Blue Literature
Aoi Bungaku
THE SPIDER'S THREAD
During the Taisho era (1912-1926),
Host Sakai Masato
there was a talented young writer whose brilliant style
and carefully constructed stories led to him being called a genius.
His name was Akutagawa Ryuunosuke.
Akutagawa Ryuunosuke
National Diet Library
When he was just 23, he published a short story called "Nose".
When Natsume Souseki read it, he wrote to Akutagawa and said:
Natsume Souseki
"Your story is very interesting.
I admire it."
His friend Kikuchi Kan honored Akutagawa's achievements
Kikuchi Kan
Nagasaki University Library Economics Department
by establishing the Akutagawa Prize.
Even now, it is considered a great honor for new writers.
Furthermore, Dazai Osamu also admired Akutagawa.
When he was 26, the young genius Akutagawa
published this work, "The Spider's Thread."
Akutagawa's first children's book, published in 1918
He created the idea of literature for children.
Critics praised it as a shining example, even among Taisho-era fairy tales.
They are evergreen because they are masterpieces.
"The Spider's Thread."
Please watch.
THE SPIDER'S THREAD
You are...
That's right.
I'm Kandata.
I-I have money.
Take as much as you—
I'll take it all.
Don't make a fuss.
S-Somebody!
Somebody help us!
Somebody...
Ah.
I told you not to make a fuss.
Here they come.
There he is!
Interesting.
Don't let him get away!
Hey, this way!
Don't screw around with us!
Who wants to die next?
Over there.
Don't let him get away!
Mother, I'm going to watch the ceremony.
Don't come back late.
I know.
Sorry, mister.
I'm hungry.
Hey.
Give me something to eat.
All hail the Emperor!
Today is truly a day worth celebrating in our country,
a day of good fortune.
For more than a hundred years, our country has been on the road to prosperity.
This is worth celebrating. It should be a cause of great joy.
All hail the Emperor!
They're noisy.
Thank you, my friends.
In spite of that, our country is still small.
We must join hands together from now on,
help each other out, encourage each other,
and try to bring even greater prosperity to our country.
Counting on the patriotism and loyalty of all citizens,
and...
the days to come...
He's a villain.
Wh-Who are you?
Me?
I'm Kandata.
What do you want, Kandata?
You're rude!
You're the rude one, making all this noise.
What are you saying?
This parade is supposed to be celebrating me.
What do you mean, "You're rude"?
My Lord, pay no attention to this rude person.
Wh-Wh-Where are the guards?
Do something about him quickly!
Get out of my way!
Stop this foolish ruckus already!
All hail Kandata!
I don't deserve to be called a fool by a fool!
He's trying to ruin my precious parade.
That monster... Unforgivable! Unforgivable!
Brother, the money.
K-Kandata!
Delicious.
What is Kandata doing here?
Get out of the way! Get out of the way!
Are you the one?
Are you the great villain Kandata?
I see. You look like a villain.
What do you want?
Me?
Is that right? You want to know my name?
Is that right? Is that right?
My name is...
What do you mean, "You look like a villain"?
I don't need you to tell me that.
My...
Give me back my mother.
Sorry.
Hey.
Give me something to eat.
Give her back.
Give me back my mother.
Damn kid...
Kandata is here.
Damn it!
D-Damn it.
A spider?
Aren't you afraid of me?
Don't you know how bad a person I am?
It's useless telling you that.
Even though you're small, you definitely have a life of your own.
Taking that life carelessly would be wrong.
Actually...
I'm not some monk preaching a sermon.
Because of that kid, there's something wrong with me.
It hurts.
Now then.
It's about time I go.
Farewell.
My friends.
What you see there is a poor man who has become a demon.
Everyone should know his name:
Kandata.
It is not possible to list here all of the violent acts that he has committed.
Furthermore, he should be well prepared for a trip to Hell,
since he sought to take my life, the Emperor's life.
Kill him!
Don't forget what you've done!
We'll be waiting for you in the other world!
The other world?
You're coming to Hell too?
How many did you kill?
Kill him!
What's so funny?
Aren't you afraid of death?
How about you plead for your life this once?
That's pointless.
What does it mean to be alive?
In this world, what good does it do to be alive?
The days come one after another.
It's a boring life that plods onward until you die.
Where's the value in that?
I have no regrets about this meaningless world.
None at all.
As for me...
I'm quite satisfied that you prepared a great festival tonight...
for someone like me, who likes to go it alone.
Thank you.
You heretic!
Is it time?
Hanging like this is surprisingly tiring.
Stop it.
Then I will send you to Hell immediately!
Do it!
What?
Where am I?
What is this?
Wh-What are you doing?
Stop it.
Stop it!
You murderer.
Murderer!
Wh-What?
Who are you guys?!
What's so funny?!
Shut up!
S-Stay away!
Damn it. What's happening?
What is this place?!
Kandata.
Welcome to Hell.
Somebody...
Help me!
A spider's thread.
I can leave!
If I just keep climbing!
Me too. Me too.
Don't follow me!
Damn it.
Me too.
Don't follow me!
You guys, this spider thread is mine!
Who said you could climb it?
It's mine!
bokutachi wa nanika wo sagashite mitsukedasu tame ni
In order to find something,
osoku okita asa demo
we open our eyes every day,
mainichi me wo samasu da
even if we wake up late.
it's not too late
It's not too late.
we say hello
We say hello.
chotto demo waratte
Smile, even for just a bit,
itsudatte konosekai wa anataga hitsuyou dakara
because this world will always need you.
it's not too late
It's not too late.
we say hello we say hello
We say hello. We say hello.
Next Time
The Spider's Thread