[Goldfish Edo Tales] Night 6: The Origin of Oranda Shishigashira

Welcome everyone.I, Yuugyotei Junmyoraku, will tell amusing tales of goldfish and the people of Edo.

Night 6 features the 'Oranda Shishigashira'(Dutch Lionhead), proud of its magnificent wen like an elder of the goldfish world.Enjoy this comical story of Edo folk who can't help but act important when they hear something is 'foreign'.

So then, let it begin, let it begin...

Night 6: "The Origin of Oranda Shishigashira"

Well, people in Edo love new and rare things.They called imported goods coming from Nagasaki "Oranda-mono"(Dutch things) and everyone cherished them.This "Oranda Shishigashira" is one of them.A fluffy red bump on the head, fluttering long tail fins.It was named so because its figure looks like a foreign lion dance.

Now, here is Yotaro from the tenement house.He was told by the goldfish seller, "This is a goldfish that came from Holland (Oranda) and only lords can keep," and he forced himself to buy one.

"Listen, this guy was born in Holland. Its language is different from Edo natives. Look, this bump on the head. It must be packed with Dutch wisdom."

Yotaro shows off the Oranda Shishigashira in the tank to the people of the tenement house ostentatiously.Then the retired master passed by and said in amazement:

"Yotaro, you've been tricked. This is certainly rare, but it was born in China. The guys in the tenement house just called anything rare 'Oranda'."

"Ehh! It's not Holland? Then, isn't this bump on the head Dutch wisdom either?"

"It's only natural. It's just its face. Don't be so disappointed."

Yotaro stared at the goldfish for a while, but eventually grinned and hugged the tank.

"What. Even if it's not Holland (Oranda), this magnificent bump is 'Oranda (It's Mine)' that I won't hand over to anyone!"