's nothing would be just too damn sad.
Eh?
What am I? A priest?
I'm going crazy 'cause of that kid.
Ow...
Well...
I guess it's time I leave.
See ya.
Blue Literature
THE SPIDER'S THREAD
My people!
Behold!
A pitiful man who has reduced himself to a brute.
And you all know his name very well.
Kandata.
The crimes he has committed are so great that I couldn't possibly list them now.
Above all, since he tried to kill me, the King, he must be prepared to fall to hell.
Kill him!
Give him what he deserves!
See you in hell!
In hell?
So you're coming too?
How many did you kill?
Kill him!
What's so funny?
Do you not fear death?
Why not beg for your life?
You must be kidding.
Then what does it mean to be alive?
There's nothing great about living in a world like this.
You live a worthless life every single fucking day until you die.
And I'd beg for something so worthless?
I don't care about this world.
Nada.
I'm so happy you put on such an amazing ceremony for a pitiful guy like me.
Hell, I'm honored.
Thanks a ton.
You psychopath!
Let's get this started.
I'm getting tired here.
Silence!
I'll send you straight to Hell.
Now!
What the...
Where am I?
What the fuck?!
What are you doing?!
Stop!
You... murderer.
Murderer!
What the...
What the fuck?!
What's so funny?
Shut up! Shut up!
Stay back!
Fuck!
What the fuck's going on?
What the fuck is this place?
Kandata!
Welcome to Hell.
Someone...
Save me!!
A spider's thread!
I can make it.
If I just keep climbing...
Me too...
Save me too.
Stay back!
Fuck!
Me too...
Me too... Me too... Me too...
Stay back!
This spider's thread is mine!
Who said you could use it too?!
Get off! Get off!
Blue Literature
Ryunosuke Akutagawa's HELL SCREEN right after the break.