[Goldfish Edo Tales] Night 3: Wakin's Pride
Welcome everyone.I, Yuugyotei Junmyoraku, will tell amusing tales of goldfish and the people of Edo.
Night 3 is about the "Wakin"(Japanese Goldfish), the origin of goldfish.Though lacking flashy decorations, it swims stronger and straighter than any other.Here is a heartwarming story that overlaps with the spirit of Edo craftsmen.
Now then, let the story begin...
Night 3: "Wakin's Pride"
Well, there is a saying, "Don't forget your original intention," and in the world of goldfish, "original intention" comes down to this "Wakin".That straight line shape, just changed from a crucian carp.It doesn't have popping eyes like a Demekin, nor a luxurious wen like a Ranchu, but it has a single streak running through it cleanly. This is truly refreshing.
Now, a young carpenter apprentice stopped a goldfish peddler's carrying pole.
"Mister, give me the cheapest and most energetic one."
"Alright, then it's this Wakin. This one swims with its tail stretched out even on hot days when other goldfish are exhausted. It's truly a craftsman-style goldfish."
The young man fell in love with the word "craftsman-style" and bought one cheap Wakin, took it back to his row house in a wooden bucket.
"Listen, Wakin. You're plain, but you lose to no one in swimming speed. I will also become a craftsman who can do straight and unwavering work like you someday."
However, Hachigoro, a neighbor who loves fashion, saw this and laughed at him.
"What is that, a goldfish that looks like a crucian carp? Nowadays, admiring fluttering Ryukins or rare Oranda Shishigashira (Dutch Lionhead) is what's considered chic. You have strange tastes, cherishing such a cheap thing."
The young man was frustrated but couldn't talk back. One night, a terrible storm hit the town of Edo. The eaves of the row houses rattled, and the luxurious bowl Hachigoro boasted about was about to be overturned by the wind.
The next morning, when the storm passed.Hachigoro's luxurious goldfish, their beautiful fins having become a disadvantage, were tossed about by the water flow and were limp in the corner.
However, how about the young man's Wakin? Even while covered in mud, it straightened its back crisply and was swimming smoothly with the same speed as before the storm.
Hachigoro saw this and took off his helmet(surrendered).
"...I give up. I was only distracted by the flashiness of appearance, but what is truly strong is that 'undecorated figure'. Hey, what kind of goldfish is this?"
The young man raised the muddy bucket proudly and said.
"This is called Wakin (Japanese Goldfish). It prides itself on not disturbing the 'Wa' (harmony) even in a storm."
"Heh, that's an admirable goldfish. So, is this the one at the top of the success ladder?"
"No, this guy intends to start over from 'Ichi' (one), and will remain 'Wakin (Ichikin)' forever!"
###[Junmyoraku's Afterword]
In Edo counting, "One" is called "Wa".Rather than succeeding flashily and changing one's appearance, sticking to the basic "One (Wa)" and living with guts even if covered in mud. This refreshing figure of the Wakin is the true identity of the "Stubbornness/Pride" that Edo craftsmen pursued all their lives.
