Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Color Illustrations

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Seiyuu Interview

EXTRA: Interview with Chiba Chiemi (Harukaze Doremi’s seiyuu

——

What do you think of the novel?

“When I first heard about Doremi-chan turning 16, I was really excited to find out how she would be like. However, it was hard for me to imagine how a 16-year-old Doremi would be like.

However, when I received the manuscript, I was really touched, and I thought, ‘Yes, yes, that’s right’. I was not disappointed in the least. The story was told from the believable perspective of a true 16-year-old. And there were parallels drawn with the original anime, too, when Onpu-chan did not start off from the same place as the others (Doremi, Hazuki and Aiko). The story’s starting did not betray my expectations. Even though everyone went off to different schools at the end of the anime, I felt the “bonds”that naturally pulled everyone back together again, as if by fate. Doremi herself has really grown too, and I get a slight big sis feel from her. (laugh)”

What are some of your thoughts regarding the anime?

“There were 3 rounds of auditions for the part of Doremi. After the second round, Ishige Sawa-chan, who voiced Pop, told me, ‘the written requirement for the role of Doremi is someone who can be truly dynamic’. When I heard that, I remembered thinking, ‘Ehh?!”, so it was quite an honor when I was finally chosen for the part. (laugh)

The first time we all met up (Akiya Tomoko-san who voiced Fujiwara Hazuki, and Matsuoka Yuki-san who voiced Senoo Aiko) was for the recording of the opening theme. It happened before we had recorded any episodes so we couldn’t really grasp the right feel, but I remember how everyone just decided to give it their best shot!

It also made me happy that I met up with many children who told me that they love Doremi. Once, during an event, a 2nd grader girl asked me, ‘Why are Doremi’s eyes red?’ I didn’t have any answer on hand, so I just blabbed out, ‘B-Because she likes rabbits…’ (laugh)”

How was Chiba-san like at 16?

“It was the year when I started working. I went to school, went for work, went home to do assignments… That’s about it. Anyway, I had so much homework! I went to a fashion design school, so I needed to design many clothes and submit countless assignments on my designs…

Now that I think about it, it was also the time when I really became more mature. I often worked with people older than me, so I guess I was a little different from other girls my age. That’s why I’d like to relive a 16 like the ones Doremi-chan and friends are having. To hang out with friends her own age after school—that was something I couldn’t do in the past~ I really envy Doremi-chan and friends.”

Any characters you’re really interested in seeing soon?

“Momo-chan! (immediate answer) I’m just so, so interested in Momo-chan. And also any developments on Hana-chan in the second book~

I’m also interested in the homeroom teacher Yamaki-sensei. His character is something who had never before appeared in the anime, so I’m really keen to find out more about him.”

Any last message for the readers?

“I really enjoyed reading this book. I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy this grown-up world of Doremi together with me.”

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 6 Part 4

CHAPTER 6 – RUN TOWARDS TOMORROW!

PART 04

——

The next day, I was still puzzling over the issue and could not concentrate in class. Leon spotted my inattention and I received a lecture from him.

He was such a cool guy outside of school, but he could be really strict in the classroom.

“Harukaze, I’m disappointed in you! Go wash your face!”

“Alright, alright…”

“Just one ‘alright’ is enough! Also, clean up the washroom before you come back!”

“Ehhhh!”

“The correct reply would be ‘yes sir’!”

“Yes sir…”

In the end, I took so long to clean up the place that it was recess, and Ai-chan came by to help out.

“Are you still worrying over yesterday’s issue?”

“But none of you could name a good thing about me after all.”

“W-Well…”

“See, you can’t even name one.”

“That’s not true. Oh yes, you can smile immediately the moment anyone mentions steak.”

“Well, that’s…” I smiled happily as I drooled a little, before going into a panic and retorting, “How’s that a good thing?!”

“Haha, I was just joking. But I’m sure Hazuki-chan, Onpu-chan and I can come up with at least 30 good things about Doremi-chan.”

Just then, a familiar voice piped up from the washroom’s window, “Momo can, too!”

“Hmm?”

We turned to the window and spotted a familiar yellow hat.

“Hmmmm?”

Ai-chan and I rubbed our eyes and looked again to see a familiar form clad in witch apprentice’s garb.

It was Asuka Momoko-chan.

“Hello!”

But this was not the time for that! And she was flying on her broomstick, too!

What if the other students see her?!

Ahh, what would happen then?

My status with Kotake was still unresolved…

Onpu-chan’s re-debut was still in the works…

Either way, the story of sixteen year old Ojamajo Doremi ends here.

The continuation will come in the next book!

Everyone, be happy and lucky!

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 6 Part 3

CHAPTER 6 – RUN TOWARDS TOMORROW!

PART 03

——

While we were drunk on Ai-chan’s victory, Onpu-chan was struggling alone.

We had chosen to become witch apprentices, but Onpu-chan had refused to become one.

She did not want to grow to rely on magic again.

That’s right. Her life was always so different from ours. She had separated from her family and was now living alone, and in school, she had more rivals than friends. Onpu-chan must have felt lots of anxiety.

Magic was something which should be used as a last resort to help others in need, when there was really no other solution. This might sound obvious, but it was the very basis of magic.

Personally, I would have started to use magic to make life easier for myself. It was only through everyone’s support and help that I had refrained from doing so.

Back to Onpu-chan. There were many people in school, as well as her fans and people in the industry, who knew her since she was a child idol.

There were also many who were shocked at the physical changes she had undergone.

We knew from the very start that although she looked different now, Onpu-chan was still the same inside.

However, people wouldn’t know that if they only knew Onpu-chan by watching her on TV.

“How is Onpu-chan? Is she doing well?” Ai-chan asked.

I shook my head. “She just sent me a message to say that she had forfeited the auditions.”

This was the second time it had happened. Instead of returning to working with TV shows, Onpu-chan had chosen to make her re-debut through stage performance. However, her office had been introducing her to work on TV programmes. And they were not even drama shows, but all variety show programmes.

“Her former fame can only carry her this far. She is probably determined to show that she really wants to become an actress,” Ai-chan reasoned.

“But Onpu-chan is working so hard. Her voice is really nice, and her singing has improved, too,” Hazuki-chan said.

Onpu-chan was not working at the MAHO-do right now, but she did come to Misora City every week to visit.

She also did vocal lessons in a soundproof room at Hazuki-chan’s house. While Hazuki-chan could play the piano for her, my mum usually went over to help Onpu-chan with both voice projection and piano playing.

Of course, she also went for dance and English lessons every other day, as well as physical training, and studying various movie films and musicals. It was truly a tough schedule.

However, it was also true that Onpu-chan’s skills had improved.

“She’s probably much better than other singers her age,” Hazuki-chan mused

“Wow, but that means we can no longer sing karaoke with her. She’ll be too good,” Ai-chan said.

We used to go for karaoke sessions together sometimes, and Onpu-chan’s singing had always been good.

“Fufufu. So Onpu-chan is finally going to surpass me,” I said with a smirk.

“Just what kind of audition will she choose to go for next?” Ai-chan wondered.

“I heard that she went for quite a few recently. She plans to take part in a musical, so she’s been training up her diaphragm and doing vocal training.”

Ehh?

Isn’t anybody going to respond to me?

Ai-chan didn’t even pass any smart retorts.

Now that we were high school girls, was I slowly losing my position as the group leader?

~~~~~

The next Sunday, Onpu-chan came to the MAHO-do, and the store became lively.

My little sister Pop also came with her friends to visit us that day.

Despite her hard work, Pop’s grades often fluctuated above and below the entry requirement for Karen Girls’ Academy, so she had come today to buy a bracelet that could help grant wishes.

“If I don’t get in, I’ll start spreading rumors about how MAHO-do’s magical goods are all fakes,” Pop warned proudly as she spoke to me.

Onpu-chan poked her head out from the work space and answered in my stead, “Pop-chan, I was the one who made that bracelet.” She waved her hand at Pop, and we saw an identical bracelet on her own wrist.

“I’ll be alright if I wear a matching bracelet with Onpu-chan! Alright, time to go home and study!”

Pop had heard from me about how Onpu-chan was working really hard to re-debut as an actress. So, waving to Onpu-chan, she left with her friends.

The rest of the morning was really busy too, with groups of friends from elementary school days, current classmates, and troupes of girls from junior high school coming to the store.

Thanks to Onpu-chan’s help, Majorika and I managed to pull through the day.

In the afternoon, Hazuki-chan and Ai-chan came in to work too.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had my four shop beauties gathered together,” Majorika said with a smile to Lala.

~~~~~

When Hazuki-chan and Ai-chan came in in the afternoon, I finally managed to find some time to have a late lunch.

While I rested at the work space, I watched my three close friends working.

All three of them were living their lives to the fullest, much to my envy.

Compared to them, I was just…

“Ha~~~~ah,” I let out a huge sigh.

“What’s wrong, Doremi-chan?” Hazuki-chan came over with a cup of tea.

“Well, well, Onpu-chan, Hazuki-chan and Ai-chan all have your own goals and are striving hard. I’m just envious because all of you are living your lives to the fullest.”

“It’s not really something to be envious of. It’s good to have a goal, but there’s no point if that causes you to lose sight of everything else. It’s important to know about stuff outside of what we learn in school, and to experience lots of things,” Hazuki-chan countered. “I love playing the violin, so I go for lessons every day, but I’m not a genius at it, and I might not even become a professional player. Right now, I just wish for my music to reach out to someone.”

Did Ai-chan think the same way when she entered the track club as well?

“Sigh, but you know. Don’t you feel that it’s a burden to have me as a close friend? Someone who doesn’t have any talent, and who isn’t working hard at something?” I asked.

“What?” I heard two voices speak at once.

“Ai-chan… Onpu-chan!”

Ai-chan and Onpu-chan joined us with cups of tea.

“Doremi-chan has no idea of her virtues,” Hazuki-chan explained.

“Well, it’s usual for Doremi-chan not to know anything,” Ai-chan retorted.

“Doremi-chan, it’s impossible for someone to have no virtues at all,” Onpu-chan assured me.

“But Doremi-chan has been puzzling over this issue lots recently,” Ai-chan said.

I did not know if I really had any virtues even after what they had said, but I knew that they were speaking sincerely.

“It’s not like Doremi-chan to compare herself with others.”

“Really? Oh, that’s right. I’m sorry.”

“That’s right, it’s good to be honest.”

Maybe I just didn’t know my own virtues.

It would be nice if I could find out what they were soon, though.

Hmm… But I also realized that none of my friends had given me a definite answer. So just what exactly were my virtues?

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 6 Part 2

CHAPTER 6 – RUN TOWARDS TOMORROW!

PART 02

——

The next Sunday, Ai-chan’s family, Hazuki-chan and I, as well as Iiyama-san, were invited for a takoyaki party at Ai-chan’s apartment.

Onpu-chan had gone for auditions, so she was not present.

The takoyaki made by Ai-chan’s father were truly the best, and everyone asked for seconds.

Ai-chan’s parents and Hazuki-chan then began asking Iiyama-san about his grandchildren.

Ai-chan’s mum and Hazuki-chan were full of praises for the alcohol and kept getting Iiyama-san to have more, so he was kept in a good mood.

With that, Iiyama-san started to tell the story of how he was selected as an Olympic candidate when he was only 26 years old.

He had gone on from Misora High School to a sports university, then joined his company’s track team, and was subsequently chosen as a candidate. He was to attend a competition to determine if he would represent the country at the games.

However, right before the competition, Iiyama-san’s father, who operated the contractor’s store, suddenly passed away, and Iiyama-san had to throw away his Olympic dream and succeed his father’s business to support his family.

Since then, he had abandoned track altogether to work for his family and company, and now, his son had finally taken over the family business.

“It must be good to retire,” Ai-chan’s mum said as she poured him another glass of Japanese wine.

“It’s embarrassing to admit this, but I’m not on good terms with my family,” Iiyama-san replied with a bitter smile. “We don’t gather as a family the way you do like this. I often have my meals alone in my room.”

“How did it become that way?” Hazuki-chan asked as she took her turn to pour him more wine.

“Maybe I’m just cranky, or stubborn… I often give snide remarks, and so the family doesn’t like me.”

“But isn’t there a saying, ‘The young should listen to the old and wise’?” Ai-chan’s dad joined in the conversation as he came in with a plate of freshly-grilled takoyaki.

The topic then moved on the Ai-chan’s grandpa, who had passed away the previous year.

When Ai-chan’s parents had wanted to get married, her grandpa had opposed them and even disinherited Ai-chan’s mother. He wouldn’t even let them come to visit when grandma passed away, and their relationship was full of sorrow. Even Ai-chan herself suffered trauma from the fact that her grandpa had hit her mother, and she confessed that she could not look an elderly male in the eye for the longest time.

“If that’s the case, why did you invite me today?”

“Because I want to overcome that trauma, after I saw how Doremi-chan’s grandpa was so nice to her,” Ai-chan replied.

“My grandpa lives in Hida, and even though he doesn’t speak, he’s a very kind man,” I added.

“Grandfathers might be scary, but I’ve come to realize that they are an irreplaceable and precious part of the family,” Ai-chan concluded.

“……”

“Iiyama-san, why don’t you try talking to your family more?”

“Communication can be troublesome, but it’s important, right?”

Iiyama-san remained silent to Ai-chan’s parents’ advice before replying in a lonely tone.

“I know what you mean… But this stubborn personality can never be changed. If my father had not passed away then, and I could join the Olympics, my life and personality would probably be vastly different now.”

With that, he thanked us and took his leave.

~~~~~

After cleaning up the party, we packed up the leftover takoyaki and headed over to the MAHO-do to give them to Majorika and Lala. On our way, we discussed worriedly about Iiyama-san’s problems.

“We really can’t leave Iiyama-san like that,” Ai-chan said.

“Maybe we can create a chance for Iiyama-san to get along with his grandchildren and family?” Hazuki-chan suggested.

“I don’t know about creating chances, but he seems to have developed this stubborn attitude after he lost his chance to take part in the Olympics,” I pointed out.

“Yep, that was what he said,” Ai-chan confirmed.

“Can we make it such that he can take part in the race?” Hazuki-chan asked.

“That’s impossible… No! We have Magical Stage!” Ai-chan exclaimed.

“But wait. Won’t that be changing history?…”

“It’s alright. Magical Stage is not that powerful. I think it’ll come in the form of a dream.”

“I see.”

“Alright. Let’s do it tonight!”

~~~~~

That night, we transformed into witch apprentices and gathered on the roof of Iiyama-san’s home.

“Let’s do this!”

We summoned our Kururu Porons together.

“Pirika pirilala, freely!”

“Paipai ponpoi, flexibly!”

“Pameruku raruku, sonorously!”

When Magical Stage appeared, we shouted in unison, “Let Iiyama-san take part in the Olympic candidate race.”

Magical Stage glowed and went to work.

~~~~~

“Magical Stage was a success!” Ai-chan screamed the next morning as she dashed into class after her morning training.

“Really?” I asked.

“When Iiyama-san came for training today, he told me of this dream he had.”

“What was it?”

“He dreamt that he won second place.”

“I see… But isn’t that something bad?”

Ai-chan shook her head. “He said that he was happy that he managed to participate at all. He also did some reflection, and decided to stop blaming his family for not allowing him to take part in the race, and that he would try to communicate more with them.”

“Will they have meals together again?”

“Maybe next time. He managed to greet them good morning today.”

“Yep, yep, greetings are important. So how was their reaction?”

“They seemed shocked at first, but then everyone greeted him back.”

“Heh, that’s great.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Huh?”

“I was so happy that I got carried away… So I ended up promising him that I’ll get a gold medal at the upcoming National Meet.”

“Well, just win it, then.”

“It’s not that easy. Quite a few Olympic candidates have registered too. Iiyama-san even said that he’ll come to support me. What should I do?”

“There’s nothing you can do since you’ve already promised. It’s time to show everyone your Osakan willpower!”

“… You’re right! Alrighttt!”

Looks like Ai-chan needed to work really hard from now on to keep her promise.

~~~~~

The National Meet was to take place in Hyogo Prefecture at the end of September.

Onpu-chan could not make it there due to auditions, but Hazuki-chan, Majorika, Lala and I closed up MAHO-do temporarily and went to support Ai-chan. At this moment, we were gathered at the Kobe Track Stadium stands, the venue for the competition.

Of course, Ai-chan’s parents, dressed in matching happi coats and headbands, also came to support her.

The preliminary rounds of the 100-m dash for adult women took place in the morning, and the semi-finals followed right after noon. The finals were scheduled for four-thirty in the afternoon.

Our Ai-chan competed against adult women and university students and won first place in the prelims, and second place in the semi-finals, and would be proceeding to the finals.

Out of the eight competitors in the finals, there were many strong opponents, as Ai-chan had warned. There were three Olympic candidates, one of who represented Japan, as well as the 12th grade high school student from Kobe who beat Ai-chan at the Inter-High competition last August.

Ai-chan’s time for the semi-finals ranked fifth out of the finalists, so the other competitors were on the lookout, and had watched and analysed her running. However, to my eyes, Ai-chan seemed to be lacking in the same type of focus.

She was probably worrying over the fact that Iiyama-san, who had promised to come and support her, was not present.

“Maybe he couldn’t get along with his grandchildren after all…” Ai-chan whispered worriedly to us when she came over to the first row of the stands where we were camped to speak to her before the competition.

“Ai-chan, focus on the race!”

“Show them your Osakan power!”

Giving a nod at our cheers, Ai-chan jogged slowly over onto the track’s starting point.

“Senoo, sorry I’m late!” A familiar voice rang out from the top of the stands.

It was Iiyama-san, together with a junior high school girl and an elementary school girl who were probably his grandchildren.

“Grandpa Iiyama…” Ai-chan stood and stared.

Slowly, her face brightened up.

Just then, Iiyama-san and his two grandchildren unfurled a handmade banner.

The words, “Winner! Contestant Senoo Aiko, go get that gold metal!” were written on it.

“I reached Kobe yesterday, but my grandkids wanted to finish this up, so we took more time than expected,” Iiyama-san explained.

“Ai-chan, we’ve heard all about you from Grandpa! Good luck!”

“Ai-chan, fight!”

Iiyama-san’s two grandchildren called out their support. Hearing them, Ai-chan clenched her fists, nodded wordlessly to the three on the stands, and got into starting position.

You might not believe me, but from my seat on the stands, I could clearly feel the aura of strong willpower surging out of Ai-chan’s back.

Ai-chan positioned herself on the starting blocks and waited for the pistol that signaled the start of the race to sound.

While the Onpu-chan before the camera and on stage was beautiful, I felt that in that moment, Ai-chan was beautiful in a totally different way.

Sharp eyes focused on her goal, her tightly-closed lips, and the much-admired muscles of her thighs… She was beautiful like a work of art.

And when the pistol sounded and she bounded off, I was totally fascinated.

Ai-chan had exploded!

After her rocket-like start, she dashed towards the finishing line, unaware of the Olympic candidates and rivals, as she moved to fulfill her promise to Iiyama-san to get a gold medal. She was so awesome.

Her final timing was 11.52 seconds, 0.22 seconds faster than her personal best. This also broke the record for fastest time run by a high school student.

In that moment, Senoo Aiko rose as a new star in the world of Japanese Track & Field.

Hazuki-chan and I embraced the grandchildren, while Iiyama-san smiled happily. I wanted to give that smile to Ai-chan, but settled for happy clapping instead.

——

Notes:
1. A happi coat is a short kimono-like robe that displays a family or sports team crest, and are worn during festivals and special events.

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 6 Part 1

CHAPTER 6 – RUN TOWARDS TOMORROW!

PART 01

——

And with that, I finally stood at the same starting point as my close friends, ready to live out my high school life.

However, Ai-chan, who was probably having the most fulfilling high school life out of us all, suddenly appeared one day at the MAHO-do looking all depressed.

Three days ago, she had been so proud to be chosen to represent our prefecture at the national track meet.

“If I can achieve good results at the nationals, I’d be selected to enter a university famous for their track team, and becoming an Olympic runner won’t be a dream anymore! I’ll work super hard!” she’d declared.

“What’s wrong, why the dark face?” I asked.

“I feel super out of place in the track team.”

“What? What do you mean?”

Misora High School’s track team was small to begin with, and on top of that, was recently experiencing a decline. What Ai-chan was saying was that she was the only one who was training really hard in the team, and that made her feel out of place.

There were even seniors who told her that joining the team should just be a fun activity, and that her serious attitude was an eyesore.

“Don’t be bothered by them! Isn’t it your dream to compete in the Olympics and win a gold medal?”

“Yeah…”

“I think the other members are just envious that Ai-chan is progressing towards her goal. Don’t let their opinions get to you, just continue to practice like you’ve always done.”

“Thank you, Doremi-chan. I feel better now,” Ai-chan said with a smile.

~~~~~

At that time, I felt that Ai-chan was just putting on a strong front, but after one week, the Ai-chan I saw in school was the usual, super carefree self she had always been.

“Seems like my advice worked,” I called out to Ai-chan one day, as she was training in the schoolyard after school.

“Oh, no, it’s because of him,” Ai-chan laughed and pointed at someone.

“Oh, that hunk?! Ai-chan, don’t tell me you’ve gotten a new boyfriend?!”

“Eh? Who are you looking at?! I’m pointing at him, the guy who is with coach Nagao-sensei now.”

I looked away from the hunky senior to see an old man, who looked to be about 68 years old, conversing with Nagao-sensei, all while shouting commands at the track members who were jogging past.

“He’s Iiyama-san, a senior from the pioneer batch of our school and an old boy on the track team. He used to be one of the candidates selected to compete in the Olympic 100-m dash.”

“Wow, an old boy from the pioneer batch…”

“He has been coming down to watch us train recently. He also got all those lazy seniors to start training seriously.”

“I see. Finally, someone who understands Ai-chan has shown up.”

“That’s not all. He has given me lots of advice and tips, so I can try to beat my own record now.”

“I see.”

Just then, Iiyama-san spotted us and came over.

“Senoo, why are you slacking off?”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

“Erm… I was the one who called out to her.”

Iiyama-san looked at me doubtfully.

“This is my close friend, Harukaze Doremi-chan.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Harukaze,” I bowed slightly.

“See you, Doremi-chan. I need to go train.”

With that, Ai-chan went back to working on her starting sprint.

Iiyama-san watched Ai-chan through narrowed eyes.

“Iiyama-san, thank you.”

“Hmm?”

“For helping Ai-chan with various things… I just want to say thank you, too.”

“Save your thanks. I decided to help Senoo of my own accord. That girl has a chance of going to the Olympics.”

“Really?!” Unknowingly, I had shouted out loud. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to shout at a super senpai,” I apologized, bowing my head.

Iiyama-san laughed out loud. “You’re just like Senoo, a girl with personality.”

“R-Really? You’re making me blush.”

“Hahahaha, how fun it would be to have grandkids like you girls.”

“Doesn’t Iiyama-san have any grandchildren?”

Iiyama-san’s expression immediately darkened.

At that moment, he really resembled a roly-poly daruma Doll.

“E-Erm… Did I say something wrong?”

Iiyama-san ignored my question and walked away.

His retreating back looked so lonely.

~~~~~

“Oh, so he said that to Doremi-chan, too. He said it to me when I asked about his grandchildren too, then he just got upset. Don’t worry about it too much.”

We were on our way to the MAHO-do after Ai-chan’s training. I had looked so anxious, as if I was stepping in a minefield, that Ai-chan had to comfort me.

“Maybe his grandchildren died?”

“Nah. Iiyama-san lives at a contractor’s store in front of the train station, and I’ve seen a pair of sisters, a junior high school girl and an elementary school girl, returning from school to that house.”

“I see… So maybe they don’t get along well?”

“I don’t know. Anyway, asking so many questions seems rude.”

“But he is a very important person to Ai-chan, right?”

“Yea. But even so…”

“Maybe Iiyama-san cannot communicate well with his grandkids. I really think so. Hey, maybe we should investigate a little and find out more.”

“But how?”

Just as I was about to say “with magic”, we heard a car braking in front of the store, and a horn soon sounded.

Ai-chan and I looked out the window at the road to see a taxi parked outside. Ai-chan’s dad was leaning out the driver’s seat window.

“Dad, what’s up?”

“Aiko, rejoice! I’ve bought a new takoyaki grill set!” Ai-chan’s dad said happily as he showed us a huge bag with the grill set inside.

“Our takoyaki grill broke down, and so we hadn’t been eating any these days,” Ai-chan explained to me.

“Haha, then that’s great,” I replied with a somewhat amazed look.

I knew that the takoyaki grill is a must-have item for Osakan families, but it was really not an essential thing for us Kanto people.

“Doremi-chan, come to have takoyaki with us soon.”

“Of course! You make the best takoyaki, uncle!”

Just then, Ai-chan shouted, “I know!”

What?

“We can have a takoyaki party at my place and invite Iiyama-san!”

“Ah, that sounds good!” I replied.

——

Notes:
1. A daruma doll is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. It is usually painted with an unsmiling face.

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 5 Part 4

CHAPTER 5 – BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS

PART 04

——

As I was too shy to speak to Kotake over the phone, I went to look for him during his morning soccer training session in school the next day.

Kotake, who was already a regular team player despite his freshman status, had been really busy. Spotting me but aware of his teammates’ gazes, Kotake approached me only when his break time began.

“W-What is it?”

“There’s something I wanna talk to you about; can you spare me some time?”

“…”

Kotake seemed to have caught on to what I was implying, but he kept silent.

Just then, the coach blew his whistle, a signal for the training session to resume.

“Sorry. Let’s do this. Training ends at ten, so why don’t you meet me in front of the fountain at Misora Park at eleven? I’ll definitely head over.”

Without waiting for my reply, Kotake dashed off towards his teammates.

~~~~~

I made my way to the MAHO-do, where Ai-chan was back at work after returning from the Inter-High competition, and told her about what had happened.

“Got it. I’ll let Majorika know that you won’t be coming in today.”

With Ai-chan’s support, I headed over to Misora Park.

“Doremi-chan, fight!” I had smiled and saluted at Ai-chan when she said that, but as I neared Misora Park, my heart started to beat harder.

I arrived ten minutes before the scheduled time.

There was a library inside the park, and the place was crowded with elementary school kids who had completed their summer vacation assignments.

When they saw me, the kids started to giggle amongst themselves.

I glanced at the surface of the fountain’s pool, thinking that I must look really weird now.

I really did look quite pathetic.

There was no trace of the lively freshman I usually was.

Speaking of which, when I was still in elementary school, I used to think of high school girls as old ladies. I hoped that I would never turn into one of them.

Now, I realized that I looked worse than those girls I used to see.

What if Kotake saw me like this, too?

I jogged over to a water cooler nearby and thoroughly washed my face.

However, as I was about to wipe my face dry, I realized that I had forgotten to bring my handkerchief with me.

W-What should I do…?

“Looks like you forgot your handkerchief. Here, use this.”

Suddenly, Kotake was there, fishing a towel out of his sports bag and handing it to me.

The towel stank of sweat, but I was in no position to complain. Wiping my dripping face dry, I replied, “T-Thank you…”

As I was handing the towel back to him, Kotake suddenly bowed his head.

“…I’m sorry! I really wanted to write you a reply immediately, but I didn’t know how to do it right, so that’s why I haven’t given a reply yet.”

“It’s alright; I’m bad at writing letters too,” I had wanted to give a cheeky reply, like how Onpu-chan and Ai-chan always does, but it turned out awkward in the end.

“But I really want to write you a reply. Will you give me some more time?”

“Eh? It’s ok… There’s really no need.”

‘No, being able to talk to you like this is good enough.’

I wanted to say it, but it was really awkward. However, Kotake looked really serious, so he would probably do things the way he wants to.

“The soccer preliminaries are coming up. I’ll be really busy, but I’ll definitely write you a reply.”

“OK. You are part of the regular team, after all. Good luck.”

“It’s okay, we’re a strong team. Even so, if I don’t work hard, my position on the team can be snatched away by someone else, so I have to work hard every day.”

“I see… Do your best.”

Before I knew it, Kotake and I had had a long conversation.

Kotake really seemed like an adult now.

I’ve been like this really often recently, having such negative thoughts. I shook my head hard to get rid of them.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing. So… I’ll be waiting for your reply!” I waved at Kotake and dashed off.

Thanks to everyone’s advice, I’d finally talked to him.

I might still be more childish and naive than everyone else, but I wouldn’t give in so easily anymore.

Also, I should look on the bright side. Since I’m a late bloomer, I could always receive good advice from everyone.

~~~~~

“Doremi-chan, if you don’t improve yourself, Kotake-kun will grow tired of you real soon,” Onpu-chan said.

“Yeah, if you like Kotake-kun, then you should find out more about him, right?” Hazuki-chan added.

“…You’re really silly, Doremi-chan,” Ai-chan chided.

Boo hoo hoo. All you people are so unforgiving.

I felt like Cinderella. Witch apprentice friends, please help me with my troubles.

“But it’s okay, I don’t know the rules for soccer either. Why don’t you go check out the bookstore on your way home?” Onpu-chan suggested.

“It’ll be quicker if you can watch a DVD or something instead. Oh, the J-League is on now, so how about asking your Dad to explain things to you?” Hazuki-chan added.

“Well, either way, it’s good that you came to consult us first,” Ai-chan said.

I had received a letter from Kotake.

It came in early September, soon after summer vacation ended.

The contents were simpler than what I had imagined, so much so that I wished he had just replied me straight that day.

Basically, what he wrote was “I want you to accompany me to Kunitachi”, and that he would tell me about his feelings then.

“Kunitachi is located somewhere along the Chuo Railway Line, right? What’s so special about that place?”

We were all gathered, as usual, at the workspace in MAHO-do.

By the way, it was our day off, and we were busy with stocktaking and sticking of price tags. Sitting before me were my three good friends, trying to rein in their concerned expressions.

Even Onpu-chan, who was taking a break between lessons, had turned up because she was worried about me.

Boohoohoohoo… This is a mistake. All these people here were the worst, since they knew all about my weaknesses.

If I thought about it, my whole life had been a series of confrontations like this. I really never learn from past experiences.

“Alright, I guess I’ll explain,” Onpu-chan pretended to adjust a pair of glasses on her face, then stood up. She looked like a teacher about to explain things to me.

“First, it’s not Kunitachi, but “Kokuritsu”. It’s short for “Kokuritsu Gyoujijou” or the National Stadium. That’s where they hold the annual National Soccer Meet, like how Koshien Stadium is where the National Baseball Tournament is held. The prelims are held at each prefecture, but the semifinals onwards are held at the National Stadium. By the way, the rugby tournament is also ongoing at the same time… Are you still with me, Doremi-chan?”

“Yes, I’m not asleep!”

She was totally acting like a teacher.

However, I still could not process what she had just said, even though it was just a small amount of information.

“Sensei… I mean, Onpu-chan, question! Kotake said that he’ll be competing in the prelims soon.”

Onpu-chan giggled and replied, “That’s right. The team hasn’t been chosen to represent the prefecture yet, so Kokuritsu is still far away. Therefore—”

The true bishoujo leaned in close as she continued, “It’s still okay that you’ve mistakenly called Kokuritsu as “Kunitachi”. Isn’t that a relief?”

She was acting just like a queen, and I wondered if she was trying to mimic Tamaki Reika.

“Our school’s soccer team has a great coach, and is quite strong and famous. So there’s no doubt that they would be chosen to represent the prefecture, but Doremi-chan still needs to find out more,” Ai-chan added.

“That’s right. Asking you to accompany him to Kokuritsu is almost like a confession. If Doremi-chan can learn more about soccer rules, watching and supporting the matches together with him will be more enjoyable,” Hazuki-chan said.

“I guess Kotake-kun still hasn’t worked up the confidence yet. Kokuritsu may seem close, but it’s still a far-off goal. Besides, soccer isn’t an individual sport, so he is working on fulfilling his dream of playing on Kokuritsu’s field right now,” Onpu-chan said.

“… I see. It’s really hard being a freshman regular,” I mused.

Seems like I had been making assumptions again, thinking that the only problem he was facing was whether he liked me or not, or whether he should get together with me or not.

If I hadn’t found out all these things about soccer and the hardships of being a regular today, I’d probably have gone off and asked him to choose between me and soccer.

I was glad I’d consulted everyone first. Friends really were awesome.

“Maybe you should watch matches on TV with your Dad. He’s a fishing expert, so he probably knows lots about other sports too. You’ll be able to learn from him,” Hazuki-chan suggested.

“That’s true. Dads with teenage daughters often feel lonely, so if his daughter tries to communicate with him, he’ll surely be glad,” Ai-chan added.

“Just say that you’d like to learn more about soccer rules because a friend of yours from elementary school just became a regular player. He won’t suspect a thing,” Onpu-chan said.

“Yep yep, I’ll work hard.”

I’ll work hard to learn more about soccer and remember the rules.

Kotake was working so hard, and if I didn’t know anything, I wouldn’t even be able to talk to him about anything aside from superficial things like winning and losing.

I should start by learning how to feel joy or regret together with him.

——

Notes:
1. Kokuritsu (国立) means “national”. The same kanji can also be read as “kunitachi”, hence Doremi’s mix-up.

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 5 Part 3

CHAPTER 5 – BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS

PART 03

——

Onpu-chan, being Onpu-chan, got things moving really quickly.

After returning from Hida, where we had spent our Obon vacation, Onpu-chan appeared before us shortly after we resumed our work at the MAHO-do.

“Hi!” She waved her right hand lightly as she jauntily entered the store.

“O-Onpu-chan?!”

“W-Why are you here?!”

Hazuki-chan and I stared open-mouthed in shock, as if we had seen a ghost.

Ai-chan was on a break today, as she had to compete in the Inter-high track competition.

“What? I’m not a ghost. Look, I have legs.”

Without thinking, Hazuki-chan and I glanced down at Onpu-chan’s legs.

“Fufufu, so you’re the real Onpu-chan,” Hazuki-chan said with a wry laugh.

“But why? You didn’t say anything about coming here when we were at Hida.”

“Fufu. Actually, I’ve just been signed on to a new artiste production company, so I came to let everyone know.”

“Ehhh—!?”

I fell off my chair in shock, and Hazuki-chan’s glasses slipped down her nose.

As if satisfied with our reactions, Onpu-chan laughed as she clutched her tummy.

“Onpu-chan, that was mean…”

“Sorry. That was a better reaction than I had expected.”

Onpu-chan helped me up, then sat down at the table and started to talk about how she signed on to the new artiste production company.

The following day after deciding that she would pursue the life of an actress, Onpu-chan returned to Hokkaido and announced her decision, as well as her wish to debut once again in Tokyo, to her parents.

Onpu-chan’s parents, sensing that her decision was final, assented to her request.

Then, she systematically contacted every single artiste production company introduced by her celebrity acquaintances. However, as she had been labelled as a child idol capable of playing only children’s roles, and with her popularity in a slump, there was no company that wanted her.

However, Onpu-chan did not give up.

In the past, Onpu-chan had met with an actress of the same age, Kirino Karen-chan, at an audition, and they were still keeping in contact. After consulting together, Karen-chan introduced Onpu-chan to the company that she was signed on with.

Onpu-chan immediately wrote a letter to the company, introducing herself and expressing her wish to debut again as an actress, and a reply letter asking for a face-to-face interview came soon after.

And today, she had traveled to Tokyo for the interview at the company office.

This ability to take action was Onpu-chan’s true strength.

“Their office was really quite small, but they focus more on developing their celebrities and talents rather than just earning profit, so I’ve decided to sign up with them.”

“That’s great.”

“Congrats, Onpu-chan.”

“Thank you.”

Just then, Majorika and Lala came in and joined us.

“Oh, is that Onpu-chan!?” Majorika exclaimed.

“Majorika, Lala, it’s been so long!”

The three embraced, rejoicing at the reunion.

“Majorika, Onpu-chan has just decided to sign on with a new company.”

“Oh, is that true? So are you here to stay?”

“Nope. I plan to stay at the office dorms.”

“Oh, speaking of that, there were some rumors about you going to sell the family home…?”

“Those were all fabricated by the media. Once Mama has recovered, the whole family will be coming back to stay there.”

“I knew it!”

“Won’t all this moving around be tough on you, Onpu?”

“That’s true. How about becoming a witch apprentice too, Onpu-chan?” Lala lightly suggested.

We also advised her to do so, but Onpu-chan still refused resolutely.

“I’m fine like this.”

“But-”

“If I could use magic, I’ll definitely use it for my own gains like I did in the past. Also, I’ll try to heal Mama’s illness,” Onpu-chan replied with a smile as she stuck her tongue out at us mischievously, though her eyes were serious.

It was a silent signal to drop the topic.

Sensing that, Hazuki-chan did so.

“How about school?”

“That’s alright. I’ve already transferred to a high school that offers courses for celebrities.”

“That’s our Onpu-chan! You really think of everything.”

“Dance and vocal training lessons will begin tomorrow, so it’s best to clear away all these irrelevant issues first.”

“Segawa Onpu is finally starting out on the path to becoming a true actress. We’ll definitely support you!”

“Good luck!”

“Thank you. Enough about me. Doremi-chan, I met Kotake-kun just now while on my way here,” Onpu-chan said.

“! R-Really…”

“Kotake-kun has become really cool! I now understand why Doremi-chan wrote him a love letter.”

During our vacation in Hida, I had told Onpu-chan everything about my interactions with Kotake.

“We didn’t talk much, and when I started to talk about Doremi-chan, Kotake-kun dashed off as if escaping from something.”

“Onpu-chan, let’s not talk about this anymore!” I cried, trying to change the topic.

“Judging from how he looked, I think he’s still worrying over the fact that he didn’t write you a reply.”

“So Onpu-chan thinks so too. I really believe that myself,” Hazuki-chan joined in the discussion wholeheartedly. “A written confession really means business, so he’s probably really thinking things through.”

“I understand. I felt this way too when I went off to Hokkaido. I knew that everyone would definitely be worried about me, but it would be really troublesome if I said it out… In the end, it was really hard to inform everyone.”

I felt glad at seeing everyone so concerned about me.

Eh? Could this mean…?

“What’s wrong, Doremi-chan?”

“Erm, well…”

I didn’t trust myself to explain this clearly, but if Kotake really liked me, did that mean that we could get together as a couple?

Kotake had always been looking after me. Even though he always complained about it, he was somehow always there to protect me. I’ve always felt that he wouldn’t have done all those things if they had been for anyone else but me.

“Doesn’t that mean that he likes you?”

Onpu-chan might be right.

It felt as if we had always been a couple.

“Doremi-chan, why don’t you go ask him in person, instead of writing letters or calling? You’re both in the same school, so it’s silly that your relationship is so sour,” Hazuki-chan said. However, I felt like he had been purposefully avoiding me these days.

“That’s right. It’ll definitely give you some peace of mind,” Onpu-chan agreed.

“Onpu-chan can be really aggressive…”

But being aggressive had gotten us our jobs at the MAHO-do, and helped us to solve various problems using magic, and made us new friends, to list a few things.

High school was a place where lots of students coming from faraway places gather, and I had made friends who taught me about lots of things which I’d never even known about.

If I had a boyfriend, would I treasure him more than those friends?

I know I didn’t even have a boyfriend yet, but I couldn’t help but worry.

After voicing out these concerns, Hazuki-chan smiled and assured me, “It’s alright, Doremi-chan. I’m attached to Yada-kun right now, but I still love and treasure all you girls, my friends at Karen Girls’ Academy, and my family, too.”

Lala winked and continued, “There’s just so many things you young ones want to do. It’s really hard to drop everything and just focus on love.”

Just then, my mobile phone suddenly rang with a new message.

“Ah, it’s from Ai-chan!”

Hazuki-chan glanced at the clock in the store and added, “The competition probably just ended!”

According to a message she sent out in the morning, Ai-chan had proceeded on to the finals, with a timing that ranked her fifth during the heats. I immediately put in a call to her.

“Hello, Ai-chan, how was it?”

However, Ai-chan remained silent.

“What’s wrong, Ai-chan?”

Everyone worriedly gathered around me.

“Hello, Ai-chan!”

I dimly heard a whimpering sound.

“Ai-chan… is crying.”

“Ehh?!”

“Ai-chan, what’s wrong?! Did you do badly?”

“…Not really…” She finally replied.

“Don’t tell me you won, and are crying happy tears?” Majorika called out.

“No no…” Ai-chan immediately answered.

“So why are you crying?”

“It’s tears of regret.”

“Tears of regret?”

“I lost to first place by only 0.01 seconds, and I’m so, so regretful…”

“Wait! So that means you’re in second place?!”

“Yeah…”

Just then, Hazuki-chan snatched the phone from me, “Ai-chan, that’s awesome! You’re second place in the Inter-high track competition. After competing with second and third-year seniors from high schools all over the country, you came out as the second fastest, right?”

“Well, that’s true…”

Onpu-chan grabbed the phone next, “You’re really awesome! I think you should be proud of that.”

“Ehh? Why is Onpu-chan over there?”

I grabbed the phone back, “Well, Onpu-chan came to Tokyo and has signed on to a company here!”

“Really! That’s our Onpu-chan! Doremi-chan, please hand the phone to Onpu-chan.”

“Oh, okay.”

Forgetting the fact that she was crying a minute ago, Ai-chan started chatting with Onpu-chan.

Watching Onpu-chan enjoy herself as she laughed and talked, Hazuki-chan, Majorika and Lala smiled too.

However, I was the only one who felt different.

Hazuki-chan, Ai-chan and Onpu-chan had all found the paths that they wanted to follow, and had started to walk on firmly.

However, I…

I had just turned sixteen, so I probably shouldn’t be feeling so anxious.

But, everyone already seemed like adults.

Was I still a child?

No, that wasn’t true.

Either way, if I didn’t clear up this thing with Kotake, I wouldn’t be able to move forward.

I don’t even know if he hadn’t replied yet because he was shy, or because he didn’t feel like rejecting me outright.

But even if we didn’t become a couple, I still wanted us to remain friends.

With that, I would be able to go support him at his soccer matches wholeheartedly.

Now, I just needed to speak to Kotake!

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 5 Part 2

CHAPTER 5 – BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS

PART 02

——

From the next day on, Onpu-chan got really active and began to chat happily with everyone, as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

Early in the morning, she invited a sleepy Pop to join her for a morning workout at the nearby elementary school. Then, she went with Grandma and Mum into the fields to harvest the dewy vegetables. She then accompanied Ai-chan to her track training, the two of them working up some good sweat.

I heard all of this from Hazuki-chan.

Yes, I slept in all the way till noon.

That was because we all got so excited during last night’s pajama talk that I couldn’t get to sleep. Ahahaha.

With that, I went to wash up with water drawn up from the well in the yard. I spotted Onpu-chan heading towards Grandpa’s workroom, which was situated a distance away.

“Good morning, Onpu-chan.”

“We’re way past the time for morning greetings. You’re really a sleepyhead.”

“Oops. Anyway, what’s up?”

“I was thinking of asking Grandpa to let me watch him work,” Onpu-chan explained.

“Ooh, I’ll come along, too.”

Wiping my face with a towel, I followed Onpu-chan into Grandpa’s workroom.

The smell of varnish hit us as we entered the room.

Besides farming, Grandpa is also a famous Shunkei lacquerware maker over in this region.

The Shunkei style differs from the usual lacquerware in that it brings out the beauty of the original wood material, and so it utilizes yellow and red tones more. It can be done on trays, bento boxes and teacup saucers.

“Is it alright if we watch you at work?” Onpu-chan asked. Grandpa, who was applying the finishing varnish onto a Noh mask used in shrine ceremonies, stopped and nodded wordlessly.

Onpu-chan’s eyes sparkled as she intently watched Grandpa’s careful work, but I soon got bored and let out a big yawn.

“Doremi, I’m thirsty. Could you get me some tea?” Grandpa asked as he passed me an empty teapot.

“OK!”

As I was about to take the teapot, Onpu-chan said, “I’ll go instead,” and reached out for the teapot.

“It’s okay. Onpu-chan, you want to speak with Grandpa, right? See you.”

After I left, Onpu-chan got up and went to sit behind Grandpa.

“Shall I massage your shoulders?”

“Sorry for the trouble, but thank you.”

As Onpu-chan’s hands worked on the massage, she asked, “Grandpa, can I ask you something?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“How long have you been a Shunkei lacquerware worker?”

“Hmm… I’ve been at it even before I met Grandma, so that’ll be about 60 years.”

“Wow! That’s amazing.”

“It really isn’t.”

“But you still continue to create such wonderful works. I really respect that. You must be talented at it,” Onpu-chan said as she glanced at the trays and bento boxes which Grandpa had displayed on a shelf.

“Talent? That’s not true. I just watched and replicated what my own Dad used to do.”

“But that alone won’t help you to create such beautiful works. It’s just like fine arts.”

“Hoh hoh ho, you can praise me, but I can’t reward you with anything other than tea.”

Onpu-chan giggled, and that was when I returned.

Pouring out tea for the three of us, we all drank it together.

“If there’s really something I’m talented at, it’s the strength to continue doing what I like,” Grandpa said with half-lidded eyes.

“Continuing… to do what I like?”

Onpu-chan’s expression brightened in an instant, and I could guess why.

~~~~~

“I’ll continue being an actress for my own sake.”

Onpu-chan announced this decision one night as we were playing with sparklers in the yard.

The sudden declaration garnered shocked looks from both Hazuki-chan and Ai-chan at first.

Since I had already suspected that, I just smiled and replied, “Oh! I’m glad that your worries are over.”

“Thank you.”

“I knew it. Onpu-chan can’t just be a normal girl. Being an actress really fits you more,” Hazuki-chan said as she walked over and passed a new sparkler to Onpu-chan.

“Really?”

“Onpu-chan looks really pretty tonight. It’s as if your superstar aura is shining through,” Ai-chan added as she lit her own sparkler from Onpu-chan’s.

“Thank you,” Onpu-chan replied, smiling as she twirled her sparkler in circles.

Not losing out, I twirled my own sparkler and asked, “Hey, Onpu-chan, you said that you’ll continue being an actress for your own sake. What do you mean?”

“Ever since I entered the entertainment industry and worked hard at being a child idol, I did it all for the sake of fulfilling Mama’s dream. In exchange, Mama helped me to handle everything outside of work.”

“But you were a child then; that was her responsibility.”

“I was really spoilt then. But from now on, I’ll stand on my own two feet, and, no matter how slow my progress, I’ll continue walking the path of an actress with enjoyment.”

So saying, she turned towards Grandpa and Dad, who were drinking beer on the veranda, and gave them a slight nod.

Grandpa and Dad smiled and raised their beer glasses.

Just then, Mum brought out some barley tea. We all grabbed a cup and lifted them into the air.

“Let’s toast to Onpu-chan’s future!”

“Cheers!”

We all drained our glasses in one gulp.

Ojamajo Doremi Book 1 Chapter 5 Part 1

CHAPTER 5 – BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS

PART 01

——

The breeze blew through the gaps between the beech trees as we made our way towards the source of the Fukiyama River.

My dad was in the lead, followed by Onpu-chan, with me bringing up the rear.

The three of us were clad in those waist-high waders for creek fishers, and we were all sweating buckets.

I was wearing Dad’s old waders, while Onpu-chan was clad in Grandpa’s waders. Both were slightly too large for us, which made walking difficult.

“Dad, are we there yet?”

“Just a little more, hang on.”

Dad, who was holding all our fishing rods, was clad in an additional fly fishing vest, so he was probably sweating much more than us.

“Onpu-chan’s here with us too, so let’s just take a rest,” I suggested, exhausted. We had already been walking for close to 30 minutes.

“I’m alright. Anyway…” Onpu-chan replied, looking totally unruffled. Then, she appeared to hear something. “Hmm?…”

I listened hard, too, and dimly heard the murmuring of a stream.

“You hear that?”

“Yep!”

Once we exit this forest and find that stream, we would be able to freshen up in the clear and cool water.

I suddenly felt full of energy again and continued to walk on, humming to myself.

~~~~~

So how did the three of us end up creek fishing? It happened last night, as we were gathered around the sunken fireplace at Grandpa’s place, eating dinner.

“This fish is delicious!” Onpu-chan declared.

Since coming to Hida, Onpu-chan had remained mostly quiet, so it all started with this sentence from her.

Onpu-chan had been doing a lot of serious thinking with regards to her future. She had hoped to reach a decision of whether to continue being an actress or not over this vacation trip.

Knowing Onpu-chan’s dilemma, we found it hard to relax thus far.

We were all frustrated that we could do nothing but stay by her side and watch over her. However, with this exclamation from her, the atmosphere immediately lightened up.

Grandpa had been grilling trout over the sunken fireplace for us.

That day, Dad and Grandpa had gone fishing at the Fukiyama River near our house. They had caught these beautiful trout, which resembled the well-known salmon.

“This trout is different from salmon because it has these red spots. With the Sakawa River in Kanagawa Prefecture acting as a border, the East side is where all the salmon are, while the trout are on the West side,” Dad explained, using his vast knowledge of fishing. After that, he asked, “So? Would you girls like to go catch some trout tomorrow?”

“…”

Onpu-chan did not seem very enthusiastic.

“There’s something I’d like to show Onpu-chan there,” Dad added.

“Something to show me?”

Without answering her, Dad turned to Grandpa and asked, “Old man, those nymphs come out around Bon Festival, right?”

Grandpa nodded wordlessly.

“What are these nymph things?” I asked.

“Nymphs are the young of aquatic insects such as mayflies. There’s a stagnant pool near the source of the Fukiyama River where the water doesn’t flow much, and that’s where the nymphs emerge as flying adults all at once. It’s a magical place where all the trout and char gather to catch their prey, unmindful of any fishermen. That’s why we don’t even need live bait to catch those fish.”

“Does that mean that even I can catch some fish on my own?” I asked.

“Of course,” Dad answered.

“That sounds interesting! Onpu-chan, shall we go?” I urged.

“Alright!”

“Alright, it’s decided then! Hazuki-chan, Ai-chan, how about you?” Dad asked.

“Hazuki-chan said that she’ll help me with homework! So she’s out!” Pop declared.

“Mayflies sound like large mosquitoes to me. Sorry. I’m really bad with insects,” Hazuki-chan added.

“I’ll pass, too. The competition is nearing, so I’d like to go practice in the grounds of that elementary school behind the house,” Ai-chan said.

In the end, the three of us were the ones who made our way up to the pool beside the creek.

~~~~~~

As the sun slanted towards the west, the water surface reflected its rays and shone golden.

Leaning over the water’s edge, we washed our faces and dried them off with towels, then wiped the sweat off from our bodies.

As Onpu-chan and I quenched our thirst with beverages that we had brought along, Dad fixed the reel and line onto one of the fishing rods and started fly fishing.

Immediately after he cast the line, a trout about 20-cm long flew out of the water and ate up the baited hook.

Dad quickly planted the fishing rod into the ground, and, without reeling it in, he grabbed the line and expertly pulled it in. Then, using the net that had been tied to his back, he caught the trout.

“Wow, that was awesome!”

Onpu-chan and I were both amazed by this turn of events, and rushed over to look at the trout in the net.

With blue barcode-like stripes and red spots, it was a truly beautiful trout.

“The fins are fully developed too, see? The trout in this region are all wild, not cultured by man,” Dad said happily as he unhooked the trout and pulled out a dropper from his vest pocket.

He filled up the dropper with water from the stream, stuck the dropper into the trout’s mouth, and injected the water into the fish.

Loosening the dropper, he then sucked out some water from the trout’s mouth, and then squeezed out that water onto a small white dish he had prepared.

With that, the prey which the trout had ingested before it was caught flowed out onto the dish together with the water. There were black insects that resembled caterpillars, as well as cream-colored ones that looked like mosquito larvae.

“Fufu, I was right. The black ones are mayfly nymphs, and these cream ones are adult molts,” Dad said as he released the trout and washed away the insects’ remains from the dish in the stream. Then, he put it back into his vest, together with the dropper.

Turning the reel, he reeled the fishing line back and unhooked the artificial bait from the fishing rod.

“Dad, aren’t we fishing anymore?” I asked.

“We just need to travel a little more, and we’ll catch all the fish we want, so it’s okay.”

So saying, he attached the reels onto all our fishing rods and helped us thread the fishing line through the rod.

Next, he attached some artificial bait that resembled the adult mayflies onto our hooks and passed the rods to us. Then, we all started to walk towards the pool upstream.

~~~~~

The pool was a silent place, as if time had stopped still at that spot.

The water still flowed, but so gently that you couldn’t hear it. The water surface was like a mirror, reflecting the sky as it changed from a golden to red color.

We sat down on some rocks along the gentle inner curve on the right side of the stream and waited for the mayfly nymphs to moult.

Watching the sun setting towards the west, Dad said, “It’ll begin soon, the festival.”

As if waiting for those words, tiny rings started to ripple across the surface of the pool.

Inside those ripples, we saw cream-colored nymphs emerge and fly out of the water, their tails swinging.

With that, more ripples started to form, and the nymphs all started to fly up out of the water.

In the next instant, trout and char started to jump out of the water, cutting through all those tiny ripples.

Splash… Splash… Splash splash splash splash!

A whole haze of nymphs was dancing wildly before our eyes.

There were so many of them that the surroundings were blurred out by their numbers.

And on the water’s surface, a countless number of fish continued to dance as they caught their prey.

Onpu-chan and I were struck speechless and sat rooted to the spot.

“What is this…!?” Onpu-chan asked. I turned to look enquiringly at Dad.

Dad was busy pressing on his camera’s shutter as he took photos of the scene, “We call the process of aquatic insects molting as hatching, but when all the larvae hatch together at once like this, we call it a super hatch.”

“But there’s so many of them…”

Some nymphs had fallen onto us and were wriggling about, but we paid them no heed as we stared dazedly at the natural phenomenon occurring before our eyes.

Having taken enough pictures, Dad’s face grew serious as he spoke to Onpu-chan. “I wanted to show this to Onpu-chan. All aquatic insects, not just these nymphs, live within water for a year, and when the time comes, they molt altogether at once. Among them, there are some who fail, and some who get eaten by the trout, but all of them still struggle and put all their effort into molting.”

Onpu-chan continued to stare at the super hatch and the feeding fish joyfully jumping out of the water, unblinking.

“Onpu-chan right now is just like one of those nymphs, growing up from a child into an adult. Continuing to struggle, and finally emerging, I think that’s the best decision after all.”

“…Thank you. You have shown me something really wonderful.”

“Even Dad can say good things if he wants to,” I said.

“What’s with that ‘even‘?!” Dad retorted.

Onpu-chan giggled.

“Alright, let’s catch some dinner!”

We all cast out our lines together.

The trout and char were caught on our hooks one after another.

We released all fish measuring below 20-cm, and kept nine which were about 25-cm long.

As we kept our equipment, the super hatch came to an end, and Fukiyama River’s pool sank back into silence as if nothing had happened.

Nature really is so magical and amazing.