Pathway to Japanese Literature

A new theater troupe’s rehearsal space.

At the front hung a plain black curtain.
In the center of the room stood a single bench.
All other furniture had been pushed into a corner.
There, alongside chairs and tables, several props—a baby carriage, bucket, saber, parasol, tripod, blanket, and such—lay gathered together.
On the right wall ticked a clock.

Several actors—both men and women, some possibly trainees—chatted casually while maintaining various poses.

Actor B: “Read any book and you’ll want to turn every word into dialogue.”

Actress B’: “That’s how all green actors are.”

“Then you’ll soon be part of that group too.”

“I went to see that the night before last.”

“That must be Jūnin-za.”
“There’s nothing fresh about it at all.”

“Fresh but unripe fruit gives you a stomachache.”

“Whenever I watch new theater, I get a headache.”

Actor B: “Such symptoms do exist.”

Actress B’ (in theatrical tone): “…I want to stir up some trouble with someone.
“I might’ve had you put on a new kimono.
“Come now, let’s do something fun.
“You did say you’d go to the village.
“Let’s go.
“I want to… Let’s take a boat ride.
“Eating lunch on the grass, strolling through the woods…
“I wonder if tonight’s moon will be lovely…
“How odd—you’re not wearing the ring I gave you…”

“I lost it.”

“So I’m the one who found it.”

The performance was passable enough.
Unaware that it was being used here for practice, they brazenly put it up on stage—so pitifully exposed were its flaws.

“Not enough practice, I see.”

“That kind of rehearsal—no matter how much you do it, it’s all the same.”

“The people actually performing...do they really find that entertaining...”

“Children will play even without being given toys.”

Actress B’ (again in theatrical tone): “…Oh, God, why do You make Truth itself bear falsehood…"

Actress C’: “…Please, let us cease such talk. Rather than that, let us converse about the weather, about flowers, about your hair and my hat…”

Actor E (entering from the next room): “That’s right—let’s talk about whatever you like. As long as you keep that pure smile I cherish more than life upon your lips, I shall listen to whatever tale you wish to tell...”

Actress D’: “That was awkward.”

At this moment, Actor A entered through another entrance.
They all stood up and bowed.

Actor A: “Today’s subject is improvisational play… Since this concludes the term, I’ll pose a somewhat challenging problem. Until now, our improvisations have followed set plots with preassigned roles—but today there will be no plot, and each of you must create your own role on the spot. In short, you’ll each freely become ‘a certain character.’ Then collaborate to weave the narrative together. Precisely because there’s no fixed objective here, everyone can fully exercise their imagination—though conversely, this risks losing coherence. That’s where you must apply all your quick-wittedness to ensure everything roughly holds together.”

For practical purposes, he established a few regulations.

1. Each character must remain on stage for at least five minutes.
Except in special cases, no one shall remain on stage for more than ten minutes.

2. While the timing of a character’s entrance shall be freely determined, they must refrain from making disruptive entrances that intentionally throw the stage into confusion.

3. As necessary, they shall prompt the entrance of the next character.
As a signal for this, I shall cough.

4. The time shall be approximately thirty minutes.
The curtain rise and curtain fall shall, as usual, be signaled by my handclap.
“Arai-kun still isn’t here, is he?”
“Then let’s begin.”
“The order of appearance will be men in ABC order, women in reverse order…”

Actor B: “Excuse me—if it’s within that time limit, is it permissible to appear twice?”

Actor A: “Of course it’s permissible.”
“But that means you’ll have greater responsibility.”
(The group murmured among themselves.) “Quiet...”
(He clapped his hands.)

Because everyone was hesitating, Actor A stepped forward himself.

Actor A (looking at his wristwatch): “He’s late.”
“What’s taking so damn long?”
“I came all this way because you said there was something to discuss.”
“Wasn’t me who asked for this meeting.”
“Sunday at two by the Hibiya Park pond bench—this might as well be some moldy old novel from twenty years back.”
(sits down)

Actress D’ entered pushing a baby carriage. “Ahh, this heat! Sweetie, won’t you sleep yet? Mommy’s worn out already. There now, let’s rest here awhile. See? You can spot the fountain from here.”

Actor A gestured to the bench. “Do sit down. Your little one looks quite sturdy.”

“Oh no,” she demurred, fanning herself. “He’s terribly delicate—such a trial. The doctor insists I take him out for fresh air daily, but dragging us all this way...” Her sigh fluttered like moth wings against glass. “If we didn’t come here, there’d be no proper air at all.”

“I see,” said Actor A. “Your home isn’t too far away, I presume?”

“It’s in Sakurada Hongōchō,” replied Actress D’.

“A friend of mine lives there too—though I’ve yet to visit him,” Actor A continued. “They say he should have a child about this age by now.” He paused, then ventured cautiously, “Speaking of which… if I may ask… your husband…?”

“Are you inquiring about his occupation?”

“Yes.”

“Well… he deals in Western furniture.”

Actor A: “Your husband’s name would be Mr. Hishikari, I presume?”

Actress D’: “Hishikari… Nobuyuki is his name.”
“Oh, how do you know that?”

Actor A: “It must seem strange.”
“The friend I mentioned earlier living in Sakurada Hongōchō is that Mr. Hishikari, you know.”

Actress D’: “But how could that be…”

“One look at this child makes it obvious.”

“Though this one happens to be a girl.”

“Girls take after their fathers. I haven’t seen Mr. Hishikari in five or six years—is he keeping well?”

“Oh yes, thank you... Still as gaunt as ever...”

“Was he truly that thin? Thinner than me? He was rather tall, wasn’t he?”

“He normally slouches so you wouldn’t know, but properly measured he stands a full five shaku five sun.”

“That must be the case.”
“Ah, I am Iinuma.”
“I assume you’re familiar with the name…”

“Ah—are you that Mr. Iinuma?”
“In that case, my husband has been constantly… Oh dear, what am I to do… Here I am dressed like this…”

“That’s quite alright.”
“I had heard Mr. Hishikari had been blessed with a beautiful wife—or rather, if anything, it’s I who should say so.”
“I must apologize for my rudeness.”

“I’m not certain if I should bring this up,” said Actress D’, her voice tinged with polite hesitation, “but given these trying times, one must speak plainly.” She adjusted the blanket in the baby carriage. “It seems he had urgent matters requiring attention—my husband departed for Osaka again last night.” Her fingers tightened around the parasol handle. “Truly, commerce is such a precarious endeavor.”

Actor A nodded gravely. “The precariousness is mutual.” He leaned against the bench, his gaze drifting to the wall clock. “Yet Mr. Hishikari remains a man who can weather any storm.” A wry smile touched his lips. “That’s my firm belief.” His tone softened with reminiscence. “Call it foresight if you will—he’s always perceived things differently from the rest of us, even back then.”

“Oh my, I do wish he would have just a bit more confidence like that in himself.”
“Oh my, darling, what have you put in your mouth…?”
“Such vulgar behavior won’t do. Now, let’s head home, shall we?”
“Though it’s a modest place, please do come visit us sometime.”

“I must visit you soon... Ah, Madam, let me give you my card.”
“It’s where I am now.”
“Here, young lady, you hold onto this.”
“Don’t eat it!”

Actress D’ was about to bow and take her leave when Actor B made his entrance.

Actor B: (To the actress) “What—you were here all along?”
(To Actor A) “Oh—aren’t you Mr. Iinuma?”

Actress D’: “Well, you see… you…”

While I was waiting here for someone, a woman happened to pass by with a cute baby in a baby carriage. When I realized she was your wife, I was utterly astonished.

Actor B: “I suppose so.”
“If it’s a coincidence, then let’s call it a coincidence.”
“Do you have business with this woman?”

Actor A: “I only spoke to her because I realized she was your wife.”
“Are you saying that’s wrong?”

“You bastard!”
“You’re determined to keep humiliating people to the bitter end, aren’t you?”
“Did this bastard’s face come with a label saying ‘my wife’?”
“Hey! How long have you shitheads been meeting in this dump?”

“You’re saying such a terrible thing.”
“Isn’t today the first time we’ve met?”

“You shut up and go home.”

“No, I will not go home.”
“Wouldn’t this inconvenience Mr. Iinuma?”

“Look at that—now you’re trying to protect this man.”
“Fine, fine. My returning by plane was nothing less than divine providence.”
“I have no further use for you.”
“Go home at once and think about how to dispose of yourself.”

“You won’t regret saying such things later, will you?”

“If you regret it, that’s a matter for then.”

“I don’t know,” said Actress D’ as she turned to leave. “I am leaving home for good today.” She bent toward the child in the carriage. “Darling… From now on, it’ll be just you and Mommy living much, much more happily together, won’t it?”

Actor A: (After watching her leave) “Now—this is a matter between men. Let’s settle this calmly, shall we? If you’ve got complaints, try voicing them.”

Actor B: “You knew she was my wife, and you went and did this to her.”

Actor A: “I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

Actor B: “Have you met her somewhere other than here?”

“I’ll leave that to your speculation too.”

Actor B: “That’s cowardly.”
“Give me a straight answer!”

Actor A: “Then I’ll ask you something. What evidence have you obtained to conduct such an interrogation?”

Actor B: “Are you saying there needs to be evidence? Then show me proof that it isn’t true!”

Actor A: “That’s child’s play. What would you consider the most solid evidence? Try demanding I produce specific evidence. There must be some sort of so-called proof of innocence. Come now, no need to hold back. Make any demand you like.”

Actor B: “Lately – do you have letters from other women?”

Actor A: “Unfortunately I do.”
“But would such things count as evidence?”
“There are cases where men keep several women at once.”

Actor B: “Try saying my wife’s name.”

Actor A: “Mine?”

Actor B: “No – mine.”

Actor A: “I forgot to ask about that.”
“I’m not particularly interested in women’s names.”
“Sadako… Or Misao… No.”
“Ikuko, Sumako, Yoshie, Emiko, Kayoko, Toshiko, Reiko.”
“…How’s this… Still no… Yayoi, Kimiko, Tsuneko…”

“That’s it.”
“This one? Tsuneko…”
“Don’t play dumb on purpose.”
“Tsuneko, huh? I’ll make sure to remember.”

“Hey, Iinuma. For God’s sake—tell me the truth.”
“Who gets to decide if what I’m saying’s true?”

“I’ll be the judge.”

“With that head of yours, judgment must be difficult,” said Actor A. “Well, think it over slowly tonight and then decide. I won’t run or hide. The house I’m living in now—your wife knows about it.”

I don’t understand what’s going on. I had urgent business and just returned from Osaka, but in times like these, it’s disappointing when there’s no child at home. If I don’t see that face right away, I can’t stay still—whether standing or sitting. I came rushing here when I heard “Hibiya.” Then, that wife of mine, in a place like this…

Actor A: She was with a man in the midst of an illicit affair…

“Shut up.”
“You think I don’t have the courage to do anything, huh?”

At this moment, Actress C’ appeared, stepped quietly behind the two, moved around to embrace Actor B’s head, and covered his eyes with both hands.

Actor B: (Taken off guard) “Who is it?”

Actor A: “Well then, I’ll take my leave here.”
(He rises)

Actress C’ (startled): “What a mean person!”
“You were over there?”
“Because you had your back turned, I made a mistake.”
“There’s no need to get so angry.”
“Did you wait long?”

Actor A: “What? Are you saying *I* was waiting for *you*? Don’t joke like that. What exactly are you? You’re a woman, sure—but what *kind* of woman?”

“My, what a greeting—asking what kind of woman I am!”
“Well then, could it be a case of mistaken identity…?”
“I’ve been out of sorts lately, you know.”

(turning to Actor B) “You waited for me, didn’t you?”

Actor B: “Huh?”
“Ah, right… Well, have a seat.”
“I thought it was someone else—it’s you.”
“I’d had a feeling since earlier that it might be you.”
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“Did you get my letter?”

“What are you talking about?”
“You just saw me yesterday, yet you’re saying it’s been ages and asking if I got your letter—how annoying!”
“I finally ran away from that house, you know.”

“Ah, so… you ran away.”
“That was good.”

“It’s not good at all! From today, I’m a ronin! You’ve got to do something for me.”

Actor A had been pacing around that area but eventually—

“Well then.”
“Hishikari, let’s meet again.”
“Later.”

“Oh, hey. Later.”

“Oh, hey. Later. Poor you.”

“It’s quite hot here too, huh.”

“It’s summer, isn’t it.”
“Which is better—winter or summer… I wonder……”
“You are…?”

“What's wrong?”

“Have I met you before?”

“No, we haven’t.”
“No, we haven’t.”
“Then what does that mean?”

“I’m a bit tired.”
“I’m tired too.”
“Quit mimicking.”
“I’ll just go home and sleep…”

“With who, huh?”

“None of your business.”
“That line—it’s from somewhere, you know.”

Actor B: (Rising to his feet) “Ah… I’m exhausted…”

While stretching, Actor B exited the stage.

Actor C enters holding a tripod.
Before long, the painter, in the manner of sketching, begins vigorously moving his right hand.

Actress C’ at first didn’t understand what was happening and fidgeted awkwardly, but eventually began circling around and around the painter.

“Hey, you—quit wandering around there.”
“You’ll be in the way…”

“But isn’t this a place where anyone can walk?”
“There are plenty of other places to walk.”
“Don’t you understand what I’m doing?”
“Hmph. And you think that counts as painting?”
“How can you not feel ashamed?”
Actor C remained silent.

Actress C’ (sitting on the bench): “Ugh—why does it have to be like this? Everyone’s just fidgeting restlessly.”
“Do they think that if they just keep picking fights with people, luck will finally turn their way…?”

Actor C (squinting at the canvas from a distance): "I’m gradually losing interest in figures."

A long silence.

Actor A cleared his throat.
Actress B’ entered.

Actress B’ (to Actress C’): “Have you met Mr. Iinuma yet?”
“What did you say to him?”
“It probably didn’t go as you ordered.”

Actress C’ (After thinking for a while, she suddenly started sobbing quietly.)

“If you cry, I can’t understand a thing,” said Actress B’. “Anyway, at least I conveyed your feelings, didn’t I? Did I put it well? Look here, Shizu—big sis can’t keep her cool.”

“I... I... can’t take it anymore... I give up...”

“Don’t you feel it?”
“Or are you saying there’s some reason you can’t help?”
“Which one is it?”

“Well, you see—when he sees my face, he suddenly says this: ‘Who are you? What business could you possibly have with someone you’ve never met?’”
“What business could you possibly have with me—someone you’ve never even met?”
“...he said...”
“Because there was someone who’d make things awkward nearby, you know.”

“What a troublesome man.”
“Then how about it, Shizu—why don’t you just go ahead and get married?”

“With that person?”

“With anyone…”
“Leave it to Big sis.”
“You like manly men, don’t you?”

(She nodded.)

“Appearance or whatever—well, it doesn’t really matter.”

Actress C’ (thinking)

“I have someone in mind.”

Actress C’ (looked at B’s face)

“That’s the painter.”

Actress C’ (widened her eyes)

Actress B’ (leaning close to C’s ear): “Look—the person painting over there...”
“Hush now.”
“I don’t know if he’s any good, but just look how earnestly he’s working.”
“That’s real dedication, don’t you think?”
“A man simply must have that quality.”

Actress C’: “Then why don’t you go move things along?”

Actress B’ (briskly approaching Actor C): “Pardon my intrusion, but might I ask something?”
“Actually...”

“Are you Actor C?”

“Excuse me, Master—might you not be taking on disciples?”

“I’m still in training myself, so disciples would be…”

“Not at all—if you can produce such splendid work, you’ll breeze through either Teiten or In exhibitions without trouble.
I have a younger sister—she’s loved painting since childhood…though she’s terribly bashful.
Now it may sound odd coming from my own lips, but if she were properly apprenticed to a respectable master, I thought she might amount to something…ah.
Given that—so to speak—we lack connections with esteemed masters, and today’s fortunate chance to observe your work must surely indicate some providential arrangement—ah—I humbly beg you to grant our request.
My sister—despite appearances—is still nineteen years old.
Master, you’re still quite young yourself—aren’t you?”

“I’m twenty-six,” said Actor C.

“Oh, that’s just perfect, isn’t it?” Actress B’ replied. She turned to Actress C’. “Shizu, come here. I’ll introduce you to the Master now…”

Actress C’ and Actor C exchanged belated nods. “Isn’t that right, Shizu? You must do everything as the Master says.”

“Yes,” said Actress C’.

“Since the Master is still living alone,” continued Actress B’, “make sure to attend thoroughly to his daily needs.”

Actress C’: “Yes.”

Actress B’ (pointing to Actor C’s shirt): “If the weather’s fine tomorrow, make sure to wash this shirt for him.”

Actress C’: “Yes, I understand.”

Actress B’: “Well then, I’ll leave the rest to you… I’ve gotten ahead of myself—Master, where do you reside?”

Actor C: “I don’t have a fixed place.”

Actress B’: “And that means…?”

Actor C: “I’ve just been crashing at friends’ places in a never-ending loop.”

“My, my…”

“Hey, Shizu, we’ll manage that part later—let’s discuss it properly then.”
“Well then, I have some shopping to attend to…”
“I shall return another time to properly pay my respects…”

Actor C: “I see.”

Actress B’ exited.

Actress C’ quietly glanced at Actor C and began to smile.

Actor C suddenly let out a groan and collapsed on the spot.

Actress C’ rushed over: “Oh dear—what in the world has happened?” “Is he ill, I wonder…” “Hey… are you hurt?” “Oh my, you’re already dead.”

Actor C wasn’t dead.

“He’s alive.”

“I’m in pain.”

“Then wait right there,” said Actress C’. “I’ll go call a doctor for you right now…”
“A doctor won’t fix this,” replied Actor C.
“Can I heal you?” she asked.

Actor C: “It has to be your sister or it won’t work.”

Actress C’: “Oh my, you’re impossible, aren’t you…” (kicked Actor C in the waist and attempted to exit)

Actor D entered holding a saber.

Actor D: “You there—halt!”

Actor C emitted a faint, gasping groan before slumping completely limp.

Actor D grabbed Actress C’s arm and pulled her down. “What’s this man to you?”

“He’s the Master.”

“Master? Did you beat up the Master?”

“It’s not like I beat him up or anything…”

“Didn’t you beat him up? Look at this—he’s barely breathing. No—he’s not even breathing anymore. Where did you kick him?”

“Anywhere’s fine, isn’t it?”
“You’re annoying.”
“Let me go.”
“It’s already time for me to go home.”

“Leaving?”
“Where are you going?”
“I’ll arrange your lodging for tonight.”
“Anyway, come with me.”

“You’re a fake police officer, aren’t you?”

Actor D (bringing one hand to his mouth in a mock whistle): “You’ll understand once you come along.”
(Again: Zzzt-zzzt-zzzt!)

Actor A clapped his hands.

Actor A clapped his hands. “Let’s lower the curtain here. For a first attempt—well, that’s about what one might expect.” His voice carried across the rehearsal space like a stage manager’s baton. “As I always emphasize, your imaginative scope remains too constrained. We must all exercise our fantasies more uninhibitedly.” A dry chuckle escaped him. “A little wildness wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

He adjusted his stance, fingers brushing against the prop-laden bench. “While I did mention plot progression earlier,” he continued, scanning the troupe, “that isn’t improvisational theater’s beating heart.” His hand sliced through the air. “Think of it as cornstalks’ fibrous core—merely structural scaffolding.”

Leaning forward, he tapped his temple. “The true magic lies in each actor’s elastic spontaneity—those dynamic qualities that speak directly to dramatic sensibilities. As I’ve stressed repeatedly.”

The door creaked open mid-sentence. Actress A’ slipped in with hurried steps. Actor A’s gaze snapped toward her. “Ah! For your tardiness,” he declared, index finger thrust outward, “you’ll take the stage immediately—an improvisational penance.” His eyes darted across the troupe before landing on a fidgeting figure. “And you—Mr. Kitani! You’ll partner her.”

Actor E—now christened Mr. Kitani—scratched his head vigorously, fingertips disappearing into unkempt hair.

“Master, the plot...?”

Actor A: “You create the plot yourself.”

Actress A’: “Oh…”

Actor A: “Oh, come now.
“Today, everyone did it that way.
“Alright, let’s begin.”
(claps hands)

Actress A’ (paces back and forth on the stage for a while)

Actor E (enters): “My apologies for keeping you waiting.”
“Here in this forest, no one will take notice.”
“No matter what secret or how dreadful a scheme, there should be no apprehension of the world discovering it.”

“Just because it’s a secret conversation doesn’t mean you have to adopt such an antiquated tone,” said Actress A’. “Nowadays, men like you aren’t in vogue. Don’t dawdle—get over here.”

“Yes,” replied Actor E. “But Madam, as a precaution against any eventuality, I shall humbly receive our conversation while concealed beneath this tree. It seems that Madam’s voice and the birds’ songs can be distinguished.” He crouched.

“Isn’t that obvious?”
“I can’t stand being mistaken for an owl.”
“But when it actually comes time to say it, it’s hard to bring up.”
“You’ve probably figured it out already.”

Actor E: "I believe permission to speculate hasn't been formally granted yet…"

Actress A’: "Well then, I permit it—go ahead and say it."

Actor E: "Then, with utmost deference, I shall speak."
"Um... regarding disposing of His Lordship in one swift motion…"
(Startled) "Was my voice too boisterous?"

Actress A’: "It's too muted—I can't make out a word."

Actor E: "Though unworthy as I am, should this align with Madam's noble intentions, I stand prepared to serve at the cost of my very life."
"Not merely through flood or flame—the attic's dust, the crawlspace's gloom, why, I'd gladly burrow beneath your stockinged soles without complaint."
"Jade-like skin, dewdrops quivering—dreams that race a thousand leagues unbridled."

“Your dedication warms my heart, but I’m afraid you’ve missed the mark entirely.”
“Let’s set that aside—what I need from you, as steward of this house, is to abuse your position just once. Deceive yourself thoroughly and sink every last coin into some doomed enterprise.”
“Naturally, you’ll surrender deed and title without hesitation—make it spectacular.”
“I want us to live together in some wretched tenement alley—just you and me.”

Actor E: "And so... I..."

Actress A': "You can falsify ledgers or anything else."
"Eliminate everything eliminable now to prevent future complications."
Ahh... This existence repulses me!
Let me at least taste hardship - scorching summers piercing flesh,
winters gnawing marrow,
water gulped from chipped bowls,
gruel trickling hollow bellies!

Actor E: “As per your command, but I intend to convey this directly to your ears. You must be quite cross.”
“What an outrageous thing to say,” Actress A’ retorted. “Alright—immediately dismiss that woman, remove her from the register, strip her bare and send her packing—yes, as per usual…”

Actress A’: “Do you mean to keep rattling them off like that? If that’s how it’s going to be, then I’ll go ahead and say what you just said. What in the world could ‘jade skin’ possibly mean…?”

Actor E: “This is most peculiar…”
“Your Lordship graciously consents.”

Actress A’: “And then, you—you’ll be executed by my hand.”

Actor E: “What would Your Lordship have me do?”
“Given our shared inescapable fate, might there not be a path to compromise here?”

My throat was parched.
Actor E: "Understood."
"That sound is indeed a spring."
"I shall verify its source posthaste."
"What? I'm coming too."

Actor E: “That place is perilous. Wild brambles grow thickly there. Now, please proceed this way.”
(guiding her) “Pray wait. I shall now prepare the spot. Take care not to get your garments wet… Well then, let me go first and sample the waters.”
“Ah—this is cold! It cannot compare to tap water. It is natural ice water.”

“Come on now,” said Actress A’. “You don’t need to watch—just turn around and stay put!” She crouched down and pantomimed pressing her mouth to spring water.

Actor E turned only his head toward her. “An unexpected angel’s kiss… The forest spring…”

No sooner had Actress A’ suddenly raised her face than she sprayed the water she’d been holding in her mouth directly onto Actor E’s face.

“Wait for fair winds on sea routes,” he said calmly, water dripping down his cheeks. “A sudden rain in drought… Kindness circles back to its source…”

Actor A clapped his hands.

Actress A' and Actor E shook hands while laughing.

“That was rather trying.”

“We’ll now conduct a review of today’s performance.”
“But first—there’s something fundamental we actors must consider, which I want to address.”
“Above all else: actors must never become slaves to scripts.”
“This should go without saying, yet even while acknowledging it, we place too much faith in what playwrights give us—convincing ourselves we can’t stage plays without their crutches.”
“Let’s set aside the genius of Ibsen and Chekhov for this discussion.”
“How many authors in our midst today—true writers worthy of the name—actually exist?”

“Hold it! Alas, we still look entirely to those playwrights for what we must create with our own hands, what we are capable of creating, and the seeds we ought to cultivate in our own fields. The superficial meaning of life, the mundane psychology of humanity, scant observations of social conditions, and even the mechanics of that narrow stage—we have yet to grasp even these. The things you write—we could write just as much ourselves. Unless we declare this, Japanese theater today has no chance of becoming interesting. On top of that, we need only wait for the emergence of true, professional playwrights who embody what playwrights ought to be.”

“Let’s begin.”

“Sir, may I ask a quick question?”

“What is it?”

“When it comes to what you call actors—no matter how far we go, I feel like I’m not myself anymore. Thinking about that makes me want to cry. It’s not about becoming a character someone else decides for you, nor about reciting lines someone else wrote—even in situations like today’s exercise, I don’t know where I’m headed. After uttering a single word, I’ve no idea what I might do next.”

“That doubt—the audience will resolve it for you in time.”
“Mr. Kouno, you first—please share what you’ve noticed.”

“My heart was pounding, and I didn’t understand a thing.”

Actor A found this troubling.
“Well then, Mr. Tōyama…”

Actor C: "I don't really remember who did what either."
"I was too preoccupied with my own part..."