May 26, 2024

New Year Blessings: Journey Through Fushimi Inari Torii Gates

11 minutes

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: New Year Blessings: Journey Through Fushimi Inari Torii Gates
Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:
fluentfiction.org/new-year-blessings-journey-through-fushimi-inari-torii-gates

Story Transcript:

Ja: 真っ暗な夜が明けると、京都の伏見稲荷大社は新年を迎える準備で賑やかになりました。
En: As the pitch-black night gave way to dawn, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto became lively with preparations to welcome the New Year.

Ja: 晴れた空の下、「初詣」に来る人々でいっぱいです。
En: Under the clear sky, the shrine was bustling with people visiting for "Hatsumode," the first shrine visit of the year.

Ja: ハルキとアイコは、この神聖な場所に訪ねました。
En: Haruki and Aiko visited this sacred place.

Ja: 二人は早朝に家を出て、電車で京都へ向かいました。
En: They left their house early in the morning and headed to Kyoto by train.

Ja: 駅を降りると、冷たい風が二人の頬を掠めました。
En: As they got off at the station, the cold wind brushed their cheeks.

Ja: 山の下には、美しい朱色の鳥居が続いています。
En: At the base of the mountain, a beautiful line of vermilion torii gates stretched out.

Ja: 「これはすごいね」とハルキが言いました。
En: “This is amazing,” said Haruki.

Ja: 「うん、本当に綺麗」とアイコが応えます。
En: “Yes, it’s really beautiful,” responded Aiko.

Ja: 鳥居をくぐりながら、二人は祈りの言葉を考えました。
En: As they passed through the torii gates, they thought of words for their prayers.

Ja: 長い道のりでしたが、道が導く先が彼らを待っているような気がしました。
En: It had been a long journey, but they felt as if the path was guiding them to something waiting for them.

Ja: アイコは心の中で家族の健康を祈り、ハルキは新しい仕事の成功を心に思い浮かべました。
En: Aiko prayed for her family’s health in her heart, while Haruki thought about the success of his new job.

Ja: ついに本殿に着くと、二人は手を合わせました。
En: When they finally arrived at the main shrine, they put their hands together in prayer.

Ja: 鈴を揺らし、神様に願いを込めました。
En: They shook the bells and made their wishes to the gods.

Ja: その後、おみくじを引きました。
En: After that, they drew omikuji fortunes.

Ja: アイコの運勢は「大吉」、ハルキの運勢は「中吉」でした。
En: Aiko’s fortune was "Daikichi" (great blessing), and Haruki’s was "Chukichi" (moderate blessing).

Ja: アイコは笑顔で「今年は良い年になるよ！頑張ろうね」と言いました。
En: Smiling, Aiko said, “This year is going to be a good one! Let's do our best.”

Ja: 二人は再び鳥居をくぐり、帰りの道へ向かいました。
En: Once again passing through the torii gates, they headed back on their way home.

Ja: 今年もこの場所に来れたことに感謝し、心が明るくなりました。
En: They felt grateful to visit this place again this year, and their hearts were filled with brightness.

Ja: 新しい年に向けて、心強い気持ちで満たされたのです。
En: They were filled with a strong sense of resolve as they looked to the new year.

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