“The Farting Watchman” is a light-hearted Japanese folktale that explores the unexpected virtues of an old man known for his unusual farts. When given the job to guard a rich man’s rice warehouse, his farts become an effective deterrent against a would-be thief, leading to comical consequences.
Japanese Title
Heppiri Baninn / 屁っぴり番人
Translation
The Farting Watchman
Location
iwate Prefecture / 岩手県
Contents
The Story of 【 The Farting Watchman 】
Once upon a time, there was an old man who was known for his interesting farts. The sound of his farts would go “danda, danda,” which, when heard by those unfamiliar, sounded like someone asking, “Who’s there? Who’s there?” This made people feel as if they were being scolded. There were those who found the old man’s farts amusing, and those who didn’t.
One day, a messenger from a rich man came to invite the old man. Wondering what a farter like him could possibly be needed for, the old man followed the messenger. The rich man said, “Old man, would you like to become the watchman of my rice warehouse? I will pay you well.”
Unexpectedly offered a job, the old man accepted without hesitation. Starting that night, he began guarding the rice warehouse, sleeping in front of the door on a small mat.
One night, a thief sneaked into the rich man’s house. As the thief tiptoed toward the rice warehouse, a sound erupted from the darkness: “danda, danda.” The thief thought he had been caught and ran away in fright. The same happened the next night, and the nights after. For seven consecutive nights, the thief was scared off by the “danda, danda” sound and was unable to steal anything.
Frustrated, the thief wondered, “What is that ‘Who’s there?’ noise? It feels like a sudden punch from the dark, and it really spooks me.” On the eighth night, the thief was determined and snuck in again. Carefully observing, he found out that the sound was coming from the old man’s farts.
“Ah, so I’ve been scared away by this old man’s farts all along. Tonight, I’ll get my revenge.” The thief went to a cucumber field, picked a cucumber, and stuck it into the old man’s behind. Blocked, the old man’s fart couldn’t come out, causing his belly to inflate.
Satisfied, the thief started carrying away sacks of rice, but just then, the old man turned in his sleep. The cucumber popped out and hit the thief in the face. Startled, the thief hurt his back.
“Ouch!” As the thief stumbled, the old man, who had been holding it in for so long, let out a series of loud farts: “danda, danda, danda, danda.” Finally waking up, the old man really shouted, “Who’s there?”
Realizing the jig was up, the thief gave in. The old man received a generous reward from the rich man.
And so, with a hearty blow on a conch shell, this tale comes to an end.
Notes of 【 The Farting Watchman 】
Cultural Background
Humor in Simplicity
Japanese folktales often find humor in everyday life and natural bodily functions. This story exemplifies that approach.
The Role of the Elderly
Respect for the elderly is a significant aspect of Japanese culture. However, this story humorously challenges conventional wisdom about what the elderly can contribute.
Rice Warehouse
Rice being a staple food and valuable commodity in Japan, the theft of it from a warehouse serves as a serious crime with high stakes.
Glossary
TERM
Danda, Danda
This onomatopoeic term is used to describe the unique sound of the old man’s farts. In the story, it serves the dual purpose of sounding like someone saying “Who’s there?”
TERM
Rich Man’s Messenger
In traditional Japanese society, rich people often sent messengers to carry out tasks, emphasizing the social hierarchy.
TERM
Conch Shell
At the end of the story, a conch shell is blown, a common way in some Japanese tales to signify the end or the moral of the story.
TERM
Mat
The old man sleeps on a mat, a traditional form of bedding in Japan, especially for those who can’t afford lavish lifestyles.
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