Pathway to Japanese Literature

Following the announcer’s introduction,

In another announcer’s voice—

“Mr. Gambharu’s esteemed lecture on ‘Spirit and Electricity’ will now commence.”

Mr. Gambharu's voice—"Well, I am Gambharu, who has just been introduced."
"I was likely born in Afghanistan, but having lost my parents early, by the time I gained awareness of my surroundings, I was already polishing shoes on the docks of Port Said."

"However, one day, a Moroccan carpet seller forced me aboard a French cargo ship and took me to Marseille."
"It was there that I became acquainted with Old Lady Dopango."
"This woman—some of you may know her—is the renowned Sorcière, that is to say, a shamaness."
"All manner of people frequented her establishment."
"Russian court officials, German-Austrian scholars, Chinese politicians, and British speculators—quite an assembly."
"Among them were two benefactors who shaped my destiny—the Austrian parapsychologist who showed me kindness and the engineer from Marseille Electric Company."
"In other words, my curiosity found its awakening through parapsychology and electrical science—twin disciplines that led me to groundbreaking discoveries when pursued to their depths."

"I tested this new theory in every city across Europe and America whenever opportunity arose, yet given the need for painstaking experimentation, most attempts ended without producing the expected results—but fortunately, upon coming to Japan and through the understanding support of the Tokyo Broadcasting Station, my experiment finally gained the opportunity to achieve complete success."

"Now, though I call it 'Spirit and Electricity' in brief, this differs from the strained materialistic fantasies that have been treated as mere hypotheses until today—it can splendidly demonstrate the intimate relationship between human mental activity and cosmic electrical phenomena. However, were I to explain this theory simply here, you would scarcely comprehend it; moreover, it would hardly prove an engaging topic for non-specialists. Therefore, I shall immediately proceed to explain the experiment you are about to witness—or rather, let you hear."

“First, I presume you are all familiar with what we term ‘clairvoyance.’”
“That is to say, clairvoyance itself.”
“It refers to an ability that enables one to clearly discern objects concealed within containers or situated in remote locations.”
“How do scholars account for this phenomenon called ‘clairvoyance’?”
“Within parapsychology, it remains an unresolved matter—no definitive academic theory has yet been established.”
“I am aware of a physiologist who claims success in experiments regarding ‘vision independent of retinal function,’ though it would seem those efforts have not produced conclusive results.”

“I have already conducted sufficient research on this ‘clairvoyance’ as well.”
“However, on the other hand, as television—that is to say, wireless image transmission—has been progressing very slowly in terms of scientific advancement, I find myself experiencing no small inconvenience in conducting my experiments.”
“However, as wireless sound broadcasting has recently achieved great strides, what we might call ‘acoustic clairvoyance’—a peculiar term indeed, contrasting ‘clairvoyance’ with what could be termed ‘thousand-mile hearing’—has now become possible through its development. The fact that one can arbitrarily listen to sounds from distant locations is nothing short of an academic marvel.”
“Let me state clearly once more: what we call radio today naturally requires corresponding mechanical equipment not only on listeners’ end but equally on broadcasters’ side.”
“However, if that were all, then with even today’s knowledge of electrical science, the theory would be a simple matter.”
“Nevertheless, I have discovered that by installing a device solely on the listener’s side, one can hear any human voice—no matter where they are or what they are doing—at any desired time.”
“This mystery cannot be unraveled through electrical science alone.”
“Moreover, conducting such experiments with ordinary wireless telephone apparatuses alone proves insufficient.”
“However, I will not elaborate on the specifics of that device.”
“Rather, it has been made possible to bring sounds from a certain location into your ears just as clearly as the voice with which I am speaking here.”
“What this experiment requires first and foremost is the signature of the person whose voice one attempts to hear.”
“Today I requested that the broadcasting station collect letters from as many publicly recognized individuals as possible, but they informed me this would pose difficulties. Having no alternative, I visited a certain scrap paper dealer earlier and obtained five or six letters and postcards that were haphazardly gathered—these I shall now employ for the experiment.”

“You must have already sensed a certain danger accompanying this experiment. That is because human figures are laid utterly bare before this device, rendering all secret discussions impossible to exist upon this earth. The era that feared walls having ears has already come to an end.”

“I earnestly pray that the experiment we are about to begin will not unnecessarily expose individuals’ private lives or harm their reputations.”

The first subject was a man named Hirao Manbei, a resident of Kyōbashi Ward in the city... I shall deliberately refrain from stating the precise address.
"I must briefly forewarn you—not only will the subject's voice be audible, but naturally those of people surrounding him as well. Please bear this in mind."
"Let us begin."
(A click echoed as machinery was adjusted.) Then came a sound suggesting electricity flowing.

“Quit messin’ around, you idiot…”

What kind of voice was he making…

“What kinda voice’s that? Don’tcha get it?”

“That’s enough—just go t’bed already.”

“Whether you sleep or not’s my own business.”

Mr. Gambharu’s voice—Hmm, it seemed to be working.

“Mother, I’ll just go get some hot water.”

“It’s late—stop it.”

“But people are still up everywhere!”

“Enough—just go already.”

“Father—do you need something?”

“I do.”
“Buy some persimmons on your way back.”

“Mother... The money...”

“(Get it) from Father...”

“Don’t spout such nonsense.
Give it to him!”

“I don’t want to.”

“What do you mean ‘no’? I won’t have it!”
(Shouting) “Hey! Give me persimmons! Persimmons…!”

The announcer continued: "We'll conclude our observation of Mr.Hirao Manbei—the drunkard—at this juncture and proceed to our next subject: Mr.Morita Rokuzo of Ikebukuro,Tōkyō Prefecture..."
(A mechanical click.)

—(Singing voice) Like Trifoliate orange flowers blooming...

“Fix it for me.”
“Hurry... The variety show broadcast started ages ago.”

“So I’m trying my damnedest to fix it, aren’t I?”
“This machine really does go haywire often. …Like karatachi flowers blooming….”

“It’s because you go and do unnecessary things.”
“It was coming through clearly until just now.”

“There are countless instances where sound temporarily cuts out to come through more clearly.”
“Quit your nagging—you're making a scene.”

“Alright, I won’t nag anymore.”
“Hurry up and do it, I’m begging you here…”

Was she really so desperate to hear this?

“This one seems rather intriguing today.”

“What’s so interesting about that? ‘Mr. Gambharu’s experiment’ isn’t anything but some worthless nonsense.”

Mr. Gambharu’s voice: “Utter nonsense…” Well said indeed—ignorance was bliss.

"That’s strange—I could’ve sworn I heard it just now.
Hmm, it’s been quite some time now, I suppose.
Oh—what I said is coming through again...
Oh, oh—this thing, what’s it doing now?

Mr. Gambharu’s voice: 'As this has grown rather troublesome, let us conclude here.'
Next, under a female name: Miss Koizumi Yukiko. Out of respect, I shall omit her address.
It is rather exemplary handwriting."

“Don’t just stand there—do have a seat.”
“You must be exhausted.”

“Yes.”
(Something like the sound of waves could be faintly heard.)

“Shall we talk more about our new life together?”

“Yes.”

“I stand now at happiness’ zenith,” he declared. “Can you fathom how long I’ve awaited this day? Miss Yukiko—before this boundless sea, shall we not vow love eternal?”

Mr. Gambharu’s voice intervened: “This proves rather challenging to discern, so we might conclude here—”

“The station personnel now gestured vehemently for continuation,” the announcer reported, “though matters of this nature...”

“Very well,” he relented, “given your gracious insistence, we shall persist a while longer.”

“That’s right—exactly that’s right. But will tomorrow be as happy as today…? I… somehow… I’m terrified of tomorrow coming. Not that I think we’d be unhappy. As long as I’m with you, there couldn’t possibly be anything to make us unhappy. But today—this very day—is special. A specially blessed day. So rather than days like tomorrow continuing forever, I want days like today to last eternally. I’m being greedy, aren’t I?”

“I... don’t quite understand what you’re saying...”

“You don’t understand?”
“Well then, I shall explain further.”

“But Miss Yukiko, you mustn’t misunderstand someone like me.”
“In this world, there are husbands who from the very day after marriage brazenly display their male superiority and look down upon their wives from on high.”
“I would never… you.”

“No, it isn’t just that.”
“I’m not afraid of the day after our marriage because of some shallow pride.”
“Rather than that, you see—if I had to say, I’m something of a Puritan.”
“I feel that I don’t want to turn our relationship into an ordinary marital one.”
“That is, of course, a fantasy.”
“That could never happen.”
“But I think there’s only one way not to let that become a fantasy.”

“Are you saying we should part ways like this?”

“No—a more natural method that isn’t so harsh.”

“You mean we should carry out that so-called Marie-Ajyu-Blan thing, don’t you?”

“No, that would be the height of unnaturalness.”
“Moreover, for people who love each other this much, even suggesting such a thing is just boorish.”

“Well then, what are we to do?”

“So, all we need do is ensure tomorrow never comes.”

So that tomorrow never comes…
“Please say it more clearly.”

“So we die as we are.”

“Th-th-that’s absurd…”

“Why...?”
“I—that’s the ideal.”
“There’s no other way to make us the happiest people in the world than this.”
“Okay? Please do that for me.”
“That’s why I specially prepared a pistol.”

“The pistol…”

“Yes, the pistol… I have it here. Shall I show it to you?”

“Stop that—it’s dangerous…”

“It’s all right. Look, it’s still new. I only loaded two bullets. One for you, one for me—that’s more than enough.”

“Here—hand it over.”

“You’ll do it? That won’t do.”

“I’m better at it. Now, this spot should work… Or shall we go to the coast?”

“To the coast…?”

“The coast would be more lovely.”

“Mr. Gambharu’s voice reaches all the way to the coast—are you following along, ladies and gentlemen? Do you, ladies and gentlemen, have the courage to witness the final moments of this unfortunate bride and groom?”

―“Miss Yukiko, please wait.”
“Then here—grant me just one kiss.”
“The first… and the last…”

"No."
"Stand up now."

"Miss Yukiko... I'm miserable."

"Say it again."

"What?"

"What you just said..."

“—Now…?”
(Forcing a laugh) “Why must you fix me with such a look?”
(voice trembling) “When I said ‘unhappiness,’ that was my mistake.
“I am happy just as I am.
“I am trembling with happiness.”

“—You must be happy.
“I am too—I’m this happy.”

“—Then let us remain here like this a little longer.
“There are still so many people at the coast, aren’t there?”

“—Yes, after all, this place is better.
“This room is utterly quiet, isn’t it?
“A room where the world of just the two of us truly seems about to begin.”

“―Shall we turn off the light?”

“―Wait a moment.
I—somehow, I can’t bear to stay like this any longer.”

—(In surprise) Miss Yukiko…

―Stay still.

―(Desperately) Just a moment, Miss Yukiko…

At the same instant—a deafening pistol shot, then another… followed by hollow stillness.
The wash of waves.

Mr. Gambharu’s voice: “Ladies and gentlemen, I must remain calm.
However, my heart is now beating violently.
There, you see... (a sound like a wooden fish being struck) I too have continued this experiment for many years, yet never before have I encountered such an astonishing scene.
Does Japan often have incidents like this?
If they do occur—one can’t even... carelessly engage in romance.
Let us set aside digressions and proceed to the next. This time—”
“……Yes, understood.”
“In that case… We have just received an admonition from the relevant authorities against disclosing the real names of individuals participating in the experiment, so I shall deliberately employ pseudonyms.”
“With that understanding…”
“Now, this time… Again, it’s a woman—but what name should I give her, I wonder?”
“According to the letter’s text, she appears to be quite elderly—yet she is rather a fashionable lady.”
“In that case… Though I must say, assigning a Japanese-style name proves rather difficult…”
“Well, this may sound absurd, but I shall call her Mrs. Kiga Murano.”
“Now then, let us hear Mrs. Kiga Murano’s voice…”

At first，a tenor solo accompanied by piano could be heard.
The piece was styled like a folk ballad.

―(In an enraptured voice) “Isn’t this exquisite? How utterly divine.”

―“Not pleasant in the slightest, I tell you.”

―“Why must you…?”
“You simply must disparage everything, mustn’t you?”

“But more importantly, Auntie—why did you invite me out to such a place tonight?”

From all directions came voices going *“Shh, shh.”*
A long time passed.

(In a whisper) “Do try to endure a little longer.”
“I’ll tell you something nice later…”

Silence.

"What are you looking for?"
"Huh? What's wrong? The wallet... Did you lose it?"
"Do try searching properly."
"It's not in the coat pocket."

Voices went *“Shh, shh.”*
Silence.

“Not there?”
“There was a lot inside.”
“That can’t be right.”
“Huh? A lot?”
“You’re lying—”

The solo stopped.
Applause.

“Well, try standing up.”
“It hasn’t fallen there.”

Before long, as a clamor of voices arose from all directions, the conversation between these two became inaudible.

Mr. Gambharu’s voice: I regret we cannot know how much money was in the dropped wallet—no, rather, though you must still have questions, let us temporarily inter Mrs. Kiga Murano’s secret within this crowd’s cacophony.
(Pause) Through the experiments conducted thus far, I believe you have all come to acknowledge conclusive evidence of the mysterious relationship existing between human mental activity and cosmic electrical phenomena.
That is to say—a human voice propagates not merely physical sound waves but the most delicate spiritual vibrations as well—and these vibrations have been proven to exert a sympathetic influence upon other specialized mental functions such as ‘writing characters,’ and upon the products of those functions. To rephrase: within characters written by human hands dwells a spirit identical to that contained within voices uttered by human lips.
At minimum, we may affirm the existence of both spiritual vibrations and a faculty responsive to them.
Consequently, between a human’s voice and their handwriting lies a peculiar psychic nexus—one we may electrically transmit through ethereal waves to stimulate our senses.
This constitutes the essence of our extraordinary experiment.
In today’s demonstration, we restricted specimens to personal signatures because one’s own name represents both the most frequently written characters and those which most transparently mirror their writer’s spirit.

(Pause) From the perspective of introducing my theory, I consider these experiments already sufficient—but upon reflection, through some error, this talk has been categorized in the program as an entertainment broadcast.
This constitutes an exceedingly troublesome situation, and it should naturally have been received as a science lecture or, more casually, a hobbyist lecture.
But there remains nothing to be done about it now.
“Given the broadcasting station’s circumstances and, moreover, to avoid disappointing everyone’s expectations, I have resolved decisively to present this profound scientific matter before you all as effortless entertainment.”
“In connection with this, there is one matter I wish to discuss with you all. As I stated earlier, two or three letters obtained from the junk dealer still remain.”
“However—if I may be so impolite—none appear particularly fascinating upon examination, so I believe conducting them individually would prove fruitless.”
“Therefore, though I have never attempted such a thing until now, tonight I thought we might experimentally try executing all of these simultaneously.”
“Perhaps it will simply become an incomprehensible scene—as if bewitched by foxes—but then again, worldly affairs do not follow coherent narratives like stage plays. For thoroughness’ sake, I shall briefly disclose where these three individuals reside: first, second, third.”
“Well… One resides in Hokkaido, another in Tokyo’s suburban Kōenji—though I should note that ‘Kanda Kinema Hall’ is printed nearby.”
“And another simply states ‘Shanghai.’”
“Now then, let us commence.”

—And so his wife Wasako at last left behind my long-inhabited home—that love’s nest where once she believed light existed solely here—and set out for the snow-laden reaches of Hokkaido’s edge, toward the Trappist Monastery.

Exceedingly sorrowful music began.

“―I feel terrible asking this of you when we’ve only just met, sir, but please—any amount will do—do consider helping…”

―“Understood.”
“Just seeing you suffer with debts out here on your journey darkens my mood.”
“But if you worked as a hotel boy in Shanghai or such, wouldn’t you earn decent money?”

―“It’s no good—I spend it all.”

―“Spend more than you earn, and debts’ll pile up naturally.”

“I’m lonely, you know… sir….”
“If I don’t spend money, I can’t just sit still staring at that light.”

“Our place only has proper customers, so please don’t go starting any strange rumors.”

―“Do I look like that sort of woman to you?”

―“That’s not what I meant,” he said. “But you see—there are all kinds of women out there.”
“Welcome.”
“Just one?”
“This girl started today—do be kind to her…”

Morning prayers, noon prayers, evening prayers—with each devotion her form was purified, until the wounds of her heart vanished without trace beneath immaculate vestments.

―“Sir—let me accompany you somewhere tonight.”
“How about a dance hall?”

―“I can’t dance.”
―“Even if you don’t dance，sir，it wouldn’t hurt to try it once．Shanghai is a global market in that regard，you know．”

“What are you staring at so intently?”

―It’s your face.
―Is there something on my face?

“It’s not there.”
“It’s just... strange.”
“Why?”
“That you’d show up in a place like this.”
“You must have your reasons.”

She knelt before the dimly lit altar and continued praying fervently for something.
The husband she had once condemned now appeared in her eyes as nothing more than a pitiable man.

“Do you say such things to everyone? When ships arrive, you roll your eyes about scrutinizing every passenger who comes and goes. I’ve unfortunately met your standards, then?”

“But sir, you were only looking in my direction from the deck above.”
“I thought I’d stay at a Japanese-run hotel somewhere, since I’m not familiar with Shanghai.”
“Where have you come from, sir?”
“Where did you come from.”
“From where that ship came.”

“Where are you headed?”

“What’s the point of asking that? I don’t want to meet a man like you again.”

“Please—do tell me that.”

“My, there certainly are quite a lot of customers who ask such things.”

“But I’m genuinely interested in your circumstances.”

“Oh my, must I really offer thanks…?”

However, she considered herself an even more pitiable woman than that.

“It’s no joke.”

This was getting troublesome.

“Instead, wouldn’t you care for something to eat?”

“What exactly do you want?”

“Well then—ham salad and fried shrimp…”

“Any amount will do.”
“The debt stands at two hundred yen or so…”

“And to drink…?”

“Your debt total doesn’t concern me.”

“Citron’s fine.”
“Have something yourself.”

“Now—how would fifty yen suit?”

“I’ve had enough…”

“Fifty yen…”
“That’s not money you give to strangers.”

“Ma’am—we could treat this woman too?”

“Then thirty yen...”

“Yes—most certainly…”

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

Her face, quietly lifted, was filled with radiant light, yet her eyes unwittingly held dewdrops of tears.

“―Narrator, be silent.”

Soon, the music stopped.

As Mr. Gambharu’s voice showed some signs of disarray, I shall conclude here and, with your kind permission, finally hold up for criticism the author of this drama—whose name you must know—as our final act.
Despite the fact that he should have attended the broadcasting station that very night as its author to personally direct the broadcast—whether due to negligence or perhaps a lack of confidence—he had yet to show his face.
Therefore, by using the signature on this manuscript here before me, I wished to determine where he was now and what he was doing—and if successful—to earn everyone’s applause.
Without further ado...

Loud snores could be heard.

Mr. Gambharu’s voice: What could this be—this sound… Hahaha! He’s sleeping.

A mumbling voice.

"Is Mr. Gambharu’s voice saying something?

...Umm..."

“Damn noisy… So loud… Just turn off that damn radio already!”

Mr. Gambharu’s voice (flustered): “Ah—right now...”

Announcer’s voice.
Mr. Gambharu’s esteemed lecture "Spirit and Electricity" has concluded.

Characters

Announcer

Mr. Gambharu

Hirao Manbei

His Wife

Their Daughter

Morita Rokuzō

His Wife

Koizumi Yukiko

Her Fiancé

Tenor Singer

Kiga Murano

Young Companion

Koenji Man (Silent Film Narrator)

Shanghai Man (Hotel Bellboy)

Traveler

Café Proprietress

Hokkaido Woman (Waitress)

Café Young Customer

Author

Other Crowd

(Curtain - For Tokyo Central Broadcasting Station)

Hokkaido Woman (Waitress)

Café Young Customer

Author

Other Crowds

(End.—For the Tokyo Central Broadcasting Station)