#Tsuru no ongaeshi

[hersadexistence]

Tsuru no Ongaeshi, Kazuhiko Watanabe, 1965

[genoskissors]

Daily Danganronpa Fun Fact #169

When Sayaka claims to be the crane Makoto saved in Middle School, she says “I'm that crane, you see. I've come to return the favor. Here, let me make you a cloak.” This is a reference to Tsuru no Ongaeshi (“Crane's Return of a Favor”), where a crane is saved by a poor man and makes him a piece of clothing to sell at a high price in return.

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[sinkableruby]

like,

something something you randomly show up to this guy's doorstep one day and dedicate yourself to him. you help him out. but he absolutely can't open the door!! that's your one condition, he can't open the door. if he opens it you can't stay there. and so he doesn't open the door and you get to keep doing what you do and it whittles away at you. you get thin, you get sick. but you still keep doing it. for him. but he can't open the door. and then of course he eventually he opens the door and he sees you're the crane and of course you're the crane and once he knows you're the crane you can't stay there anymore. he's seen your true identity and you have to go away forever now

idk its kinda., yk?

deciding to make ougi be the crane from tsuru no ongaeshi is something that i once again am thinking about.

like, it's just like a throwaway line in the arc itself and its at least partly just bc of the synchrony with the sleeves and the crane wings

but i'm thinking about it. i have thoughts about it.

[ttoothrott]

Dropping my 5 yr old Soul Eater Oc in honor of my annual Soul Eater fixation 🫶

Her name is Tsuru Nyobo, and is based off the Japanese folktale “Tsuru no Ongaeshi”/“The Crane Maiden”! Also heavily inspired by the vocaloid song “Feathers Across the Seasons” (devastating yet beautiful song, go listen if you haven’t).

She’s a crane-themed with who works at the DWMA as a school counselor/witch studies teacher! However she operates as a human, hiding her true soul with soul protect.

In post-anime, she becomes a mother-like figure to Angela, as she feels a kinship with her for being a witch herself. She mentors Angela after school, helping the little witch develop/control her magical abilities! In the anime timeline, this also leads an extreme slow-burn with Mifune :3

There’s sooooo much lore I have for her, but that’s for another post! Feel free to ask questions :D

[mynahx3]

Return of a Favor

This is another addition to the, Love Through the Ages collab by @kentopedia. It is a piece inspired by the Japanese Folk Tales Tsuru no Ongaeshi ( "Crane's Return of a Favor"). Nanami x fem reader

Takes place in Edo era ish but def not that accurate Hope you enjoy lovelies!~

6.6k Warning this contains MATURE material. Please MDNI!!! 18+!!!! Contains a little blood, SMUT, pregnancy, and babies.

Snow billowed around the man as he walked. The harsh weather had drained his energy, slowing his movements. The basket's ropes uncomfortably dug into his shoulders as he trudged. Breathing heavily, he struggled against the resistance of the snow with each step. Eventually, he lost his balance and tumbled into the soft white blanket. Getting up with a huff he brushed the snow off him, determined to get home. 

The man walking was on his way home, returning after a day in the village market. The market day involved hard work and sweat, resulting in minimal earnings that barely covered his costs. He crafted small wooden items and sold his vegetables to the town. With the snow, it was hard to bring his cart into town. Still, he made enough for himself.

Struggling up the hill, the snow reached his knees, gradually decreasing in intensity as he climbed. The harsh wind blowing snow and rain has faded away. Soft flakes of snow descended upon him, offering a fleeting pause in the midst of his journey.

Immersed in the serene stillness, he marveled at the snow-draped trees and the quiet expanse of the landscape. Despite the hardships he has faced recently, he kept going. He knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he found solace in the tranquility of the snow-covered landscape. The sense of accomplishment for making it through another day filled him with a quiet sense of pride.

In his moment of reflection, he was jolted back to reality by the sound of something crashing into branches and squaking nearby.

Piquing his interest, the man walked to where he heard the sound, curiosity winning him over. Pushing past the branches in his way, he cautiously walked forward.

In the bushes, not far from the path, lay a wounded crane. It weakly fluttered its wings on the ground, and an arrow was shot into one wing. Blood oozed from the wound, dyeing the feathers a deep crimson.

At the sight of the man, it squaked louder, trying to move away from him. The man approached slowly, speaking softly to try and calm the injured bird. He knew he had to act quickly to help save its life.

"Not here to hurt you, little thing." He spoke, hands raised to the small bird.

The crane continued to struggle to get away from the man. Their eyes were filled with fear. Slowly, the man went closer, taking his time to not scare the animal more. Seeing his calm nature, the bird began to calm down as well, watchful eyes on his form.

Still wary of the man, the crane tentatively allowed the man to approach and inspect its injuries. The man gently examined the bird, assessing the damage and figuring out the best way to help it.

Taking its wing into his hand, he saw the arrow; luckily, the wound didn't seem to bleed too much. With no other option, he petted the head of the crane, easing it for what he would do next.

The man carefully removed the arrow, causing the bird to let out a small cry of pain, floundering on the ground for a second as the man tried to calm it down. Ripping up a part of his robe, he began to tend to its wounds. The crane seemed to understand that he was trying to help; it looked at him with quizzical eyes. No longer was it fighting him, but instead, it seemed to trust him. The man felt relieved and reassured, knowing that he had successfully ensured the crane's safety in his care. He was happy he was close to home; the crane was in no condition to fly.

Now docile, the crane was easy for the man to carry back to his house, where he could provide it with proper care and attention. 

The trek back home seemed faster, as he had a goal in mind now and the weather calmer. Going to his humble home he saw in the distance, it was a simple farmer's house; it was enough for him. It sat on a hill, overlooking the vast expanse of fields and forests. The man knew that the crane would have a peaceful and safe place to recover in his care.

Sliding back the doors, he gently placed the crane in a comfortable spot. In his home, there was a small table with worn cushions around it for tea across his kitchen. He had his room down the hall, along with a bathroom and spare room. While small, his home was cozy and filled with warmth. Quickly, he threw in another log to keep the fire going, moving the bird closer to rest next to him at the fire. Relaxing in his home, he rubbed his sore feet, sitting on an old cushion.

Glancing to the side, he was surprised to see the crane watching him from its bundle of blankets.

Tilting his head, he extended a hand, rubbing the top of the bird's head. It leaned into his touch, seemingly enjoying it. It gazed up at him with its big, grateful eyes. The man smiled, feeling a sense of peace and connection with the injured crane.

"You're a special bird, aren't you?" He whispered softly, feeling a sense of connection with the majestic creature. The crane closed its eyes in contentment, as if understanding his words.

"I'm sure you'll be ready to go back to the wind in no time. Just sit tight here for now. It may not be much, but it's home." He said this, patting the crane gently before slowly standing up and limping back to his own room. As he settled in for the night, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected companionship in the midst of his solitude.

The crane stayed with the man for a few months.

The injured crane kept the man company in his loneliness, bringing a sense of peace and connection to the man's isolated world. A routine of tending to their wound each night and sharing meals with it became a comforting ritual for the man, creating a bond that transcended words.

It often lay with him as he read, a skill his Danish grandfather taught him. The two enjoyed their time together. The crane's presence brought a sense of purpose and joy to the man's otherwise solitary existence.

This, of course, came to an end eventually.

Returning from another day in the market, he found the crane had left, a single feather left behind where it slept. While the man felt a pang of sadness at the bird's departure, he knew that their time together had brought him comfort and companionship when he needed it most. As he looked at the feather in his hand, he couldn't help but smile at the memories they had shared.

Little did the man know, the crane would remember this favor for the rest of its days, wishing to repay him.

~_~_~

Spring was now approaching, which was a relief for the man.

The cold, barren winter is becoming a memory with each sunny day. He would enjoy this time while he could before it rolled around again as a cruel reminder. A gentle breeze rolled through, swaying the branches of trees nearby.

The man relaxed in his home, screen doors open, sitting on the tatami mats.

His home had seen better days. The roof had a few leaks, and the walls were showing wear. But the man didn't mind, as long as he had a roof over his head. He was grateful for the simple life he led, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the countryside.

The setting sun beamed down on him in a pleasant warmth with a chill of the breeze, bringing a sense of peace and contentment to his heart. It was growing darker, but the man felt a sense of serenity enveloping him, knowing that he was exactly where he belonged. The soft glow of the lanterns inside his home beckoned him to come in and rest for the night. The man closed his eyes, taking in the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling, grateful for the beauty that surrounded him.

Opening his eyes, he expected to see his small garden, but he was met with the sight of a woman walking along the road.

Tilting his head, he stood up as he squinted to get a better look at the unfamiliar figure. The woman looked lost, and he felt a sense of duty to offer her assistance in finding her way.

Seeing him, she seemed to brighten just at the sight, hurriedly walking faster. This confused him, his shoulders tensing as the woman came closer.

She was indeed beautiful, a rare sight in this secluded area. Wearing white, plain robes that served her no justice, her hair was done in a simple braid. As she approached, he noticed the desperation in her eyes, making him wonder what could have led her to this remote place. Despite his initial hesitation, he decided to approach her with a welcoming smile, ready to offer his help.

"Hello, sir." She greeted him with a polite bow of her head. "I seem to have lost my way; would you be able to point me in the right direction?"

"It's awfully late for a woman to be out." He said, in a deep voice, as he stepped off his porch, smiling at her softly. "I can help you find your way back, but it's not safe to be wandering for either of us at this hour."

She smiled back at him, looking at him with such affection that his heart skipped a beat. He felt a sense of familiarity in her eyes, but he shook it off. He would have remembered meeting a beauty like her.

"Thank you for your concern, sir," she replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "I would appreciate your guidance back to town."

"I only say this in concern for your safety, but it's not best to travel in the dark, even in this part of the country. Bandits still lurk about." He starts, never leaving her eyes, getting immersed in them, lost in the moment with her. "May I offer my home for the night? I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing I left you to fend for yourself, and I can take you first thing at sunrise."

"That is very kind of you, sir," she said with a smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I would be grateful for your hospitality."

With a stutter and flushed face, she introduced herself, and her name sounded like a melody to his ears.

"It's a pleasure to meet you; my name is Nanami Kento."

Nanami extended his hand toward her, a warm smile gracing his lips as he welcomed her into his home. The night was filled with laughter and conversation, with a bond forming between them that felt like fate.

~_~_~

Since their meeting, Nanami and the woman have only seemed to get closer. She had always talked to him on her journey home from town. He often invited her to dinner when the hour was late.

Nanami had grown quite fond of her. In the short time that he knew her, Nanami felt his feelings grow for her. She was attentive and soft-spoken, yet her strong determination was something he found incredibly attractive. Her heart was as kind as her smile, and Nanami found himself drawn to her more and more with each passing day. Their connection felt effortless, as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

Gaining the nerve to ask her to marry him, he prepared a token of his affection. Using his skills, he carved an intricate hair pin with images of birds and flowers intertwined in the design, symbolizing their blossoming love. As far as he knew, she was unwed with no family in town. While he had little to his name, he was determined to make her happy and provide for her in any way he could. He hoped that she would see his sincerity and accept his offer of courtship.

Waiting at a nearby river overlooking the village, he played with a small bouquet of wildflowers he had picked for her, rehearsing in his mind what he would say when she arrived. The sound of her approaching footsteps filled him with a mix of excitement and nervousness, yet he was prepared to express his feelings for her. Still, he hid the bouquet behind his back.

She quickly walked to him, smiling brightly at him as she called his name. The flowers were in full bloom over them, and the petals fell around them.

Sitting with him on his blanket, she begins to ask about his day. He took a deep breath, feeling his nerves dissipate as he looked into her eyes. As they talked, he found himself captivated by her every word, grateful for the opportunity to share this moment with her. Speaking her name, he got her attention, feeling a tad guilty for interrupting her.

"I have something I want to give you." He showed her the flowers and hairpin, his cheeks red from the action.

She looked at him in shock, mouth agape, as she reached out to take the gifts.

"I have come to realize how much you mean to me," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I wanted to show you how much I care."

Tears formed in her eyes at his heartfelt words. The gifts were now in her lap. Her own heart fluttered with her emotions.

"I don't have much, but I can provide you with food, a roof over your head, and love until the end of our days." He said that he was now holding her hands.

Smiling, she leaned forward, looking into his eyes which were warm pools of amber and dark chocolate, golden in the sunlight. His blonde hair was blown in the breeze, and the smell of cherry blossoms wafted around them.

"And that's all I need," she replied softly, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for his simple yet heartfelt offer. The love in his eyes reflected her own feelings, creating a bond that she knew would last a lifetime.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Nanami cupped her face, connecting their lips in a tender, loving kiss.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still as they embraced each other, cherishing the love that bound them together. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble of happiness and affection.

~_~_~

The two married in a humble ceremony, one that was attended by only his closest friends and family but was filled with an abundance of love and joy. At the village shrine, the priest blessed their union, sealing their commitment to each other in the eyes of the divine. Nanami kneeled beside her, and the both of them took sips of their sake.

Nanami wore his father's black haori with a loose gray hakama. He felt the heavens bless him with the one beside him.

She wore a simple, pure white kimono with an outer robe and a crane on the front of it, symbolizing longevity and good fortune in their marriage. It was the same robe that his mother wore on her own wedding day, a gift from her, passing down a tradition of love and happiness. The wooden hairpin he gifted her sat proudly in the updo his mother helped her create, showcasing the intricate design.

He couldn't give her the lavish gifts one would on their wedding like he desired, but she was happy. They had food together near the river where he proposed. Loved ones gathered in the summer night, the sounds of cicadas around them.

His family happily cooked and helped prepare the meal, celebrating the union of their loved ones. The simple act of sharing a meal together by the river symbolized their commitment to each other and the beginning of their lives. The couple sat together, enjoying the night as one. Their hands intertwined, the sound of laughter and music filling the air. Lanterns aglow around them, filling the sky above.

As they looked into each other's eyes, they knew that their love was all they needed to start their new life together.

Later on that night, when everyone had departed, they went into his home—no, their home—as a couple now.

Shyly, he looked around his room. Tonight was to be the night they became one in every sense of the word. The room seemed to glow with a warm light from the candles, reflecting the love that filled their hearts.

They kneeled before each other, still in their last layer of clothes. Her hair flowed down on her shoulders now, draping her in a soft, romantic aura. His hands trembled slightly as he reached out to touch her face, a mixture of excitement and nervousness in his eyes. They both knew that this moment would change their lives forever.

Moving closer to him, she let him cup her face, her eyes gleaming at him with love and excitement. Her own hand cupping his softly.

"Do you wish to spend the rest of your life with me?" She whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "Even though I may not be the wife you always dreamed of, I promise to love you with all my heart."

He gazed into her eyes, his heart full of certainty, as he replied, "Yes, I do. I will cherish you always and forever, no matter what the future holds. With no regrets."

Leaning closer, he takes her lips in a kiss, growing more passionate with each passing second. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, savoring the love that bound them together. Their hearts beat in unison as they shared a tender kiss, sealing their commitment to each other.

Gaining courage, he pushed her to lay on the futon, his hands tenderly traveling her body. Unraveling her kimono with a gasp from her lips, his calloused hands felt the softness of her flesh for the first time.

As their passion ignited, they became lost in each other, their bodies entwined in a dance of love and desire. In that moment, nothing else mattered except the connection they shared. Their clothes were shed, and the two of them were bare under the moonlight.

Gazing down at her, he lost himself in her beauty. She laid bare before him, cheeks flushed from their kisses. Her bare breasts were littered with marks he made. Legs on either side of his waist, the two of them ready to become one.

"I've never…" Nanami started, his cheeks a bright red, as he was about to confess his virginity to her. But before he could finish his sentence, she placed a finger on his lips, silencing him.

"You don't need to say it," she whispered, her eyes filled with understanding and affection. Her own cheeks equally as flushed. "I've never done this either."

Her confession eased his nerves, knowing they would explore this new experience together without any pressure or expectations. They both smiled, their hearts filled with excitement and anticipation for what was to come. Cupping his face, she brushed hair from his eyes and leaned in for a kiss, their tongues dancing together in a symphony of desire.

Clasping her hand, he rubbed himself on her slick cunt. His length was soaked in their mutual desire, aching for the moment they would finally become one. Making eye contact, she nods to him, silently communicating her readiness and eagerness to take the next step in their relationship.

Pushing forward, he held her hand tight, her eyes clenched from the slight pain she experienced. As he entered her, he let out a groan, resting his head in the crook of her neck from the sensations. His lips peppered kisses on her collarbone, giving her a moment to adjust to the new feeling. Whispering sweet nothings in her ear, he assured her of his love and devotion. His hands rubbed her body soothingly to relax her, resting on her hips.

She panted for air, her heart racing in her chest as he leaned back from her. With warm eyes looking down at her with a mixture of desire and tenderness, he whispered, "Are you okay?"

She nodded, feeling a wave of emotions wash over her at the intimacy they shared in that moment. Feeling the pain begin to subside, she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him down to kiss her with a newfound sense of urgency and passion, moving his hips against him. Moving his arms up, he rested on his elbows on either side of her head. Hips thrusting against her with ease at the growing intensity of their connection, he whispered, "I've got you."

She melted into his touch, feeling safe and desired in his embrace. The world faded away as they embraced, cherishing the connection they had found in each other's arms. Their room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing and the scent of their shared passion, creating a bubble of intimacy that enveloped them both. As they continued to explore each other's bodies, they both felt their end was coming. Their eyes locked together, focusing solely on one another.

With a final surge of emotion, they surrendered to the overwhelming wave of desire, their souls intertwining in a moment of pure bliss before they collapsed into each other's arms, breathless and content. The world outside ceased to exist as they lay entwined, savoring the fleeting ecstasy of their love. Nanami moved to lay beside his wife, laying a blanket over them, gently brushing her hair away from her face and whispering words of love and gratitude.

"I love you." He declared, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

"I love you too, Kento." She responded, her voice barely above a whisper.

The couple held each other close, cherishing the quiet moment of connection before they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

~_~_~

Kento felt pure happiness.

For years now, he has been married to the love of his life. Their time together strengthened their bond each day. No matter the poor condition of their house or the challenges they faced, their love remained unwavering.

With the cold months coming, Kento spent more time out in the fields. He could already feel the chill in his bones from the season changing. The brown leaves on the trees are beginning to fall from the branches. Gathering food to stock up on or sell. The cold, brisk air filled his lungs as he worked tirelessly, knowing that every moment spent away from his beloved was worth it for their future together. Nanami's heart swelled with gratitude for the life they had built, knowing that their love would always be the foundation of their happiness.

Raising a hand to his face to wipe his sweat, he gazed at his wife.

She sat on the porch, sewing a quilt, her hands moving skillfully as she hummed a familiar tune. Her bump was beginning to show in the life they had created together, a reminder of the love that bound them. Kento couldn't help but smile, grateful for her presence in his life and the warmth she brought to their home. As the sun began to set, he joined her on the porch, cherishing these simple moments of peace and contentment together.

Suddenly, a harsh feeling came into his chest. He felt as if he were being torn from the inside, waiting for it to erupt from him. Buckling over, he coughed into his hand, shakily looking at it. His wife immediately ran to his aid, rubbing his back in circles as she kneeled next to him to assist him. Brows furrowed in concern on her sun kissed face.

"Kento?" She called, her face paling as she looked at him. Blood dribbled down his chin, covering his hand.

~_~_~_~

A sickness furrowed its claws deep into him.

The village doctor allowed them both some time to consider; there were treatment possibilities, but they required money. Something either of them didn't have much of. The doctor's words lingered in his mind, weighing heavily on his chest. Kento knew that life would never be the same again.

Looking at his wife, he held her hand tight, regret flowing through him for making her go through this. For not being better for her. He knew that look in her eyes; she was thinking hard, thinking of ways to fix this. Kento felt a sense of guilt and responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders as he realized the gravity of the situation.

"Love, we'll get through this together," he whispered, trying to reassure her. But deep down, he knew that their journey ahead would be filled with challenges and sacrifices.

Turning to him, she had that same smile—the same one he'd grown to adore the last few years. Years filled with absolute happiness.

"We will, Kento." She affirmed, leaning to rest her forehead against his.

~_~_~

The look of love never once changed in her eyes for him. Not once.

Even as she watched him struggle with the changes, he went from a strong man who could sow their entire field in less than a day to a man needing help being fed. Things like pity, regret, or resentment never crossed her mind.

A horrible cough wracked Kento's form, one that made her heart ache with worry. She held him closer, dabbing his face more with a damp cloth to ease the fever that had come on in the middle of the night.

"You should run off with the money we have. Stop wasting it on me." He chided her, still leaning on her as she cared for him. But she shook her head, determined to stay by his side no matter what. "Even with a child, I'm sure you'd find someone else. Someone worthy."

"I'm not going anywhere, Kento. We'll get through this together," she whispered, her voice filled with unwavering love and devotion. Kissing his forehead, she gently held him, caressing his damp hair until he fell asleep. His hand rested on her stomach, as if still trying to protect the life growing inside her.

The winter storm raged outside, and the two of them were bundled in their warm blankets, finding solace in each other's presence as they faced the uncertainty of the future together. The crackling fire in the fireplace provided a sense of comfort and warmth amidst the howling winds outside. Nanami's chest rose and fell with each calm breath. He looked at peace, despite the pain and uncertainty that surrounded them.

She vowed to find a way to help him, no matter the cost.

In the quiet of the night she slipped to her weave room, her loom in the middle of the room. With determination she got to work.

~_~_~

For several nights, she spent her time weaving delicate silk tapestries and silk panels she knew she would be able to sell at the market to support them through the difficult times ahead. The intricate designs and vibrant colors were a labor of love, a symbol of their unwavering bond and determination to overcome any obstacle together.

While being unable to do hard labor, she spent countless hours caring for her husband while also making the beautiful tapestries that would give her the money to buy the medicine.

The night before the market day, she stayed up late adding the final touches to her creations, knowing that their success was crucial for their survival. As the first light of dawn broke through the window, she felt a sense of hope and determination that they would make it through this challenging time together.

~_~_~

Spring is approaching now. The last month of winter began to thaw, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings and opportunities. His sickness weakened the strength he had. Each day, his wife cared for him with unwavering dedication, no matter how much he tried to push her away. Her bump is now bigger, and she can feel the baby kicking more frequently.

"It's pointless getting the medicine." He frowned, looking away from her as she bathed him. "It's pointless staying with me."

She simply stopped humming, continuing to wipe his chest, a frown on her face as she sat in front of him in the bathtub. Water surrounded the two of them in their small tub. The steam of the bath fogged the small room, enveloping the two in a sense of warmth and intimacy.

Despite his words, she couldn't bear the thought of leaving him alone in his time of need.

"My love, no matter what you say, no matter how foul you try to be, I'm staying." She said, "We both are."

Tears filled his eyes as he understood the extent of her love and dedication. Despite his protests, she remained by his side, a beacon of hope in his darkest days.

Another cough racked his form, and attentively, she helped rub his back as he coughed. Only once her hand dropped the towel to cup his face did he notice her fingers. They were wrapped in bandages, blood seeping through from the cuts.

"What happened to your hands?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

She smiled softly and explained, "Just a minor kitchen mishap, nothing serious to worry about."

The profound love and sacrifice she showed left him speechless. Gently, he lifted her hand to his face, pressing a kiss to the tips of each finger. Tears finally went down his cheeks; months of bottling them up were finally released in that moment of vulnerability. He realized then just how much she truly meant to him.

"I'll be better for you," he promised, tears streaming down his face. "I love you more than words can express."

She squeezed his hand gently, feeling the weight of his promise in her heart.

"You've done more than enough. I love you more than you'll ever know," she whispered, feeling grateful for his vulnerability and honesty.

He sobbed in her arms, pressing his face against her wet chest as sobs wracked his form. She held him close, whispering words of comfort and reassurance as he let out all his pent-up emotions in her embrace.

~_~_~

After making tapestries for hours, she had finally made enough to cover the costs for the stronger medication Kento needed.

With a breath of relief, she left the doctor's office, holding the vial of medicine close to her chest. She knew that the medicine was their last hope for his recovery, and she was willing to do whatever it took to ensure he got better. As she walked home, her heart was heavy with worry but also filled with determination to see him healthy again.

In her anxiety, she felt a harsh kick; her little one was quite active as of late. Her late nights working and taking care of Kento made her realize the importance of taking care of herself and her unborn child. She knew she needed to find a balance between caring for Kento and ensuring her own well-being during this challenging time.

~_~_~

Kento seemed to be getting better each day. 

His health was slowly regaining strength, and now he was able to tend to the small weeds in the garden. The fresh air and sunlight seemed to invigorate him, giving hope that they would indeed overcome this challenge together. As she watched him work in the garden, she felt a sense of gratitude for every moment they had together.

Her own health, however, only got worse. Bags were under her eyes, and she had lost weight. A concern for the doctors, especially with her due date being later than most women. As the flowers began to bloom outside, she prayed for a miracle to keep him by her side a little while longer.

"Kento! Come take a break, my love." She called out, reaching for him on the porch.

Kento looked up from his task and smiled warmly at her, setting down his gardening tools before walking over to her.

"I'm almost done here, love. Let's sit together for a while," he said gently, wrapping his arms around her as they sat on the porch, enjoying the peaceful moment together.

Nuzzling into her neck, he whispered sweet nothings, reminding her of his unwavering love and support. The warmth of his embrace was the only medicine she needed to feel better in that moment.

"You should be sleeping." He reminded her, concern on his face as he looked over her.

Waving her hand dismissively, she leaned into his chest, feeling safe and loved in his arms.

"I'll sleep soon, I promise. But right now, I just want to be here with you," she murmured softly, closing her eyes and savoring the moment of peace and comfort they shared together. 

Her restlessness seemed to melt away as she focused on the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a soothing lullaby that calmed her racing thoughts. In that moment, she knew that with him by her side, she could face anything that came their way.

"I was thinking of names." He said it with a grin, looking down at his wife resting on his chest.

"Names ?" She lifted her head to look at him with curiosity, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The anticipation of starting a family together filled their hearts with joy and excitement for the future.

"For a boy, Yoshiharu." He spoke, rubbing her hair gently. "For a girl, I was thinking of Miu."

She met his gaze, nodding in agreement at the two names.

"Those sound lovely."

~_~_~

Their child is born on a rainy spring day; she screams into the world, lungs full of life. Her chubby cheeks are pink, and her tiny fingers grasp at the air. The sound of her cry fills the room, bringing tears of happiness to their eyes as they welcome their daughter, Miu, into the world.

"She's perfect." Kento whispers, kissing his wife's forehead as they both marvel at the miracle before them.

Tears of joy fall down the couple's faces. Their hearts are full as they hold their precious daughter for the first time, feeling a love like no other. The room is filled with a sense of overwhelming love and gratitude as they begin their journey as a family of three.

~_~_~

Miu grows strong in the coming months, as does her father. The weather was not as warm anymore, leaves begin to fall with a chill to the air. The sickness is all but gone from him now.

All would be well, or so he thought.

Even after the birth, his wife's health did not seem to get better. His wife continues to weave in the late hours of the night, determined to keep her family safe and healthy. No matter how much he begged for her to get rest, she continued. She was scared of not having him in her life. Scared of losing him to the sickness. As the days passed, her exhaustion became more apparent, but her determination never wavered. The love she had for her family was evident in every sacrifice she made for their well-being. Fingers were raw from the endless threading and weaving. 

Having awoken in the middle of the night, Kento frowned. He had reached over to his wife's side but only felt the cold sheets. Groggily, he sat up, rubbing his eyes as he looked around the room. It was dark, save for the moonlight streaming in from his window.

His daughter slept in her cradle peacefully. He smiled at the sight. She looked like a carbon copy of his wife, but she had his eye shape, skin tone, and mannerisms. The girl never cried for much and slept through most of the night, something they were beyond grateful for.

Carefully, Kento steps out of the room, walking down the hall to find his wife.

The only things heard were crickets outside and the wooden loom being moved. As he approached the spare bedroom, he had a gut feeling something was wrong. His hand shook as it hovered over the screen handles. Ignoring it, he carefully slid open the door, seeing a shocking sight.

There sat his wife with her robes pulled down, and her arms were wings now. White, beautiful feathers were scattered around her, blood seeping from her arms and back. Feathers gathered into a basket in front of her, the loom glimmering with silk. Threads. She had been making the tapestries and silk panels from her own feathers all this time. 

His beloved wife was an enchanted being, able to switch between human and avian forms. Shocked and heartbroken, he realized the sacrifices she had made to be with him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he kneeled infront of her.

With tears in her eyes, she covered her body from him, ashamed he had found out. Her transformation was a secret she had kept hidden out of fear of rejection. Seeing the feathers closer, he recognized them; it was the crane's feather, the very same one he saved years ago.

"Look away!" She cried out, crawling away from him, not looking him in the eyes. Bloody hands clasped around her robes.

He only looked at her with love, hands raised, just like when they first met. 

Kneeling down on the ground to be less intimidating, he gently reached out to touch her hand, a silent gesture of understanding and acceptance. She hesitated for a moment before finally meeting his gaze, seeing only compassion and support reflected back at her.

"It's just me, love." Kento reached out to her, gently touching her shoulder, trying to reassure her. She flinched from him and looked at him fearfully, her chest heaving with each panicked breath.

"Please, don't," she whispered, tears running down her face, her body shaking. Memories flooded her mind of the pain she’s endured in the past from humans. Pain and abuse from them discovering what she is.

Tearing herself from his gaze, she turned around, transforming into her crane form, and flew out the open window. He ran after her, stopping at the window where he watched her soar into the night sky, yelling her name out.

As she disappeared into the darkness, he whispered a silent prayer for her safety and well-being. Tears went down his face, knowing her secret didn't change the love he felt for her. If anything, it only deepened his admiration for her strength and beauty. Months of her sacrificing her well being helped save him.

Sobbing, he collapsed onto the floor, thinking he had lost her forever.

~_~_~

Months disappear in the blink of an eye.

A time spent in loneliness and hardship. He had to navigate fatherhood without his wife, but his heart never found anger for her. She was scared; he couldn't blame her for her reaction. He knew she was struggling with her own demons, and he hoped she would find peace one day. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to being the best father he could be for their child.

He just wanted her back.

Miu is nearly one, and he still finds himself looking out the windows every night, hoping to catch a glimpse of her flying by. The memory of her departure still lingers in his heart, a bittersweet reminder of the love they shared.

Sitting by the river with his daughter, he lets out a sigh, looking up at the sky with a forlorn look. He felt a gaping hole in his heart, one that would never be filled. With the sun beginning to set, he picks up Miu. The girl was sweet, her laughter filling the air as they walked back home together. She looked closer to her mother, her features near identical. The ache in his heart slowly begins to heal, knowing that she will always be a part of him, no matter where she may be.

Just as he almost makes it up the hill, a feather falls down before him. Curiously, he leans down and picks it up, inhaling a sharp breath once he recognizes the feather in his hand. Without a second of hesitation, he begins to run to his home, his daughter laughing gleefully at the change of pace. 

He bursts through the door, finding a familiar figure in a white kimono waiting by the window, their backs turned from him. At his entrance, the figure turns his way, a smile on their lips—the same one he loves and misses dearly. The sun casted a soft heavenly glow behind them, making him think it was his imagination.

Tears well up in his eyes as he rushes forward to embrace them. Miu looked at them curiously as they cupped their father’s face. Their hands carefully caressed his face as if he was glass, tears now falling down his face in relief.

"Hello Kento."

Hope you enjoyed!! I was gonna go with the OG sad ending but my heart couldn't

Lol very vanilla and lovey dovey. Crane lady got saved by a handsome farmer, spent months with him under his care (learning everything about him), and went ‘I shall bear your children and love you forever’ and I mean, that’s fair

[maridotnet]

Nathalie, Emilie, and the bird wives

@asukiess This post is for you

I've always been interested in stories of the swan maiden variety; in the typical iteration, a man comes upon a group of swan maidens in human form, and steals the cloak of feathers that allows one of them to transform back, while the others turn back into swans and flee, forcing her to become his wife. The story ends by her finding her swan skin and leaving him, and whatever children they had, forever. In this motif, the wife can also be some creature other than a swan, and the story falls broadly under the "Magic Wife" motif.

Recently, I've also been looking into the Japanese folktale of the crane wife, where a man saves a crane, and she comes to be his wife in return. To support them, she makes fine fabric for him to sell, but it's at great personal cost. The Wikipedia page for Tsuru no Ongaeshi tells the story like this:

"In The Crane Wife story, a man marries a woman who is in fact a crane disguised as a human. To make money, the crane wife plucks her own feathers to weave silk brocade, which the man sells, but she becomes increasingly ill as she does so. When the man discovers his wife's true identity and the nature of her illness, devastated by the truth, he demands her to stop. She responds that she has been doing it for love, for them. The man says that love exists without sacrifice, but he is wrong. He who lives without sacrifice for someone else does not deserve to be with a crane."

Looking through all the known variants listed on the Swan maiden page, I also found this reference under the Chinese oral tales heading:

"A tale from Southeastern China and near regions narrates the adventures of a prince who meets a Peacock Maiden, in a tale attributed to the Tai people. The tale is celebrated amongst the Dai people of China and was recorded as a poem and folk story, being known under several names, such as "Shaoshutun", "The Peacock Princess" or "Zhao Shutun and Lanwuluona" "

Anyway, you probably know where I'm going with this, but I think the crane wife is a really striking ringer for Nathalie's relationship with Gabriel, and presumably his marriage to Emilie. She plucks her peacock feathers to make magical gifts for him, despite the terrible toll it takes on her. He asks her not to sacrifice herself, but she insists she's doing it for them, out of love. Neither of them are wrong for the way they love, but they are wrong for each other, because Gabriel will never sacrifice himself for her the way she does.

As a crane wife, she's willingly giving up her feathers, but as a swan maiden, she's trapped against her will; he has something hidden away that she can't fly without, and in the meantime, she's working to raise their children and be a good wife, because she has no other option. I think the swan maiden story gives it a little more eminath razzle-dazzle; what else would Gabriel have hidden away that she couldn't leave without?

I think they're both cool lenses to look at the relationships through! :)

[butterrdream]

｡✧｡･ﾟ it’s that time of the year again were I , lalo , starts bothering you all again : What Classic fairytale could you see your oc/s being ( unfortunately ?) part of — what role would they play? ( are they the unfortunately princess in the tower? the dues ex machina fairy god mother? etc etc ) — & if there is any, is there a subversion to the ‘trope’ , did red ridding hood have a gun all along?

A little fun fact about my self is that I absolutely adore fairytales ✨ (Absolutely had a phase as a kid too where I was so into looking up all the darker versions of them too lol). So naturally this is something I have thought about a lot actually! In fact I have several AUs of different fairytales! Let's just talk about some main ones though.

So despite there being a lot of unintentional connections between Apple and Snow White I actually have a pretty solid Cinderella AU!

Apple: You know I actually have pretty regular sized feet, maybe even a little big. How is this going to prove anything? Reborn: Don't worry about it :3

The things that change in this AU? There aren't really any step-mothers or step-sisters (that may change). Apple and Reborn meet sooner than the ball (Apple is still a peasant). Reborn knows who she is right away when he sees her at the ball but pretends he doesn't because she acts like she doesn't know him. And also Reborn isn't a prince! He is an advisor/private Tutor to the prince (Tsuna!) and the ball is actually so that Tsuna can find a spouse! But funny enough he's not the one who gets married in the end

Tsuna: So all that trouble and stress and I wasn't even the one to get married in the end 🙃

And that's all I'll share about that AU for now!

In other scenarios though I imagine Apple as more of a supporting character lol.

and here are some other fairytale and folk tales I have AUs of: Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid (this one is a Sephira/Celina AU), The Cowherd and the Weaver girl (牛郎織女), Tsuru no Ongaeshi (sometimes known as The Crane Wife), A Little Match Girl, The Goose Girl, and many more!

Thank you for the fun question Lalo!! I love it was fun to remember this AU of mine and many others!

Little bonus fairy godmother Celina under the cut:

Edit:

I am a cruel and evil person (I forgot Leon) Please have a princess Leon doodle too. The true main character.

[entertext]

HGSN 23-4

Chapter (Japanese)

(Please hit the green thumbs up at the end of the chapter to show support)

Rough translation by me

P1

(sfx: low background hum)

Hikaru: Everyone's already gone home

(books: Frankenstein, The Little Mermaid, Tsuru no Ongaeshi*)

Yoshiki: ...How far did we get again?

* A well-known Japanese folktale. Might be known in English as "The Crane's Return of a Favor", "The Grateful Crane", "The Crane Wife", etc.

P2

Hikaru: Well, basically...I was "Unuki-san" at the beginning. Now that I think about it, Dad and Grandpa both called me that.

Yoshiki: Then "Unuki-san equals Nounuki-sama" seems to be correct. The Indous were the only ones to keep calling it the old name?

(sfx: rolling)

Hikaru: I'm stupid so I don't get it but... how much did that sunglasses guy know anyway?...Speaking of which, that guy hasn't come to do anything yet

Yoshiki: Before he does do something, let's investigate what Grandpa Takeda mentioned: the "Hall"

Yoshiki: I think the secret of the Indou family is probably in there

P3

Hikaru: I wonder what happened to Grandpa Takeda after that

Yoshiki: I don't want to imagine it...

Yoshiki: ...

Yoshiki: Is the reason you're weaker because you split yourself in half?

P4

Hikaru: ...maybe.

Yoshiki: Then I'll return it

Yoshiki: I'll give it back

Hikaru: Even if you put it back, there's no telling if I'll go back to normal, you know?

Hikaru: It might even disappear forever

Hikaru: Besides, Yoshiki, if you put it back, I might end up getting stabbed by you again, won't I?

Yoshiki: ...I won't stab you

P5

(Rie: There's no way that nothing has changed...)

(sfx: twinge)

(sfx: throb throb throb)

(sfx: throb throb...throb...throb...)

P6

(sfx: sneakers squeaking)

P7

(sfx: squeak squeak squeak.)

Yoshiki: Is your neck better yet?

(sfx: squeak squeak.)

Yoshiki: So it does hurt?!

P8

Hikaru: No, it's not that

Yoshiki: What...

P9

Hikaru: come COME come here HERE here

(sfx: r i p)

==

Next chapter: None listed on the site, but presumably 2024/01/16

Twitter Extra (link):

Left: FIVE

Right: ONE

==

By the way, if you aren't familiar with the Tsuru no Ongaeshi folktale, here's an animated version with English captioning: (youtube)

[aihoshiino]

chapter 145 thoughts!

what even was this chapter, y'all. i'm getting a migraine.

While it certainly wasn't actively bad, it basically hits on enough of the issues I've been having with the Movie Arc that if you've been reading my chapter reviews lately, you could probably write this one yourself. Weird pacing, skipping over interesting parts of the movie, continued framing of AQRB as a shallow gag and failing to follow on any of the implied development from or literally any referenced fallout of the kiss in 143? It's all here, babes. It would ultimately just be boring and redundant for me to go over all that at length again, so I won't.

I will however say that I'm pretty disappointed we're blasting through what had the potential to be some really interesting bits of postmortem characterization for Ai, even filtered through 15YL. I don't mind the manga breezing past scenes we saw firsthand but like… how did Ai react when she realized she was pregnant? How did she feel, especially given that Spica once again emphasized her longing for a family of her own? IDK. The way the story is suddenly jolting forwards in these last few chapters and skipping such huge chunks of Ai's life ultimately feels very strange and I don't know what to make of it yet.

Everyone reacting to Crow Girl's acting was pretty funny though I'm kind of exhausted with Ruby's Gaga-For-Oniichansensei Gag Character flanderization. IDK if my tolerance for it is just decreasing or if it really is amping up, but at least in the 125-137 stretch I at least got the sense that they could be in the same room and have a normal conversation but ever since 139, it feels that bit more relentless. I imagine this would be less irritating if we knew how the aftermath of 143 had played out but it really seems like the manga is going to drag this out until we're all old and grey.

THAT SAID, this chapter does confirm that Aqua's hoshigan stayed white after that chapter and… eh. Who even knows what that means lol. It does at least imply that his talk with Ruby has brought him back to Baseline Aqua but Baseline Aqua is still a guy with every single mental illness on planet earth so I don't know if that's the world's biggest W quite yet. It certainly implies an improvement over double black hoshigan but… again, with Aqua being so totally cut off from the readers this whole arc and no idea of what happened in the aftermath of 143, it's impossible to make a meaningful guess as to wtf is going on with Aqua right now.

Oh yeah, uh. This chapter also I guess constitutes the reveal of how the AQRB reincarnation happened. I guess LMAO. Honestly, I don't have much to say about it other than it feels like a bit of an anticlimax for me? The idea works fine, the execution just left me… idk. Whelmed at best, underwhelmed at most. I feel like this backstory and the implied deep fondness for GRSR -> AQRB it implies doesn't really like up with the personality she displays in the Private arc but like, I kind of feel like she was tossed into the story without Akasaka having a clear idea as to what her role was even going to turn into so maybe that's not a surprise LOL

I will say I'm glad this seems to quash the theory that Aqua and Ruby were secretly capital-G Gods, instead framing it as a Tsuru no Ongaeshi type return of kindness to two otherwise mundane people. There was some fun fan theorizing around the idea, but for me personally, Oshi no Ko is most interesting when it focuses on that aspect of the story Akasaka highlighted in an interview recently, of human relationships being warped by the entertainment industry and I think an explosion of the emotional stakes to the cosmic scale of AQRB (or tbh any of the characters) being Secretly Gods All Along would be a bit of a shark jump for me and would really shift away from what I like about the series most.

That's kind of it for this one…! Not really a lot to say about this chapter, which is why most of this review was me explaining why I didn't have a lot to say about it.

[self-loving-vampire]

Tell me about Otsuu? The character, not your sister.

Spoiler-free version:

The main ingredient to making an Otsuu is completely life-consuming devotion and dependence. She is always making her princess and wife her #1 priority and her whole personality was created to make her happy. This is why she became a prince in the first place, and she takes the role extremely seriously, doing her best to live up to the most ideal version of it and ending up as a very cool and heroic sort of character as a result.

We see this during their meeting in the prologue novel.

If Mermaid wants a prince then she must be a prince. No hesitation, no thinking about it, no questions. It is done.

And in the game itself:

But while she is submissive to her wife, she is not a pushover. In the second game she becomes an effective team leader after the last known stronghold of humanity within the gigantic horror dungeon the characters are all trapped in is destroyed at the start of the game.

She is strong (both mentally and as a fighter), mature, and supportive. This combined with Mermaid's kindness and Jack's purifying blood helps them rebuild their home and slowly bring the survivors back together.

But she also has an extremely dependent personality and is clingy. She pretty much needs her wife to live or else her mental state begins to deteriorate fast. She is a very dog-like character like that.

You really need to play the second game to the end in order understand the full extent of just how much she needs her wife (and also her backstory more generally). This is one of the most DPD girls in yuri for real.

Another thing to note about her is that just like the other blood maidens she has an intense personality quirk known as a "blood libido" based on the story she draws from, in this case Tsuru no Ongaeshi.

It is a tale in which a farmer saves a wounded crane, which then changes her shape to become his grateful and concerningly self-sacrificing wife. As a result of her blood libido, Otsuu has a complex about debts and repayment, always trying to pay back the favors of others as soon as possible.

This is not the only reference to the tale of the grateful crane, either...

Anyway, she embodies like, most of the yuri tropes I know and somehow it works.

[hersadexistence]

Tsuru no Ongaeshi, Kazuhiko Watanabe, 1965

[raitrolling]

Outfit themes for the 12th Perigee Ball

Sharle: Knight / Dragonslayer

Velour: Crane from Japanese folklore tale Tsuru no Ongaeshi (aka The Crane’s Return of a Favour)

Viltau: The Mouse King (The Nutcracker) mixed with a Rat King (debatably mythological as specimens are believed to be a hoax)

Ashe: Probs won’t dress up according to theme because He’s Shy but likely just wearing a bat-patterned waistcoat w a regular suit because vampire

Glasya: Considering something from Slavic mythology/folklore for them, but my brain keeps returning to the fucking. Baba Yaga house-inspired dress with chicken leg thigh-high boots lmfao

I don’t remember who else I said was going to the ball

[sane-omblog]

Tsuru no Ongaeshi??? Solomon!?!?? This as well he should have long hair wait for me guys

At first I thought it's fox tail but wow it's a crane

From yukionna to this one he should be my wife all this time

[hihi-heart]

Been a while (I think?) but, do you often or sometimes listen to j-rock/band music on Spotify if you feel bored?

Ex.: Alice Schach & the Magic Orchestra, pitcher56, any CHAINSAW MAN related rock OSTs, etc.,

/genq

To my knowledge, I haven't gotten into much j-rock. I do sometimes listen to modern Japanese music. Listened to BABYMETAL during its earlier years, though only out of curiosity.

The only j-rock song I can think of is Senbonzakura or "One Thousand Cherry Trees", a vocaloid song about Japan's westernization and militarization during the Meiji restoration and Taisho Era.

(From here, I infodump about the song's intricacies and go over other Japanese songs I enjoy. Couldn't help myself. Keep reading for my analyses and overviews!)

The song's actually pretty fascinating. It uses a lot of idioms and indirect meaning, typical for older-styled Japanese songs. The idioms include references to weaponry, religion, and period imagery.

The song's visuals use an over-the-top pop portrayal of the time periods. To simplify, the time had a mix of Japanese tradition and western sensibility.

Miku's outfit is based on a army uniform but includes furisode kimono sleeves, a miniskirt, and shoes that combine loafers with geta sandals. Really leaning into the song's historical and anachronistic themes.

All of these aspects have caused some localization problems. Some English translators have put in a pro-war message that isn't explicitly stated. I will say, war propaganda songs then were incredibly subtle at the time, more than Senbonzakura. Both because that was the style at the time and probably to have more effective propaganda.

I'd say, one should expect anything made in modern Japan to be anti-war. They generally don't want a repeat of WWII.

-

Other Vocaloid Songs I Listen To

"Ah, It's a Wonderful Cat Life" is just a cute song about two cats in love. The boy cat wants the girl to join his life as a stray. The girl, however, is a house cat and doesn't want to leave her pamper life or her owner. Both yet still want to be together. This one is just nostalgic, grew up loving this one.

"The Tailor of Enbizaka" is about a kimono tailor who kills a man's family out of a jealous delusion that he's her lover. Like Senbonzakura, the lyrics never states this explicitly but the tone and visuals make it obvious.

Fun fact: The red, green, and black pattern on the side is based on kabuki curtains.

"Feathers Across the Seasons" follows an old folktale called Tsuru no Ongaeshi or "Crane's Return of a Favor".

On a snowy mountain lives a happy couple. The man eventually becomes ill, leaving the woman to provide for both and earn money for medicine. The woman is hinted to actually be a shapeshifting crane that the man once saved. She then returned to him as a woman to marry him. As favor for saving her, the wife weaves and sell cloth made of her own feathers, sacrificing her own wellbeing for her husband's life. It's implied the husband dies, leaving the crane wife a grieving widow.

Some think the wife also dies, after using her last feather. I don't think that's the case though. But, like poetry, it's inappropriate to reference death directly, so without visuals, both deaths are ambiguous.

-

Other Japanese Songs

Easy Breezy by Chelmico. I just heard the song from the anime Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! It's a fun song about creating and having fun regardless of what other people will think of you. Very appropriate for Eizouken, funny considering I don't think it was made for the show.

Nippon Egao Hyakkei or "Hundreds of Japanese Smiles" by Momoiro Clover Z. This song is mainly based in Rakugo, a traditional form of comedy. A single storyteller tells a long tale to build up to a big punchline. These stories rely on wordplay and delivery, so it's a bit hard to get into without a innate understanding of Japanese. The music video also uses elements of kabuki and festivals.

It has a simple message of enjoyment, to just laugh regardless of what strife comes along your way.

Through these songs, I realized that there's a common sentiment to enjoy life regardless of social expectations.

-

Pacfiic Overtures

I wouldn't be me if I didn't mention Pacific Overtures. This musical is American-made. But it's based in Japan before the Arrival of the Black Ships and then before the Meiji Restoration. The original production is styled mainly after kabuki with a gradual westernization in visuals and instrumentation.

Pretty much every song here is great, my top three being The Advantages of Floating in the Middle of the Sea (the song above), There is No Other Way, and Someone in a Tree.

I recommend watching the original version then the 2003 Japanese prodution. That one removed the explicit kabuki elements, opting to use the more subtle parts of Japanese culture with a modern taste. (Using the 2004 Broadway revival since that was based on the Japanese one.)

-

As you can tell, I prefer songs based on traditional music and history, something a little more that I can sink my teeth into. Also musicals but that's a topic for another day. Sorry for rambling, had to take the opportunity.

[corgitation]

study log 7/7

kanji/vocab:

finished wanikani reviews in just 7 minutes

grammar:

finished bunpro reviews for my remaining 25 minutes of review, only have ~35 left. Almost gotten through them all

immersion:

watched 34 minutes of comprehensible japanese. I watched all folktales today: momotaro, cinderella, and tsuru no ongaeshi. I've read all of these before so they were really easy to understand.

[mugram]

Interrogation Question:

Q: Do you have a favorite story?

Mayumi's Answer: Folk story? It’ll have to be the Selfish Scholar. ...Ah, or Tsuru no Ongaeshi. Masaru's Answer: When I was younger, I really liked the story of Momotaro. But, right now? There’s a few. Kobutori Jiisan, Daietsu, and Urashima Tarō