Ochikubo-27
This site gives it a try to read, understand and enjoy a story written in classical Japanese more than a thousand years ago.
Tale of Ochikubo-Hime is a Japanese version of Cinderella which should entertain readers of all ages.
Your joining in this try will be highly welcomed and greatly appreciated.
(Please be informed that this site provides content based on the personal views and opinions of the author of this site.)
Dictionaries and books generally used in this site
『落窪物語』（Tale of Ochikubo）（稲賀敬二）（Inaga Keiji）（新潮社 2017）（Shinchosha）
『全訳読解古語辞典（第五版）』（小型版）（Dictionary for Classical Japanese for Reading and Interpretation, 5th edition, pocket type）（鈴木一雄 小池清治 倉田実 石埜敬子 森野崇 髙山善行）（Suzuki Kazuo Koike Seiji Kurata Minoru Isino Keiko Morino Takaki Takayama Yoshiyuki）（三省堂 2021）（Sanseido Co., Ltd.）
『ルミナス和英辞典（第2版）』（Luminous Japanese-English Dictionary）（小島義郎 竹林滋 中尾啓介 増田秀夫）（Kojima Yoshiro Takebayashi Shigeru Nakao Keisuke Masuda Hideo）（研究社 2006）（Kenkyusha Co., Ltd.）
『ニュースクール英和辞典（第二版）』（Kenkyusha New School English-Japanese Dictionary, 2nd edition）（廣瀬和清 伊部哲）（Hirose Kazukiyo Ibe Satoshi）（研究社 2019）（Kenkyusha Co., Ltd.）
The original text of Tale of Ochikubo can be found in the website below:
（https://www.komazawa-u.ac.jp/~hagi/txt_ochikubomonogatari.txt）
First of all, we see the characters of this episode of Tale of Ochikubo-Hime.
Characters of this episode
Ochikubonokimi (Ochikubo-Hime, Princess Ochikubo) seems to be at a loss how to behave and what to say, as she has hardly had an opportunity to see and talk with people outside (in the world). She may feel as if she were going through a terrible storm with an effect of a drastic change of her life. The Princess may also be amazed at Akoki’s ability which she has not known as the seemingly unfamiliar witch provides those things needed like magic as if out of nothing (but also she should be much grateful to her best friend).
Ukon’no Shoushou would not leave the Princess. He lingers for nothing on the pretext of rain. He seems to be quick with and make the most of anything which will get him closer to his lovely Princess. Understanding the situations surrounding the tragic heroine, he does not seem to have expected such service as Akoki has managed for him with the help of reliable and kind persons. His consideration will also go to the assiduous and helpful guardian of his future wife. He may have left with a strong determination to save and protect his love for ever.
Akoki may be proud of her treatment for the husband of her treasured mistress. She may feel as if her attire also played an important part essential to the whole process in the morning while the bride and groom spends together. She seems to pay specific attention to the quality, both of contents and of appearance, which should be worthy of the elegance, tenderness and prudence of her honorable noble lady. Probably she is devoting all her power, energy, passion and everything to the present moment to secure eternal love for her loving Princess.
Tachiwaki may have seen his wife dressed in formal clothes for a special occasion for the first time. Has he fallen in love with her anew?
It seems that Ukon’no Shoushou saw the beautiful face and figure of Princess Ochikubo clearly for the first time. It feels to him that she radiates sparkling energy and holiness around. To put it in a word, the Princess has won the heart of the Prince in this moment. Now that he may lead a life centering on his celestial mistress. He may not be able to put her out of his mind in thinking or doing anything. The man who has been trying to get the woman has been gotten by the woman, as is often the case.
Culture and Society of Heian Period
Noble ladies in Heian Period may be symbolized by two things: traditional Japanese clothes for women called “Jyuuni-Hitoe," which literally means twelve clothes with their color combination highlighted around the neck, wrists and hems, and long hair of women, which is the (first and foremost) standard for the beauty of women (the longer the better). It is doubtful that women in the noble society actually put on twelve clothes but it seems certain that they layered clothes. It is also questionable that their hair was so long as trailing behind them on the floor as is depicted in pictures (illustrated scrolls) but it also seems certain that they paid special attention to and took special care of their long hair.
Let’s look up the classical Japanese languages below from the text of this episode.
[Classical Japanese Languages Picked Out]
「「この御格子は参らでやあらむずる」と、ひとりごとして参るを、少将の君もゆかしうて、「『いと暗し。上げよ』と宣ふめり」と宣へば、物踏み立てて上げつ。」
（"Kono-Mikoushi-wa-Maira-de-ya-Ara-nzuru." to, Hitorigoto-shite-Mairu-wo, Shoushounokimi-mo-Yukashuu-te, “'Ito-Kurashi. Age-yo’ to-Notamau-meri" to-Notamae-ba, Mono-Fumi-Tate-te-Age-tsu.）
で
De
not doing, without doing
むず（←むずる）
Muzu（← Muzuru）
① surely/certainly will (showing a guess) ② will, shall, be going to, intend to (showing an intention) ③ should, ought to, had better ④ supposing, providing (showing supposition)
ゆかし
Yukashi
be interested in, be curious about ⇒① want to see/hear/know ② miss, long for, yearn for/after, love someone dearly, adore
暗し
Kurashi
① dark ② dim, dull, unintelligent, foolish, be unfamiliar with ③ not attain (spiritual) enlightment, caught/captured/captivated in worldly/earthly passions/desires ④ not enough, be short of
上ぐ（←上げ）
Agu（← Age）
① move something up/upward, raise ② tie/put hair up ③ accomplish/carry out/finish/complete something ④ (from country) make someone go up to/visit Kyoto/the capital ⑤ make something seen (by raising it), make something clear
めり
Meri
① look like, appear to ② appearently
踏む（←踏み）
Fumu（← Fumi）
① step on, stamp, trample ② walk, go, advance, proceed ③ assume/take a position, be promoted to, attain a high/the highest rank ④ march rhythmically, dance ⑤ spend, experience ⑥ estimate the value of something, set/put a price on/for something, appraise, value
The part quoted above is the words exchanged between Akoki and Ukon’no Shoushou. They may pay regard to the sensitive Princess not to cause her burden by smooth, smart and sophisticated communication. As Princess Ochikubo will be under great stress and not know the skills for hiding but realizing and respecting true intentions and feelings, Akoki (and Ukon’no Shoushou) may do their best with a strong determined will to achieve a blessed, joyous, happry marriage for the Princess.
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You can read English version of Ochikubo-Hime for charge. (No refund is available.) ([Caution!] This English version is the same one as that provided for charge in the site of おちくぼ物語 in Japanese https://jacl.it-is-the-tale.com.)
Princess Ochikubo is just lying without a move, not knowing what to do, while Ukon’no Shoushou stays late beside her. Meanwhile Akoki, completely ready for proper treatment for her new master for the honor of her Princess, gets dressed in an appropriate way to welcome the bridegroom of the marvelous Princess and goes to the place of the bride. Fine clothes make the loyal and diligent maid so beautiful that her husband is mesmerized. Outside the Princess’ place, “I wonder whether Her Highness wants the lattice closed," murmurs aloud Akoki to sound out how it is inside. “She says that she wants the lattice raised," responds Ukon’no Shoushou, eager to see his dearest Princess under the sunlight, prompting Akoki to slide up the lattice. Then he gets up and prepares to leave, orders the ox-carriage and stands up to go to the gate, when Akoki dressed up brings rice porridge for the hero who will save her Princess from the miserable plight. She also places a fine washtub with water in it before the brave knight who is expected to stand up to the malicious stepmother. What? These are for me? I hear that they’ve been in a dire state. Akoki’s makeshift but splendid treatment surprises Ukon’no Shoushou. Princess Ochikubo, beside him, is also surprised and baffled gaping at Akoki and those things brought; Oh my, how has she gotten them from where?
The rain is stopping and there seems to be no one around, Ukon’no Shoushou is quietly going out of the place, glancing at the Princess. Shining in the light pouring and filling the room, his brilliant venus brightens up around, dazzling the Prince lured into her divine romantic heavenly world. How beautiful! Oh my, how can I live without her? I must take her with me as soon as possible. I’ll get started now! He is firmly resolved to take action for his dream life with his Venus. The heroic Prince, receiving the kindness of the best faithful companion of his cherished Princess, took rice porridge and finally left.
The third night marking the official marriage of Princess Ochikubo and Ukon’no Shoushou will come soon, when the formal ceremony will be held. That means preparation and arrangements required of Akoki. Again she beats her brains, especially she has to and wants to have them enjoy the special Japanese rice cakes to commemorate their marriage. How can I get the cakes made? Again she bumps against a wall, stuck in a deadlock, then after all she decides to ask her aunt of Izumi Province for help.
Thank you for reading this English version.
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❗️The author of this website has all copyrights to this English version.
❗️No one may use this English version for any purpose except for reading.