Apr 29, 2010 ... against proposed lolicon manga legistlation very closely, this may be the first time
you've heard of. Saigan. Unless you read Japanese and ...
研究論文
Unrequited Love in Yuyake no Uta MORII Tetsuji Key words : unrequited love, SAIGAN Ryohei, Yuyake no Uta
There is, of course, a vast amount of literature and
blog
“Unknown
In
English :
Ryohei
Saigan”
manga comics on ‘unrequited love.’ Among the most
(2010),6 McCarthy states like these : “. . . so many
recent
titled
successful manga artists and writers remain almost
“Hyakushuka” (One Hundred Waka Poems) by FUJI-
unknown in the English speaking world. . . . Unless
MOTO Yayoi1 in Shigaku 40 (2009) Osaka Ohtani
you followed the recent manga creators’ protest
University Bulletin. Some of them well convey pa-
against proposed lolicon manga legistlation very
thetic pain from unrequited love.
closely, this may be the first time you’ve heard of
examples
is
the
waka
poems
The object of this paper is to give an introductory
Saigan. Unless you read Japanese and have wide-
description in English of ‘unrequited love’ in SAI-
ranging tastes in manga, it’s unlikely that you know
GAN Ryohei’s manga comics Yuyake no Uta (Songs
his work.” Thus, she lets us know that Saigan’s
at Sunset).2 Although an impressive amount of schol-
works, especially his main manga comics, remain
arship has been devoted to the introduction of Japa-
largely unknown in the English world, although he is
nese manga comics, very few serious attempts have
regarded as one of the most popular manga artists in
been made in English to introduce the works of SAI-
Japan.
GAN Ryohei one of Japan’s highly appraised manga artists.
So it seems reasonably safe to claim that no detailed paper have been written in English on the spe-
Frederik L. Schodt’s Dreamland Japan : Writings (1996)3
cific topic of ‘unrequited love’ in Yuyake no Uta.
has no mention of SAI-
My immediate hope is that this paper will act as a
GAN Ryohei at all. Neither does Paul Gravett’s
stimulus for more research on a wide variety of top-
Manga−Sixty Years of Japanese Comics− (2004)4
ics in Yuyake no Uta (Songs at Sunset).
on Modern Manga
of Saigan’s manga comics. What surprises us most is
1
that even Jason Thompson’s Manga : The Complete Guide (2007)5 does not list Saigan’s works at all. It
SAIGAN Ryohei was born in Tokyo on July 30,
may be just because his main works have not been
1947. He entered Rikkyo University in which he ma-
translated into English yet. One of the rare and latest mentions of SAIGAN
jored in economics. He was on manga comics club in
Ryohei is that by Helen McCarthy. In her inspiring
college. Saigan made debut by his manga comics
― ２８ ―
“YUMENO Heishiro no Seishun” (YUMENO Hei-
erty.
shiro’s Youth) (Vol.2) in 1972. He started creating a
Lastly, it goes without saying that ‘sunset’ is quite
series of Yuyake no Uta (Songs at Sunset) in Big
important for the creator and us readers as well just
Comics in 1974.
because it sets the basic tone for this series. Saigan
Some of Western fans of Japanese manga comics
himself explains the ‘magical’ meaning of ‘sunset’ in
may remember the year of 1974 as the one when
the episode entitled “Yuyake Meruhen” (Sunset Fairy
YAMAGAMI Tatsuhiko’s Gaki Deka (Boy Detec-
Tales) (Vol.41) like these : “Magic at sunset . . . a
tive) and MATSUMOTO Leiji’s Uchu Senkan
mysterious power that, sleeping in the bottom of our
Yamato (Space Cruiser Yamato) (which was “re-
heart, inspires nostalgia for the good old days. Time
leased as Star Blazers in the US in 1979”) were pub-
stops at a red sunset, and the past and the future
lished in Japan.7
meet each other at there. Then, we happen to look th
SAIGAN Ryohei was awarded the 38
Japan
back on ourselves in the distant past.” This key tone
Manga Grand Prix for his Kamakura Monogatari
repeats itself in the other episodes including “Hari-
(Tale of Kamakura) in 2009. He received the Medal
komi” (Stakeout) (Vol.32) and “Hyoshigi” (Wooden
with Purple Ribbon in spring, 2010. SAITO Takao,
Clappers) (Vol.51). The creator adds to say thus in
“creator of Golgo 13, received the Order of the Ris-
“Tasogare” (Twilight) (Vol.52) : “The past and the
ing Sun in the same list.”8
present, the dead and the living, join and mingle with
Saigan’s Yuyake no Uta rarely has violence nor
each other at sunset . . .”
sex, let alone drugs. It is characterized by family-
2
oriented description. It is centered on the Suzuki family and the ordinary people on Third Street of
Unrequited love is depicted in the various episodes
Yuhi-cho. It is not about superheroes, but about everyman. It is “the celebration of the
ordinary”.9
of Yuyake no Uta (Songs at Sunset). Among the ear-
Saigan loves drawing a variety of families. Among
liest ones is “Lemon Tea no Mita Yume” (Lemon
the members of the family, a grandmother is one of
Tea’s Dream) (Vol.2). The hero Kohei, fresh from
his most favorites. Grandmothers appear in this series
the country into Tokyo, is now working as a waiter
from time to time. Most of them are described with a
for a fruits parlor. He is in love with Yuki-chan12 a
touch of warmth.10 This reminds us of Doraemon
waitress working at the same parlor. Kohei likes to
Gadget Cat from the Future by Fujiko F. Fujio.11
go window shopping during lunch break at the de-
Saigan was born and brought up as a city boy, so
partment store next to the parlor. He likes seeing
is specialized in describing everyday life of common
high-quality furniture. One of his favorite furniture
people living in downtown Tokyo. He likes to depict
there is a fine table set. One day he happens to meet
the country life, too. Furthermore, he loves to de-
Yuki-chan at there. He finds that she too likes the
scribe poor families, especially the ones of the past
same set of table. He dreams of a happy home life
period just after the World War II when he grew up.
with her. He, however, gets filled with despair when
The artist seems to think that they were ‘happy’ in
he hears that Yuki-chan has got married another man
that period despite the fact they were living in pov-
who is a son of a division chief of a big company.
― ２９ ―
The similar pattern is found in the episode
often bullied by her classmates. No one except one
“Pachinko Jinsei” (Life Addicted to Pachinko Pin-
classmate named Kacchan tries to stop them to bully
ball) (Vol.7). Goro the hero is a senior student at
her. After being helped by Kacchan, she gets fond of
college, and is now unwillingly looking for jobs. He
him, and makes friends with him. She likes going
does not take things seriously. He regards life as play
back home with him, and playing with him. Kac-
just like playing pachinko Japanese pinball. So he
chan, however, comes to feel unpleasant with her,
leads an easy-going life. One day he happens to see
and tries to shun her. He himself cannot understand
a woman named Yoko on the street, and falls in love
his kind of change of mind. At any rate, Kacchan
with her. His life suddenly changes. He makes a
breaks up with Haruko after all. On the other hand,
fresh start. He is earnestly looking for a job, and fi-
Haruko, with her elder sister’s advice on kind of tac-
nally lands a job. He proposes marriage to her. He,
tics of love, tries to get over her first pains of broken
however, is refused by her who says that he is just a
heart.
playmate, and that she is going to get married an-
The similar theme is described in the episode
other man who is an only son of a director of a big
“Machi no Denkiten” (Electrical Appliances Store in
firm.
Town) (Vol.49). Matsushita-kun13 is a schoolboy
The hero named Tamekichi in the episode titled
who is a son of the electrical appliances store. On
“Christmas Tree” (Vol.9) also has one sided-love for
the way back home after school, he is unexpectedly
a girl. The season is set in winter. He is a boy in his
asked by his classmate SUGITA Nozomi to go to his
teens working for a charcoal shop. He is fresh from
home with her. He is pleased to feel that she likes
Kagoshima Prefecture southern Japan. So he is very
him. It, however, does not need much time for him
sensitive to the cold. One day Tamekichi happens to
to realize that it is not him but the TV set in his
see a girl called Komako who is working as a maid-
store that she really likes. On finding that the TV set
servant at the customer’s house nearby. She shows
is not available for her, she leaves him. She proves
kindness to him. She is from Tohoku district north-
to be a girl who can easily change her boyfriend
ern Japan. Komako says she has been longing for
whenever she considers him not useful for her. He is
living in warm districts like Kagoshima since her
one of the victims of her capriciousness.
childhood. He wonders what would happen to them
Misunderstanding sometimes brings us grief and
if he buys her all kinds of heaters including kerosene
disappointment. Michiko-chan (or Micchan) in the
heaters and kotatsu a traditional Japanese heater.
episode “Micchan’s Hatsukoi” (Micchan’s First
Could she get married him? He gives her a brooch
Love) (Vol.3) is also a schoolgirl. She lost her
for a Christmas present. Komako, however, eventu-
mother in her infancy, and lives with her father who
ally gets married another man who is working for a
is a tateguya joiner and is a widower. Micchan is an
big heater manufacturing company.
admirable girl who does housework all by herself.
As expected, Saigan likes to depict unrequited love
Micchan has a small accident on her way back
among elementary school children. The heroine
home from shopping. She stumbles and scatters away
called KAMEI Haruko in the episode “Kokoro no
her groceries on the street. Roku-san a young me-
Iro” (Color of Heart) (Vol.39) is a schoolgirl who is
chanic helps her pick them up. She comes to have a
― ３０ ―
secret love for him, while he is not interested in her
vals for him including her best friend. But, she has
so much. After that, she frequently visits Suzuki Mo-
an advantage over them : she knows his birthday.
tor Repair Shop where Roku-san is working. She,
So, she decides to knit a sweater all by herself and
however, calls in front of the shop “Let’s play, Ippei-
give it to him for a birthday present. On his birthday,
kun!” It is not Ippei the son of the Suzukis but
however, she is crushed to find that he has already
Roku-san whom she actually wants to play with. She
received a sweater as a present from her home eco-
is too reserved to reveal her heart frankly.
nomics teacher.
One day she accidentally spots her father playing
Another example of unfulfilled love of the high
at a pachinko parlor where she tried to find Roku-
school students is found in “Omoide no Nagisa”
san. Her father appears to be very lonely to her. Mic-
(Memories on the Beach) (Vol.51). ISHIDA Tetsuya
chan suddenly decides to give up her love for Roku-
is a junior student at Yuhi High School. He was a
san, and to concentrate herself on taking care of her
captain of basketball club at junior high school. He,
father.
however, is now just a reserve at high school basket-
MIYAZAKI Yoshiko (that reminds us of a then
ball club.
popular actress with the same name in Japan) the
He has longing for a girl named NONAKA Sayuri
heroine of the episode “Midori no Kaze” (Green
who also is a second-year student at Yamayuri Girls
Wind) (Vol.15) is a senior student at high school
High School. He asks her if she goes mountain
who looks fresh and active, but has some inferiority
climbing. He dreams of becoming intimated in the
complex about her figure, especially her legs. She
mountain. But she turns it down, and instead, asks
happens to see a high school student called HINO
him if they will go to the sea. Tetsuya is anxious
Shohei (that too reminds us of another then popular
about it because he is very poor at swimming, but
actor with the same name) while cycling in the coun-
accepts her offer.
try. She goes out with him several times thereafter.
When he is worried about swimming, he happens
However, Yoshiko loses her love after all. Shohei
to see TANAKA Toshiko who was his classmate in
breaks up with her chiefly because he is deluded by
junior high school and got a job at a cannery after
his friends’ stupid opinions of her. Later, when he is
finishing junior high school. She is good at swim-
a university student, he realizes that she is the right
ming. So he asks her to give him a lesson. She gives
woman. He repents of having left her thus : “She
him a willing consent. They go to the sea together.
sure looked shining in the green wind. . . If only I
She helps him swim well. It turns out that Toshiko
could have believed my heart throbbing with joy
actually has been longing for him since junior high
when I was with her. . . .” He is a man who is easily
school days. He does not realize it. Anyway, despite
influenced by others’ opinions.
his efforts, he fails in winning Sayuri’s heart after
Mako-chan the heroine of episode “Teami no Se-
all.
hta” (Hand-knitted Sweater) (Vol.18) is also a high
Kyoko the heroine in the episode “San-Gakki”
school student. She has a secret love for Mr. Morita
(The Third Term) (Vol.26) has a close friend named
her history teacher. Her heart beats fast every time
Sakiko. They are senior students at high school. It is
she sees him. She knows well that she has lots of ri-
the third term. Kyoko knows Sakiko loves Onodera-
― ３１ ―
kun her classmate. It turns out that he actually loves
there that he too will have a marriage celebration
Kyoko, not Sakiko. Kyoko is caught between love
soon. But he lets her know that his marriage was ar-
and friendship.
ranged just by his parents. Kazuko and Heikichi de-
The similar pattern of unreturned love is depicted
cide to be true to each heart. She dreams, with rea-
in “Haru ga Kita” (Spring Has Come) (Vol.56). It is
son, of getting married with him. The following day,
a graduation season. They have to separate from each
however, she is shocked to know that Heikichi ran
other. Each suffers from unrequited love. What inter-
away from home with a widow who is eight years
ests us about them is that the teacher who is con-
his senior. She realizes that it is not her but that
sulted by a student about her worry is herself suffer-
woman who he actually has loved.
ing from the same problem. UENO Yoko is a senior
UENO Mami in “Chojo Monogatari” (Tale of Eld-
student at high school. She is suffering from one-
est Daughter) (Vol.38) is an eldest daughter with a
sided love. She talks to Miss Tooi her teacher about
younger brother and a younger sister. Her mother
it. Miss Tooi also has the same problem.
used to get Mami to help with housekeeping since
We find a typical chain of unrequited love in this
her childhood. To her sad astonishment, her mother
episode. UENO Yoko has a secret longing for her
ran away from home when she was a sixth grader.
classmate ARAKIDA Shuji, whereas he has a secret
She hears the news that her mother is living with her
longing for Miss Tooi his teacher. Miss Tooi is in
lover in a distant place. Mami has since been running
love with Mr. Hanagata her colleague who is
the whole house including cooking for her father,
younger than her by two years. All of them have no
brother and sister.
courage to tell their own love.
Now she is working for a company. She has a se-
The heroine MATSUYAMA Rie in “Chiisana
cret love for her boss who is 15 years her senior. He
Koi” (Little Love) (Vol.47) is a university student 20
is the section chief, and has a wife and children.
years of age. She knits a muffler for her boy friend
Mami, however, resolutely restrains from following
as a Christmas present. He is a medical student. She,
her love just because she does not want to ruin his
however, is gravely disappointed on Christmas Eve
home. It should be her last thing that she herself will
to find that he has found another girl friend.
cause the children to have the same sorrows from their parent’s extra-marital relation as hers.
Kazuko the heroine of the episode titled “Marriage
INUBOSAKI Goro is the hero of “Otoko to On’na
Blues” (Vol.38) is engaged to a man named MU-
to Neko” (Man, Woman and Cat) (Vol.40). He is
RAKAMI Yosuke. They will have a marriage cele-
now in his late twenties. His major in college was
bration in fall. In spite of that, she does not feel that
law. He is honest, warm-hearted and faithful, but is
she is immersed in great joy. Then, she calls up her
not handsome or clever. After graduating from uni-
memory of first love in high school days. She had a
versity, he has failed the judicial examination several
boyfriend named YAMAGUCHI Heikichi.
times in a row.
So, Kazuko decides to go back to her home vil-
One day he happens to see a young woman named
lage to meet with him so that she can find out
MINATONO Yoko, and has since been living to-
whether he still has love for her or not. She finds
gether with her. She dreams of becoming a singer,
― ３２ ―
and is now working as a waitress at a coffee shop.
and glamorous. Despite Mami’s efforts, she finds
She is quite different from him in personality. She is
that Hanagata actually chooses Reiko not only for his
a fickle woman. She likes flirting with whoever
play mate but for his wife.
looks nice. As a result, he has big trouble concentrat-
Some episodes are allegorical ones. Among them
ing himself on studying the examination. He almost
is “Ame” (Rain) (Vol.52). The main characters are
gives up taking the exam for her. To his surprise,
‘Amayadori’ (meaning shelter from the rain), ‘Ku-
however, one day she leaves him and gets married
morino’ (cloudy field), and ‘Teruko’ (sunny girl).
with a wealthy man.
Saigan seems to like this allegorical kind of naming
AKAI Ichiro in the episode “Saikai” (Reunion)
of his characters.
(Vol.45) had a secret longing for SHIRATORI Ma-
Anyway, AMAYADORI Yoshio aged 25 loves
chiko when he was a university student. On the other
KUMORINO Yoko 24 his childhood friend. Yoko,
hand, Machiko loved his best friend named AOKI
however, regards him as a close friend to whom she
Shuichi. They were close friends in their college
can tell everything, not as an object of love or mar-
days. Aoki and Machiko lived together like husband
riage. She goes out with another man who is a son
and wife. They, however, separated from each other
of a medical doctor. A year passes. She gets de-
after a while because they had a quarrel about trifles.
pressed because she is turned down by that man. She
Now, several years after their graduation from col-
returns to Amayadori for relief and comfort. He
lege, Akai invites them to his own ‘farewell’ party at
kindly listens to her grief. She finally realizes that he
a restaurant. Aoki unexpectedly meets Machiko again
is the very man whom she should get married. Ama-
at there. They find that it was Akai who arranged
yadori, however, tells her that he has already decided
their meeting. Akai confesses in his letter to them
to get married another woman called Teruko.
that he had vainly made every endeavor to win her
A young woman falls in love with a young man of
heart in his university days. He continues to say that
noble character named Takada in the episode
he now suffers incurable disease and will die before
“Nichiyo Gakko” (Sunday school) (Vol.20). Takada
long.
is a Catholic priest with a vow of celibacy. As ex-
The heroine MITSUBOSHI Mami in “Mitsuboshi
pected, she has to face serious loneliness from sepa-
Restaurant” (Three-Star Restaurant) (Vol.47) is a
ration when he declares that he will devote his whole
plain woman who is working for a company. Her
life to God without getting married, though he too
mother used to tell her as a girl that a man sure will
will suffer from loneliness later.
choose for his wife a woman who is homely and
Very occasionally, Saigan describes the unrequited
good at cooking, although he may choose a sexy
love among middle-aged or elderly people. Mic-
woman for just a play mate. Mami believed her. She
chan’s father suffers from it due to his misunder-
grew up with her mother’s advice. So she is now su-
standing in the episode “Mangekyo” (Kaleidoscope)
perb at cooking. She loves one of her co-workers
(Vol.26). There lives in the neighborhood HOSOK-
named HANAGATA who is a good-looking and
AWA Miyako who is a war widow. She is so kind
promising employee. He, however, is attracted to an-
to them. She serves them dishes from time to time.
other woman named FUJIWARA Reiko who is sexy
She seems to be interested in Micchan’s father. His
― ３３ ―
heart is pounding with expectation of getting married
he became intimate with during his trips and to run a
her. However, it turns out that she actually loves an-
restaurant together. She said, “Come back to me and
other widower who is a mystery writer.
live together with me, whenever you get tired of
The hero of “Shichiya” (Pawnbroker) (Vol.1) is an
making a trip.” He believes her, and all the way goes
old pawnbroker. He had loved a woman when he
to meet her. To his unexpected grief, however, he
was young, but suffered the heartbreak of losing his
discovers that she actually has no intention to get
love because of his poverty. She got married a rich
married him at all.
man. The pain of disappointed love made him learn
3
a lesson. It made him do anything for money without getting married since then. He finally succeeds in be-
One of the main characters in this series who em-
coming a pawnbroker. He is notorious for his profes-
body “unrequited love” is CHAGAWA Ryunosuke
sional stinginess. Now, an old woman visits his pawnshop just be-
an elderly writer. CHAGAWA Ryunosuke (not
fore the closing time. She asks him to lend her
AKUTAGAWA Ryunosuke one of Japan’s best
20,000 yen in exchange for her ‘diamond’ ring that
known authors) was born and brought up in the
she received from a certain person decades ago. To
country. He was regarded as a genius at his boyhood.
her astonishment, he lends her as much as five mil-
He entered Tokyo University Japan’s prestigious uni-
lion yen. It turns out in the final scene that she is the
versity. His major in university was literature. He
very woman whom he loved in his youth. He recog-
writes a novel. After graduating from university, he
nizes her as soon as he sees her, while she does not.
has challenged to apply for the Akutagawa Prize Ja-
And, the ring actually is a cheap fake because it was
pan’s most respected literary prize around 30 times
he who bought it to her. He does not want to ruin
in a row, but all in vain.
her pleasant memory of him. He later smiles wryly
He failed in love, too, in the episode “Love Let-
to himself because he finds out that his lingering
ters” (Vol.5). He fell in love with a female student at
love for her proves stronger than his professionalism.
first sight when he was a university student. He
The hero called Umemura in the episode “Iwashi
wrote her the most passionate love letter in his life,
Gumo” (Fleecy Clouds) (Vol.14) is a middle-aged
but could not get a letter from her at all.
travel writer. He frequently makes a trip across the
Chagawa runs a dagashiya very small shop selling
country. He writes for leisure magazines articles on
cheap candies. Most of the customers are small boys
various topics including local festivals and restau-
and girls in the neighborhood. He, however, hates
rants. His job brings him lots of chance meetings
children. Besides, Chagawa writes a love letter for
with men and women. He has special relationships
others as a part-time job from time to time. What is
with some local women like pub landladies. Yet he
more, he writes adventure novels for boys too for
remains single up to now.
living.
Getting pessimistic on some autumn day, Uemura
One fall day, Chagawa is unexpectedly visited by
thinks of retirement from his job. He now desires to
a young woman called Hiromi who works in a bar or
settle down and get married one of those women that
nightclub in the episode “Koorogi no Uta” (Chirping
― ３４ ―
by Crickets) (Vol.14). She asks him to look after an
Let’s take a more typical example. Chagawa has a
orphan called FURUYUKI Jun’nosuke (not YOSHI-
secret love for another middle-aged woman called O-
YUKI Jun’nosuke another popular novelist) on a
Tomi-san in the episode titled “O-Tomi-san” (Vol.9).
temporary basis. According to Hiromi, Jun’nosuke’s
O-Tomi-san runs a small oden Japanese hotchpotch
mother was a stripper and had been in prison for her
restaurant. She remains single for unknown reason. It
indecent exposure, and has since been disappeared,
appears to him and other regular customers that she
while his father is unknown. In the beginning, Cha-
is quite a mysterious, and so, attractive woman. As a
gawa is perplexed by this weird kid with a sullen
result, Chagawa has many rivals including a middle-
face and thick glasses on just like Chagawa himself.
aged man called Gen tekiya a street vendor in love
But, Chagawa soon gets moved by him in the epi-
for O-Tomi-san. All of them, however, fail to win
sode “Asagao” (Morning-Glories) (Vol.16). He finds
her heart just because she loves only one man. Who
that the kid is very considerate, and that he is willing
is that special man? To our surprise, she, it turns out,
help Chagawa do his chores including helping out in
actually has a passionate unrequited love for HASE-
his small shop. Jun’nosuke has a warm heart and is
GAWA Kazuo one of the most popular actors in Ja-
be very good at school as well. To Chagawa’s big
pan. She desires to keep her love for him to herself
pleasure, Jun’nosuke shows a great interest in litera-
for the rest of her life. Anyway, it should be note-
ture, and proves excellent at literature for his age. He
worthy that all the main characters in this episode
even helps Chagawa with making a fair copy of his
are burning with unfulfilled love.
manuscript. Moreover, he deeply respects Chagawa for his novels.
I would like to refer to the exceptional example here. It is found in the episode “Nogiku no Hana”
The role of looking after this kid forsaken by his
(Wild Chrysanthumum Blossoms) (Vol.20). Chagawa
parents helps Chagawa improve some of his charac-
is now 51 years old, whereas the woman called KO-
ter flaws. He recovers some pride or confidence and
MORI Tamiko is a 63-year-old widow. She likes
becomes a little warm-hearted, especially to kids in
reading books, especially Japanese novels including
the neighborhood.
ITO Sachio’s tragic love story entitled Nogiku no
By the way, as expected, Chagawa has been fasci-
Haka (Grave of Wild Chrysanthemum) that may pos-
nated by women many times since graduating from
sibly inspire Saigan to create this episode. They love
college. But almost all his love has ended in unful-
each other. Nevertheless, they cannot help but give
filled love so far. One example is found in “Love
up getting married and separate from each other be-
Letters” (Vol.5). One day in fall, he happens to find
cause she is forced by her children to move over to
a cheap magazine which has pages for marriage and
Osaka where they live. She is sent to one child’s
partnership. He starts to exchange letters with one of
home to another, and dies a year after.
the women. She writes in her letter to him that she is
4
a middle-aged widow named Shima and that she likes reading books. Chagawa feels affection for her.
Roku-san14 (whose family name is Hoshino) was
He, however, suffers from unrequited love when he has sent her the photograph of him.
born and brought up in the countryside. His given ― ３５ ―
name ‘Roku’ means the number six, so it may sug-
Consequently he is attracted to her. After all, how-
gest that he is not the eldest son who usually suc-
ever, he soon realizes it is not Roku-san but the
ceeds the family headship, especially in the country
middle-aged master of the coffee shop whom Chieko
in the past. The episode “Hatsu Hinode” (The First
actually loves.
Sunrise of the Year) (Vol.24) lets us know that he
One day, Roku-san begins to go to the movies in
has an elder brother, an elder sister, a younger sister
“Eiga no Sekai” (Cinema World) (Vol.14). He takes
named Sakura, and a younger brother.
Ippei his employer’s son with him to the theater al-
Roku-san is one of the so-called ‘golden eggs’
most every week. It turns out that he has a secret
who moved en masse from rural districts to Tokyo
love for a young woman who is working as a ticket
and other metropolitan areas after finishing school.
collector at the theater. His one-sided love, however,
He is working for a small garage called Suzuki Auto
abruptly ends because she suddenly disappears. The
on Third Street of Yuhi-cho. He is a garage me-
new ticket collector lets him know that she quit the
chanic. He lives at a cheap apartment house called
job and has already returned to her home town after
“Mogura-so” (Villa Mole) with his younger sister
her own dream of becoming a movie star was shat-
who also is working at a factory in Tokyo. He is shy
tered into pieces.
and naïve, not sophisticated.
Much later, Roku-san is blessed with a good
Sakura is honest, reserved und unsophisticated just
chance to have a date with a woman called Tomoko
like her brother. She also suffers from unrequited
whom Sakura his sister introduces to him in the epi-
love. She is attracted to a co-worker called Higashi-
sode “Planetarium” (Vol.47). She is one of her co-
yama who is so kind to her in the episode “Hatsu
workers. Roku-san and Tomoko-san go to see a
Hinode” (The First Sunrise of the Year) (Vol.24). He
movie entitled “Hoshizora no Futari” (Two under the
is working for the same company called Matsuue
Starry Sky) at the theater. “I desire to live seeing the
(not Matsushita) Denki Kogyo KK (Matsuue Electri-
stars at night together with you,” so tells the hero to
cal Equipment Manufacturer). At the end of the year,
the heroine in the film.
she is shocked to hear the news that Higashiyama
Roku-san has been going out with her since three
gets married a woman the daughter of his boss in the
months ago, but has not yet grasped her hand, nor
same company, and that he is transferred to the head-
told her frankly that he loves her. He thinks that he
quarters in Osaka.
could dare to declare his love to her under the starry
On the other hand, Roku-san feels affection for a woman named Chieko whom he happens to meet at
sky. But he knows that she is not allowed to go out at night because she lives at dormitory.
a coffee shop called Swan in front of the railway sta-
Roku-san comes up with a good idea that they can
tion in the episode “Kohi no Kaori” (Aroma of Cof-
have a starry sky at the planetarium even in the day-
fee) (Vol.4). It is his first time that he enters a coffee
time. So he asks her to go to the planetarium. He de-
shop because he thought it was a terrible place where
sires to grasp her hand and tell his love to her in the
hooligans are grouping. Chieko is a club singer, but
darkness. Unfortunately, he loses his good chance to
not popular at all. She is a regular customer at the
do so because Ippei-kun and his friend unexpectedly
shop. She is pretty and kind to Roku-san as well.
join them. . . . The result is that Tomoko-san gets
― ３６ ―
married another man the next month.
that she is a right woman for him. He, however,
Roku-san is poor, and has no girl friends. He
knows he cannot help giving up his love for her just
writes his main wishes on a fancy paper strip on the
because he has lied to her, pretending to be different
Tanabata Star Festival in the episode “Sasa no Ha
from his true personality and social status.
Sarasara” (Rustling of Bamboo Leaves) (Vol.6).
5
What he desires to get are a motorcycle and a girlfriend, of course. On a spring day, Sakura wins a prize for a tour in
CHAGAWA Ryunosuke an elderly writer and
the episode “Kensho Ryoko” (Prize Travel) (Vol.53).
Roku-san a young mechanic are the most remarkable
She and Roku-san join a three days’ coach tour for
characters in terms of embodying unrequited love in
couples that turns out to be for newly-married cou-
Yuyake no Uta. CHAGAWA Ryunosuke cannot
ples. Roku-san feels embarrassed by other couples’
achieve his main goals. After having failed in the ju-
free love making throughout the trip on coach.
dicial examination around 30 times in a row, he to-
Thus, Roku-san almost always suffers from loneli-
tally gave it up. Moreover, he remains single. He
ness caused from having no female friends not only
cannot get a right woman. He is lonely and sort of
in these episodes but also in many others throughout
perverted, we could say. Roku-san is just like Charlie
this series.
Brown in Peanuts by Charles Schulz.15 Roku-san is
Now, we may well add to say here that we notice
honest, but is shy and clumsy. He almost always
several characteristics in the drawing of Roku-san.
fails in love and suffers from loneliness. Many epi-
Among the most striking ones is that his eyes and
sodes center around Roku-san who rarely end hap-
eyebrows are not drawn. His eyes are wholly covered
pily. “Explain love to me, Chuck,” so asks Peppemint
by his hair in almost all episodes except one. We
Patty to Charlie Brown in Peanuts. They are both
wonder why Saigan does not draw his eyes. Let us check the exception. It is found in the episode “Saraba Natsu no Hi” (Farewell to Summer
typical embodiments of unrequited love in Schulz’s works.
Days) (Vol.11). Roku-san takes a two days’ summer Peppermint Patty : I don’t understand love.
vacation. He boldly tries to change his image com-
Charlie Brown : Who does?
pletely. First of all, he changes his hair style. It un-
Peppermint Patty : Explain love to me, Chuck.
covers his thick bushy eyebrows and big shining eyes that help him look handsome and intelligent. He
Charlie Brown : I can recommend a book, or a
goes to the beach for girl-hunting by a rented con-
painting, or a song, or a poem,
vertible. He happens to see a girl called Keiko. She
but I can’t explain love.16
is cute and honest. Keiko has a complex of having rough hands. She frankly says she is working for a
Neither can we explain love, especially unrequited
beauty parlor as a trainee. On the other hand, Roku-
love. However, we could say figuratively that love is
san pretends that he is a rich entrepreneur. She be-
not so different from passion for professional sports
lieves him. He had a good time with her. He thinks
like MLB (baseball) and NBA (basketball). If you do
― ３７ ―
have any heavy favorite team, you will be concerned
2. Saigan, Ryohei. Yuyake no Uta [Japanese phonetic ti-
about the result. You will be excited or depressed at
tle], Songs at Sunset [literal translation ; not official English title]. Big Comics. 58 vols. Tokyo : Shogaku-
each game. You will have anxious painful days.
kan. 1975 (November)-ongoing. Volume numbers will
Likewise, if you do have any particular favorite man
be given in the text. The subtitle Sanchome no Yuhi
or woman, you sure will be worried about him or
(Sunset on Third Street) has been added to the original
her. Love is whimsical. It holds sway over you.
title Yuyake no Uta since Vol.17 (1985. 2.). Translations throughout the work are mine.
We wonder what Saigan tries to convey to us
3. Schodt, Frederik L. Dreamland Japan : Writings on
through his depiction of unrequited love among
Modern Manga. Berkeley, California : Stone Bridge
wide-ranging characters in the series. As to unrequited love in childhood, Saigan seems to say that “it
Press, 1996, p.219. 4. Gravett, Paul. Manga−Sixty Years of Japanese Comics−. London : Laurence King Ltd, 2004.
is all part of growing up,” to borrow Schulz’s words.17 Saigan leaves us a simple message in the
5. Thompson, James. Manga : The Complete Guide. A Del Rey Trade Paperback Original. New York : Del
episode “Ichijiku no Mi” (Figs’ Fruit) (Vol.27) thus : Even if you lose your love, you will have another
Rey Books (Random House, Inc.). 2007. 6. McCarthy, Helen. Her blog “Unknown In English : Ryohei Saigan” posted on April 29, 2010.
love some time. People come and go. Such is life.
7. Gravett, op. cit. p.6.
Commonplace as it may sound, it should be true.
8. Wikipedia and Helen McCarthy, op. cit.
Finally, it should be noted that Roku-san and Chagawa are both from the provinces, be they young or
9. Schodt, op. cit. p.28. 10. Among the moving episodes are “Obaachan no Hiba-
old, unsophisticated or sophisticated. Saigan loves
chi”
these country-bred characters. The city-bred manga
(Granny’s Boy), Vol.41, and “Obaachan no Wataire”
artist shows in the series a great longing for the
(Granny’s
Brazier),
Vol.12,
“Obaachan-ko”
(Granny’s Wadded Clothes), Vol.47. 11. Fujiko F. Fujio. Doraemon Gadget Cat from the Fu-
countryside which, I think, is surpassed only by a
ture. Shogakukan English Comics. 10 vols. Tokyo :
passionate nostalgia for the past, especially the post-
Shogakukan. 2002−2005.
war period of his youth. We could say that the past and the present, the country and the city, unrequited
12. We use ‘-chan’ after a name when we call a boy or girl in a friendly manner. 13. We also use ‘-kun’ after a name when we call a boy
love and fulfilled love, they all join and mingle with each other at sunset.
(and sometimes a girl) in a friendly or formal way. 14. We use ‘-san’ after a name when we call a man or woman in an honorific way. 15. Schulz, Charles M. The Complete Peanuts. Ed. Gary Groth. Seattle : Fantagraphics Books, 2004-ongoing.
NOTES 1. The word order of Japanese names here in my paper follows our traditional usage with family name first
16. Peanuts, August 10, 1975. 17. ibid. May 15, 1976.
and given name last.
― ３８ ―
