“Komatta Musuko (The Troublesome Son)” is a Japanese folk story about a naive young man’s repeated blunders as he struggles to comprehend societal expectations and norms.
Japanese Title
Komatta Musuko / 困った息子、 こまったむすこ
Translation
The Troublesome Son
Location
Unknown
Contents
The Story
Once upon a time, there was a naive and troublesome son. One day, while he was climbing a tree in the garden, a funeral procession passed by.
The son observed it from his high perch. His parents scolded him, “When a funeral procession passes, you must descend from the tree and pray ‘Namu Amida Butsu’ (a Buddhist chant).”
The following day, while the son was in the tree again, a bridal procession passed by. He quickly climbed down the tree and prayed, “Namu Amida Butsu”.
His parents found him and reprimanded him, “During a bridal procession, you should sing a celebratory song, not pray!”
Another day, when the son went to town, a fire broke out, causing a big commotion. Thinking it was a festive occasion due to the crowd, he sang a joyful song. People scolded him harshly, “This is a fire scene, not a celebration! Think about those who lost their homes.”
They beat him with a stick. When he returned home and explained, his parents lectured him again, “During a fire, you should help by throwing buckets of water.”
Yet another day, when he went to town, he saw a blacksmith with a roaring fire, melting iron. Mistaking it for a fire outbreak, he doused it with water.
The blacksmith got angry and chased him. When he ran back home and told his parents, they scolded him again, “In such a situation, you should help by pumping the bellows.”
The next day, he saw two drunk men fighting with sticks. Thinking they were working, he picked up a stick and joined in, only to be beaten badly himself. When he returned home and explained, his parents scolded him again, “When you see a fight, you should try to stop it.”
The day after that, he saw two bulls fighting on his way to town. Thinking he could earn praise this time, he stepped in to stop the fight but was gored by the bulls’ horns, leaving him seriously injured.
Notes of “The Troublesome Son”
Cultural Background
Culture
The story showcases Japan’s rich cultural traditions, such as funeral processions, bridal processions, and the societal etiquette attached to them.
Lessons
It reflects the Japanese concept of “social harmony” or “Wa,” highlighting the importance of understanding and conforming to societal norms.
The repeated misinterpretations of societal norms by the son underscore a universal theme of the difficulties and humor in the process of learning.
Glossary
TERM
Namu Amida Butsu
It is a fundamental chant in the Pure Land Buddhism, often uttered at funerals. It’s an expression of faith and a wish to be reborn in the Pure Land of Buddha.
TERM
Blacksmith
A craftsman who creates objects by forging metal, using tools to hammer, bend, and cut. A roaring fire is essential in their work to melt and manipulate metal.
TERM
Bridal Procession
A traditional parade that occurs in a wedding where the bride is led to the groom’s house. In Japan, this parade used to be performed with much fanfare and celebration.
TERM
Bulls
They are large, male cattle that can be aggressive, especially when fighting each other. Interfering with fighting bulls can be dangerous, as highlighted in the story.
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