昔話「笠地蔵」：五つの笠と六体の地蔵
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Short Stories with Peter From Your English Toolbox
Today, original adaptation of the Japanesefolktale, Casa Jizo.
This is a story about kindness when you have verylittle to give.
Listen for the moment when a small choice changesthe journey home.
Long ago, an older couple lived in a small villagein Japan. Winter had arrived,
and snow covered the road outside their home. Thelast day of the year was near.
The couple had worked hard, but they had verylittle food left.
They hoped to buy rice cakes for the new year.Together, they made five straw hats to sell at
the market. Perhaps someone will need a warm hattoday. I will do my best, and I will be home
before dark. And put the hats carefully into abundle and set off along the snowy road.
He reached the market and waited beside the othersellers.
People passed with baskets, children, and parcelsunder their arms.
Some looked at the hats, but nobody stopped to buyone.
The afternoon grew colder, and the market slowlyemptied.
The hats sold today. I wish I could bringsomething special home.
He picked up the bundle and began the long walk.Snow fell more heavily as he approached the
village. At the side of the road stood six smallstone figures called Jizo.
In Japanese Buddhist tradition, Jizo is acompassionate figure associated with protection.
The man saw that snow had gathered on the headsand shoulders of the six statues.
You have been standing here in the cold all day.
He brushed the snow away, but fresh flakes settledalmost at once.
He looked down at the hats he had not sold. Thesemay help keep the snow off.
He placed one straw hat on each statue.
When he reached the last figure, his hands wereempty.
There were six statues, but only five hats. For amoment, he stood still in the falling snow.
Then he took the cloth from his own head andwrapped it around the sixth statue.
There, now each of you has something.
He continued home with snow in his hair andnothing to sell.
A little light shone through the window. When hereached his house,
his wife opened the door and noticed.
Come in quickly and warm your hands.
He told her about the market, the statues, and thefive unsold hats.
I am sorry I could not bring home rice cakes.
You saw someone in the cold and chose to help.That was a kind thing to do.
We can welcome the new year together with what wehave.
They shared their simple evening meal and satclose to the warmth.
思いがけない贈り物と語彙練習
Outside, the snow continued to fall. Later thatnight, a soft, unusual sound
came from the road. Paul woke and listenedcarefully.
Can you hear someone outside?
There was a gentle knock, followed by the sound ofsomething being set down.
He opened the door and looked into the snowydarkness.
On the doorstep lay food for a new yearcelebration.
There was rice, vegetables, and the rice cakesthey had hoped for.
Who could have brought all of this?
In the distance, the couple thought they could seesix small figures moving away through the snow.
Five wore straw hats, and one wore a familiarpiece of cloth.
His wife looked at each other and smiled.
They carried the food inside and gave thanks forthe unexpected gift.
And in the quiet house, the new year felt a littlewarmer.
Dive into the language, the key vocabulary fromthe story.
To set off means to begin a journey.
A man set off for the market carrying his hats.
Night set off early to catch a train.
To brush something away means to remove it with alight movement of your hand
or a brush and brush the snow away from thestatues.
You can also brush crumbs away from a table.
To keep something off means to stop it fromtouching or covering something.
The hats helped keep the snow off the statues butcan help keep the rain off your clothes.
A doorstep is the step directly outside theentrance
to a home who found the food on their doorstep.
Finally, unexpected describes something you didnot expect or predict.
The food was an unexpected gift.
Now it is your turn to practice.
What time do you set off?
When you travel somewhere, do you wear to keep therain off?
Think of an unexpected kindness you have receivedand find the full transcript,
vocabulary, and practice at your English toolbox.
Thank you for listening to Short Stories withPeter.
Until next time, take care.
