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historyhermann · 2 years

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Librarian-soldiers and the never-ending "library war" against censorship

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From the name itself, I knew that Library War (known as Toshokan Sensō in Japan), based on a set of manga novels by Hiro Arikawa, was obviously going to be about libraries. There are two live-action film adaptions of the series, one in 2013 named Library Wars and another in 2015 named Library Wars: The Last Mission. The first film adaption was praised by my good friend/colleague, and fellow librarian Jennifer Snoek-Brown as amazing, especially as it is inspired by the Statement on Intellectual Freedom in Libraries put out by the Japan Library Association, first in 1979. She noted that the movie led to the "discovery of a series of popular novels about defending libraries." As for the anime series, Rebecca Silverman of the Anime News Network noted that the core of the series is "about the people working against censorship rather than the censorship itself," tackling the issue that some people declare something immoral and seize it without any other reason. [1] Some reviewers called it a "classic high concept show" that is the equivalent of Fahrenheit 451 with more guns, [2] even comparing protagonist to Iku Kasahara to Yomiko Readman in Read or Die, while others noted that the series is simply a library war, as "people actually go into war over books, censorships, media influences and other stuff." Apart from this, some called it fun, especially for book lovers, those interested in military shows, and said it inspires viewers to "stand up for their ideals and protect their rightful freedom of expression." This series is more than a fun, and wonderful anime, which can get intense with armed, militant librarians. While it only has 24 fan fictions on Archive of Our Own, I had to watch this series in its entirety.

This coming of age police drama is set in a Japan (in the year 2019) where "freedom of speech is not a right, and censorship is at an all-time high" with two groups (the Media Betterment Committee and the Librarians) fighting each other. More specifically, in this story, the Japanese government passed a law allowing the government to censor films, magazines, books, and other media deemed "unacceptable," enforced by the Media Betterment Committee (MBC). [3] It also passed the Library Freedom Act, meaning that libraries can be "safe repositories for even banned materials," with people able to go there to find "any available media," whether it is banned or approved. This means that the libraries can counteract the MBC, with the protagonist, Iku (voiced by Marina Inoue), a member of the Library Militia, and en route to become part of a self-defense unit of armed librarians, or "book soldiers," named the Library Task Force. Charlie Jane Anders of i09 once called Iku one of the heroic librarians saving the world, with going to library school meaning "basic training and learning how to use a rifle to protect books." And hence our story begins here.

There is a lot I could say about the series. Each episode [4] continues the story of the push and pull between the librarian-soldiers of the Task Force (and Militia) and censors of the MBC going after "problem books," with Iku growing into an "ally of justice," beginning to fulfill her mission as a person who safeguards "expression of freedom." At the same time, she is searching for the man who saved her all those years ago, who she calls her prince. Often there are fierce battles to defend the books and materials in the libraries, kidnapping of librarians by the censors, and defense of a museum, in the last few episodes, where the people believe they can fight the forces of censorship nonviolently. In the ending part of the series, especially, is interesting as public opinion turns against the library, with people wanting censorship of materials and protesting outside the base where the librarians live, train, and work on a library. I suppose you could say there are "battle scenes...drawn with detailed settings and overwhelming visual beauty," and storylines which describe "the pleasant daily actions of the library members" as stated on the show's official website. [5]

Logo of the Task Force in the series

While the war between the librarian-soldiers and censors continued, unresolved, at the close of the series, the librarians are portrayed as the defenders of freedom of expression, since their military unit is "dedicated to protecting books from being confiscated," if that wasn't clear already at this point. The censors, who are part of the Ministry of Justice, aim to crack down on all works said to be "offensive to public order and morals." [6] The librarians-soldiers, on the other hand, have an independent budget and manage personnel on their own, with those soldiers either engage in library operations, defense of the library facilities, or logistical support. The task force, which Iku is part of, are an elite of the defense personnel, a special forces of sorts, working at specific libraries at the request of those libraries, and engage in a "wide range from normal library operations to large-scale offensive and defensive battles." Specifically, the librarians have five articles which govern their activities, with details that can be supplemented at any time, part of their library freedoms, to be precise:

Article 30. Libraries have freedom in collecting their materials. Article 31. Libraries secure the freedom of offering their materials. Article 32. Libraries guarantee the privacy of users. Article 33. Libraries oppose any type of improper censorship categorically. Article 34. When the freedom of libraries is imperiled, we librarians will work together and devote ourselves to secure the freedom.

Iku, a series protagonist as shown on the show's official website

This somewhat mirrors the ALA Code of Ethics which upholding principles of intellectual freedom and resisting all efforts of censorship of resources at the library, protecting the right to privacy and confidentiality of every user. Interestingly, not mentioned in the above list, but in the ALA Code talks about providing the highest level of service to all library users, respecting intellectual property rights, treating all co-workers and colleagues with fairness, respect, and good faith, not advancing private interests at the cost of others, distinguishing between personal convictions and professional duties, and striving for excellence in the profession. However, you could argue the library facilities run by the librarian-soldiers do try and provide a high level of service, treat each other with respect, strive for interest, not advance private interests at the cost of others. Even so, for these librarians, their personal convictions and professional duties (if you could call them that) are intertwined, and I honestly don't think they really care about intellectual property rights, but just about providing access to their materials in whatever way possible. This connects to the part of the show's official website including cast saying, in Japanese, what books they would protect if they were actually librarians in the show's environment, if I'm understanding it correctly.

In the end, this series not only shows the value of libraries, and librarians, but their role in society as fighters for free expression, freedom of information, and against censorship, among other virtues.

Notes

[1] Also, see the review in the same publication of the manga novels.

[2] This is made clear from the old official website for the film.

[3] As noted on Wikipedia, while it is often called the Media Betterment Act, other translations call it the Media Improvement Act, Media Enforcement Act or the Media Cleansing Act.

[4] This is summarized from translations of episode descriptions from https://www.toshokan-sensou.com/episode.html

[5] This is coming from a translation of https://www.toshokan-sensou.com/intro.html

[6] This whole section is translated from https://www.toshokan-sensou.com/yougo.html, with the article translation taken from the Wikipedia page for the show.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Library Review and Wayback Machine

#library war #japan #anime #reviews #censorship #Youtube

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backtousa1 · 1 year

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Yomiko Classics Dickie Plush Stuffed Toy Dog Russ Berrie Co.

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buttonandzippers · 2 years

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Yomiko Classics Black Bear Cub Plush Animal 2019.

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bought-it-today · 2 years

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Plush Russ Yomiko Classic Black Labrador stuffed animal.

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plushieanimals · 2 years

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russ berrie yomiko classics mini goat 🐐

#what a mouthful #goat #goat plush #russ berrie #yomiko classics #goat stuffie #vintage #vintage plush #toycore #plushcore #farm #plushblr #safeplush #kidcore #plush #plushie #plushies

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puppyfinds · 2 years

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Yomiko Classics St Bernard

#dog #puppy #st bernard #dogcore #puppycore #plush #plushcore #toycore #yomiko #yomiko classics #russ berrie #russ

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toyarchive · 2 years

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Russ Berrie - Yomiko Classics - Halalah

Features: Is a floppy plush beanie zebra.

Size: 25cm long (small plush)

Date: unknown

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tumbleosity · 2 years

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So I used to collect Yomiko Classics when I was a kid so when I saw this poor beagle thrifting I picked him up because I knew I could fix him up. I ended getting him for free because he had no price tag. He clearly was very well loved by his former owner, his tush tag was even cut off.

He was unstuffed, washed twice with laundry soap and just a touch of bleach. He was carefully restuffed, a new bean bag was made for one of his paws, and he had a few holes stitched up. I gave him a good brushing out too and while he isn’t brand new he looks much better.

Dao the Dalmatian for comparison

He got lots of new friends too!

#yomiko classics #plush collector #plush restoration

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annette29aag · 5 years

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Walrus plush.

Photographing some toys that are leaving my collection. They are adorable but I have no room.

#not dolls #plush #toy #walrus #yomiko classics #Annette29aag

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shutterandpencil · 2 years

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“Happy Easter! from Mako”

Funny story, actually, I took these on the 27th thinking Easter was in March this year before I realized that it wasn’t Easter. Oh well, it was Easter to me and so I still took Easter pics, in which case, here’s Mako and some bunnies.

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pandaponderart · 3 years

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Underrated Anime Part 1:

Hello my fellow Weebs, I’m back for some more Anime blogging, this time to talk about so not so well known ones. Some that have got forgotten with time, some that new Anime fans have maybe never heard of and the ones that I feel deserve more love and recognition. I’ve been watching Anime for about 13 years so I’ve seen a lot so this will be in at least 3 parts, so hopefully you like this and look forward to more. Til then enjoy, hope you can find some new anime you’ve never heard of thanks for reading and look forward to part 2!.

1. Azumanga Daioh(2002)

Starting off with an older Anime, and one of the best and earlier comedy, slice of life Anime that paved the way for a lot of other Anime in the same genre like Nichijou and Daily Lives of High School Boys. Off the wall and highly unrealistic, this comedy is completely over the top in the best way possible. it’s old but gold and should be crowned as one of the best comedy Anime to exist.

With the most lovable cast, you have Chiyo the 5th grader who is so crazy smart she gets placed in a high school class, then there’s Osaka, who’a real name is Ayumu Kasuga who’s named that because she‘s from Osaka. Osaka isn’t the smartest and neither is her other classmate Tomo Takino who will do anything to avoid studying. Then to balance out the cast is Koyomi Mizuhara aka Yomi, the smart one who keeps everyone in line and Kagura the sporty one. Then of course can’t forget to mention the teachers Yukari Sensei who is anything but the normal responsible teacher and to balance her out Minamo Sensei the responsible one. There’s no real plot with Azumanga Daioh but there’s not meant to be it’s just an over the top comedy slice of life, with moments that will make you laugh from your gut. It’s all about the characters and the ridiculous situations their put in and each one is a lovable idiot that really drives the show. Give this one a shot if you want a show that will put a big smile on your face the whole way through.

2. Eden of The East (2009)

Another older Anime, not everything on this list will be older Anime but there’s so many good ones like this!. Eden of The East is an action, mystery with elements of romance with one of the most unique stories I’ve seen in Anime. It’s a short watch being only eleven episodes with two movies following after which I recommend watching because they continue the story. I’m really surprised not more people know or talk about this show but it need to be talked about more!.

With one of the funniest and most bizarre starts to an Anime, our lead charcter Saki is on a trip to Washington D.C, when she gets in trouble for throwing a coin in the White House’s fountain she’s saved by a naked man who claims to be a terrorist. Not only is this mysterious man naked and claims to be a terrorist, he also has amnesia and is carrying a phone with 8.2 million dollars. Saki befriends this strange man and throughout the story they try to uncover more of his past, his involvment in an incident called careless monday and a dangerous death game with other players. They must also spend all of the money as instucted by the mysterious voice in the phone Juiz as well as try to save the world.

3. R.O.D The TV( 2003)

Ok I know I said this list wouldn’t only be older Anime but I guess the older Anime just has my heart and this one has a special place in mine. One of my all time favorites and one of the earliest Anime I saw and it still holds up to me til this day. It is hands down probably the most underrated show on this entire list and if you only watch one of these Anime please make it this one. The story is completely original, the characters are complex and endearing, there’s action, heartwarming moments, comedy and mystery, I wish there was more Anime like it, it deserves to be a classic.

It‘s a one of a kind show about the paper sisters Michelle, the oldest bubbly bookworm, Maggie the seemingly intimidating quiet giant. Then you have the youngest sister Anita who unlike her sisters hates books, she’s a bit rough around the edges but loves her sisters. Although they aren’t actually sisters they have a detective agency to help find lost books to help pay for rent while also doing odd jobs like being body guards. Their first assignment is to protect the author, Nenene Sumiragawa who is being threatened to be killed at her book signing. The paper sisters aren’t called that just because of their love of books, they can turn paper into weapons and whatever else they please, but each having their speciality. Nenene finds out they‘re paper sisters just like her friend who ‘s missing, Yomiko Readman and asks them for help finding her. They try to help Nenene find her friend, while solving other cases and saving the world with the power of paper.

4. Baccano(2007)

Probably the most well known but also I think one of the most under appreciated Anime, from Durarara’s creator, Baccano. I feel like most newer Anime fans won’t know this one and although it’s a beloved series by many, I still feel it’s underrated. Also another bias opinion shocker, it’s one of my absolute favorites but that’s why it’s here. It’s once again a shorter anime with only 13 episodes but it somehow manages to combine all of the storylines cohesively, it’s a wild ride full of mystery, murder, and magic that will keep you on board the entire time trying to piece everything together. Also warning it jumps around a lot so make sure to pay attention everything pieces together!.

Based in the 1930’s in the prohibition era you have several stories involving different characters going on but they‘re all connected to one thing the transcontinental train, the flying pussyfoot. Yes that’s actually the name of the train, why, still no idea but all these characters from different walks of life end up here somehow. Now to introduce some of these crazy characters, first off the goofy thieves in love Isaac and Miria, who aren’t the brightest but can steal just about anything. Lad Russo the sadistic hit man who loves to see people die, including fantasizing about killing his fiancé one day. Then you have the ones involved in gangs, all In different ones, but nonetheless involved in some sort of crime. First there’s Firo, the youngest of the Martello family and one of the immortals in the show, then there’s Jacuzzi Splot and his partner Nice, Jacuzzi is a big wimp and crybaby but will protect his loved ones with all he’s got and Nice is a bomb expert and his childhood food. Those are some of the main characters it’s such a large cast it’s hard to name and explain them all. This one is a must watch especially if you liked Durarara, jump on the hype train of this wild show.

5. Black Cat (2005)

Now quick disclaimer before I begin talking about this one, I haven’t watched this in years so it may not hold up as well as I’m remembering but when I watched it I really enjoyed it so that’s why it’s here. This was one of the earlier Anime I watched I’m pretty sure my friend showed me it but it caught my interest from the beginning. It’s not the most groundbreaking show to exist and I’ve heard that the manga is apparently better but that’s for almost every show. It’s got cool action, funny moments and a great cast of characters, plus not gonna lie I had a crush on train when I was younger. its just a fun show and definitely worth giving a watch!

Train Heartnett is an infamous cold blooded assassin who works for the organization Chronos, and because of his lack of empathy for killing he’s named Black Cat. But after a chance encounter with a bou hunter named Saya Minatsuki, they become friends and Train decided he wants to leave Chronos to pursue an honest living as a bounty Hunter. However chronos and particular his fellow member Creed Diskenth are not pleased with this and try to get Train to rejoin Chronos. Along the way Train teams up with fellow bounty hunter on the brink of broke Sven, the bio mech weapon and little girl Eve and master thief and seductress Rinslet Walker. Together they try to escape from Chronos and get enough money for their next .

6. Arakawa Under The Bridge(2010)

Where do I begin with this one first off, this is one of the weirdest Anime I’ve ever seen but just like Azumanga Daioh that’s what make it so good. Beautifully animated by Studio Shaft with some of the most colorful and visually appealing animation I’ve seen, it’s pure eye candy. it’s equally as strange as it is hilarious and it’s just a fun time that’s not meant to be taken seriously. So if you want a good laugh and something thats truly one of a kind in story and characters give this crazy show a shot.

The show begins with one of our main characters Kou Ichinomiya getting stuck by his underwear on a bridge by some kids, he falls into the river and is saved by a mysterious girl. Kou is the son of a wealthy businessman and his life motto is to not be indebted to anyone, so when he’s saved by this girl he asks what he can do. He finds out that her name is Nino and what she wants is to fall in love, so she asks Kou to be her boyfriend. At first Nino seems like a regular girl but she claims to be an alien from Venus and lives in a box under the bridge, not wanting to be in debt Kou agrees and begins living under the bridge with Nino. However Nino isn’t the only one who lives under the bridge there are many other strange characters like hoshi, the aspiring musician who wears a star on his head, and the captain who’s a human in a kappa suit. I highly suggest watching this strange sci-fi romantic comedy for something different and fun to watch.

7. 91 Days (2016)

The newest Anime on this list so far, see I told you it wouldn’t be only old ones!, this is also the darkest Anime on this list so far. This has been highly overlooked since it’s release in 2016, it reminds me of baccano and in parts like death note. If you like mafia movies or just a dark gritty story with some light hearted moments, it s short show but nothing is rushed and it’s solid from front to back and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Just like Baccano, 91 Days takes place in the prohibition era in a town called Lawless where crime is rampant and illegal alcohol sales are thriving. In this town our protagonist Aviicio‘s family is killed by one of the mafia families, The Vanetti Family. He receives a mysterious anonymous letter telling him to return to lawless to infiltrate The Vanetti Family. He tries to befriend the families son Nero, to find an opportunity for revenge, the story keep you constantly guessing if they’ve truly become friends or if he’ll kill him. Please watch this wonderful mafia crime drama of friend vs foe.

8. Yamada Kun and The Seven Witches (2015)

This is one of the ones that I still really want to read the manga for because I just couldn’t get enough of it! i’m still hoping for a sequel one day! The premise of body swapping has been done many times in Anime and cinema as a whole but this one adds a unique enough of a twist to keep it fresh and interesting. I looked forward to watching this weekly each week meeting a learning about each new witch and learning what power they had.

Ryuu Yamada is a high school delinquent who wants a fresh start at a new school, despite the intention to start with a clean slate he soon falls into old habits of laziness and getting into fights. One day he trips on the stairs which leads to an accidental kiss with fellow student Urarara Shiraishi which causes them to switch bodies. Another student Toranosuke Miyamura learns that they can switch bodies and recruits them to his Supernatural Studies club. There they learn about the other seven witches that all have different powers

9. Arslan Senki (2015-2016)

The second to last of the list comes from the creator of my all time favorite Anime Fullmetal Alchemist, while it’s a very different series and not quite as good as FMA it’s still deserves a spot on this list and deserves your time. It’s hard not to compare it to FMA but it really is it’s own thing, and it actually came out before Fullmetal, it’s a historical drama about war and strategy and a character growing into his potential. Just as Hiromu Arakawa is known for there’s still some comedic moments and some great character development and a well done story, Plus if you like this there’s two seasons so there more to enjoy.

Ok I promise from this point forward I won‘t say anything more about Fullmetal Alchemist this is about Arslan Senki, here’s the story. In the year 320 the Kingdom of Pars is at war with the neighboring kingdom Lusitania. Pars is ruled by the ruthless king Andrangoras III who has a son who’s the complete opposite of him Arslan. Although he doesn’t know how to fight Arslan tries to prove his worth by joining the battle, but things take a turn for the worst when one of the kings officials betrays him. The once prosperous Kingdom of Pars is seized, and since Arslan is the kings son he must flee to avoid capture. So he sets off with his loyal bodyguard Daryun to find allies to help take back the kingdom. Knowing that Arslan is still alive he is still faced with pursuers from other kingdoms and the head of the Lusitania army, a mysterious man with a silver mask who knows a secret that could jeopardize Arslan‘s succession to the throne. Arslan is a gentle, kind person that doesn’t enjoy fighting, he must learn to fight and protect himself and gain the courage to lead an army to regain his home.

10. Shingeki No Bahamut: Genesis (Rage of Bahamut) (2014)

Leaving one of the best for last, not to be confused with the popular series with a similar name Shingeki no Kyojin(Attack on Titan) this show is just as good. One of the first shows from one of my favorite Anime studios, Studio Mappa. I had low expectations when I heard this was a card game adaptation from a new anime studio but I decided to check it out despite that and it was the best decision. This has all the elements of a great anime, the beautiful animation, the unique characters and the compelling story and all the cool action scenes are just a plus. There is a second season too but I’ll leave that for another time, ok time to stop gushing about this wonderful show, time for the story!.

Years and years ago the ancient powerful dragon Bahamut reeked havoc on Mistarcia, a land where gods and demons lived harmoniously with humans. The gods and demons manage to seal away Bahamut with the god key and agree to split it to keep him sealed. Now that the the peace has been restored we meet the main characters and one of my favorites the orange Afro haired bounty hunters Favaro Leone. Favaro is constantly on the run from his adversary and fellow bounty hunter Kaiser Lidfard who‘s main purpose in life is to get revenge on him. One day both of their lives are thrown into chaos when they meet the mysterious girl Amira who holds half of the god key sealing Bahamut and wants help reaching the land of Helheim. I also can’t forget to mention my other favorite character and the fourth member of this unlikely crew Rita the zombie necromancer little girl she is just the definition of cool. Then there’s the characters that want to steal the god key the demon Azazel and the knight Jean D’Arc who are constantly in the characters way but you’ll find out more about them in the show. These unlikely heroes must face the threat of the battle of gods and demons, the pursuers of the god key and incoming threat of Bahamut awakening.

#anime #anime gif #anime blog #blog #art blog #blog post #new blog #azumanga daioh #manga #baccano #91 days #eden of the east #arakawa under the bridge #black cat #yamada kun to 7 nin no majo #R.O.D the tv #r.o.d #digital art

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sparklyjojos · 4 years

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CARNIVAL DAY recaps [2/13]

Today’s recap: Lots of monkeys and a nagging grandma figure, or: Yasha’s adventures in his hometown.

FIFTH ILLUSION

05 Oct 1996 — 18 Oct 1996

Yasha’s ancestor Inugami Sahei was a poor orphan, who at the age of seventeen was taken in by a Shinto priest. Later in life Sahei became a wealthy businessman known as the Silk King of Japan. His death shortly after World War II and the outrageous will he left led to a series of murders...

The famous Inugami Family Murder Case just like the Saimon Family Murder Case was one of the Ten Great Crimes of the Showa period. It was even described in detail in Yokomizo Seishi’s book The Inugami Clan [which is an actual classic mystery. It has been translated to English and is also known under the name The Inugami Curse. This recap has a few tiny spoilers as to who survives in that book.]

The Inugamis weren’t quite as influential in 1996 as half a century earlier, but the people of their town Nasu still felt respect for them. Sometimes curious mystery fans came to see the famous tragic family’s house for themselves.

Like every other place in the world, Nasu was impacted by the Crime Olympics, the death rate in the town rapidly increasing. Several people spotted a giant person in a monkey mask walking around at night, perhaps on his way to killing townsfolk. Whether or not this Monkey Mask was actually a part of RISE, catching them would certainly put the people at ease. The mayor himself asked Yasha to investigate, and Sayo was as nagging as ever about him staying home for a while, so whether Yasha wanted it or not, he had to keep living in Nasu for now.

Juku told him on the phone that perhaps this Monkey Mask was connected to an ongoing serial killer case targeting police officers in Kyoto. Each week three victims would be murdered, the first body found without eyes, the second without tongue, and the third without ears, clearly symbolizing the three wise monkeys. Juku doubted the Monkey Mask and the Three Monkeys Killer were the same person, but Yasha should definitely check what’s going on.

The media quickly caught on to Yasha's return to town and kept talking about how the young genius was pursuing the Monkey Mask. The attention was becoming so bothersome that Yasha resorted to change his clothing style and wear sunglasses around town… which didn’t help much, as the silver hair was a dead giveaway.

All those monkey cases made Yasha think about his family’s old servant, Saruzou [the saru written with the kanji for “monkey”; the English translation of The Inugami Curse simply calls him Monkey]. Saruzou had once cared for their garden and was known for making wonderful chrysanthemum dolls. During the Inugami Family Murder Case, Saruzou saved Yasha’s grandmother Tamayo countless times, so in a way Yasha owed his very existence to the man. Saruzou disappeared some time before Yasha’s birth. Tamayo even ordered a chrysanthemum doll portraying him to be made in his honor.

One possible solution to the Monkey Mask case was that Saruzou came back and patrolled the town at night, trying to keep the Inugamis safe from potential attackers. That strongly built man even without a mask had an uncannily simian face.

Yasha kept hearing about new sightings of the Monkey Mask, so he sneaked out the window at night to walk around the town (Sayo would stop him and preach about danger if she ever saw him trying to leave normally). He honestly wondered how Juku was able to wear sunglasses at night, as they made it difficult to see anything.

When Yasha woke up from a nap one October day, he found a piece of paper tucked behind Kanaihidetaka’s collar. The message said:

Do not wander at night. Inugami house in danger.

— The Man in the Shadows

Yasha recognized this signature. During the Inugami Family Murder Case, one of the people involved wrote a certain important note and signed it as “the man in the shadows”. But if it really was the person Yasha thought of, they could have just warned him directly. Besides, not even Sayo knew about his nightly escapades. Did the message mean that Yasha’s wandering would bring danger, or that there was already a danger present and Yasha should keep watch over the family?

Yasha had no idea what was going on, but decided to keep sneaking out to investigate. That very night he spotted the Monkey Mask and tried to pursued him, soon joined by the local Shinto priest Hiyama, but the mysterious giant got away.

SIXTH ILLUSION

19 Oct 1996 — 01 Nov 1996

In the morning Yasha talked with Hiyama about the sightings. According to the priest, his trusted friend had seen the Monkey Mask head towards the shrine a few nights earlier. The friend woke Hiyama and they searched the grounds together, but found no one, as if the man simply disappeared. Last night Hiyama heard someone walking on the gravel path outside, saw the Monkey Mask and trailed him all the way to the town, where he lost sight of him for a good while. Then he walked into Yasha and they chased the suspicious man together.

News came later that a murder had taken place near where Yasha first saw the Monkey Mask. Could he have killed someone in that short time after Hiyama lost sight of him?

In the beginning of October, Juku called Yasha to say that Yaiba Somahito had kidnapped a boy and fled the country, an event just as surprising and shocking as all the disappearances. Tsukumo Nemu was ordered to ride the Trans-Siberian Express and catch Yaiba half-way through Russia.

Just days later, on October 5th, the ninth Billion Killer case happened to target Yaiba’s train. The ground suddenly bulged underneath the tracks breaking them, making the train fly out like from a ramp and land in Lake Baikal. Thankfully Hanto Maimu had predicted that something would happen in Russia and rescue teams were gathered near the lake at the time, so they could pull out the passengers (and a skull of the Billion Killer) from the wreckage.

A week later, on October 12th, another case happened at Loch Ness. The only surviving witness died soon after claiming they had been attacked by Nessie. Recovered video footage showed a long-necked something that attacked the gathered people and destroyed Urquhart Castle. The tenth skull of the Billion Killer was found at the scene.

On October 19th, a Robo-Ship identical to the one that had disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle suddenly appeared in the Niagara Falls. While sudden, the event didn’t kill anyone. No passengers were find inside the submarine, but the eleventh skull of the Billion Killer was recovered. This was the first time Hanto Maimu’s prediction was off, most likely because she would give birth soon.

On October 26th, thirteen people including the Cali Cartel’s boss were found shot in a hideout in the Amazon Jungle. According to a woman called Fabian who was at the scene, a strange man somehow escaped that locked room situation and took away the Billion Killer skull somewhere.

Thanks to contact with Juku, Yasha learned more details that the media kept quiet about.

A couple days before the Trans-Siberian Express derailed, many electric traction posts had been destroyed, forcing Yaiba’s train to switch from an electric engine to a diesel. That was the very reason why the train kept going even when the mysteriously bulging patch of ground broke the tracks. Right after the train went flying, the raised ground settled back down like nothing happened. It was possible that someone could have toppled the traction posts to force the train engine switch, but how they made the ground move remained unexplained.

The Nessie footage was found not to have been altered in any known way. It was interesting how when the monster was shot at, it didn’t seem to get wounded at all.

The Robo-Ship that showed up in the Niagara Falls was confirmed by the UN to be the very same that had gone missing in the Bermuda Triangle, an easy thing to check considering the Robo-Ships were experimental arsenal ships and very few had been made. The entire crew including Yomiko was still missing. While it was possible to steer an empty submarine remotely, getting it into Niagara Falls in that way was improbable.

As for the cartel shooting case, that man who took away the skull had used a Blue ID Card registered to Amagi Hyouma, but was apparently an imposter, as the real Hyouma had been in Japan at the time of the incident.

Around that time, Juku told Yasha about his plans to visit Jounosuke in Ryuuguujou. He planned to go there with Nemu and Fumonji Jouka, as well as Christmas Mizuno and Hikimiya Yuuya who were about to return from France. Yasha had to stay home, but asked to pass his regards to Jounosuke and prayed for his survival.

SEVENTH ILLUSION

02 Nov 1996 — 15 Nov 1996

Sayo had been working for the Inugamis since over a decade before Yasha’s birth. He didn’t know her age, but she had been school friends with Hiyama the priest, so she would have to be in her fifties. Most people called her Nekoma [猫魔, literally “cat demon”], which Yasha suspected came from her love for neko-manma (a dish made from leftover rice), or perhaps was a joke about how a “cat demon” would work for the Inugamis, “dog gods”. Asked about her real last name, Sayo just answered that she had forgotten it.

Yasha tried stealthily asking Sayo about Saruzou, but she instantly guessed that he actually wanted to know about the possible connection with the Monkey Mask. Sayo had known Yasha since his birth and so was able to tell what he thought at all times. She claimed that when you’re as old as she was, using all the life experience you have is in itself a sort of a detective reasoning method.

Yasha tried asking his grandmother Tamayo some questions. She told him that Saruzou had passed away a few years earlier, and that there were two chrysanthemum dolls of Saruzou—one made by the man himself shortly before his disappearance and portraying him in his old age, and a later replacement portraying him in his youth.

When Yasha then found the older doll in the storage, he discovered it was lacking its monkey-like head.

On November 2nd, a strange case happened in Indonesia when an old blind man walking through Borobudur tripped over a skull of the Billion Killer, fell down the stairs and died. The skull was then taken away from the scene by someone. What looked like a strangely trivial incident turned out to be very complicated indeed: the man didn’t actually trip over the skull, but miscalculated his path when the stairs had somehow grown a single step more. While only one person died, the mystery was just as mind-boggling as the other Billion Killer cases.

On November 9th, an Air France Jumbo Jet suddenly disappeared both from the sky and from the radars, only to reappear right over a major Parisian street on a collision course with the Arc de Triomphe. Quick attempt at an emergency landing let some passengers escape before the impact, but the event still resulted in over a thousand dead and nearly five thousand injured. Once again a Billion Killer skull was found.

Yasha was a bit too busy with the Monkey Mask to really think about these cases, and Juku didn’t call him much because of his visit to Ryuuguujou.

In order to solve the Monkey Mask case, Yasha decided to use his insomnia reasoning, which required him to go several days without sleeping. It always worked the best around 90-95 hours since the last awakening. Of course staying awake for this long required a lot of training and the right physical and mental preparations, and after a certain time Yasha would inevitably have to recover by sleeping for a long time, which would both reset the insomnia timer and put him out of commission for days.

And so Yasha stayed awake for a long time, trying to deal with the impulse to fall asleep, enduring Sayo still nagging him about leaving the house at night, and also marveling at how different his face in the mirror looked with a harsher expression, sunken eyes, and a somewhat disconcerting smile. Maybe the name Yasha really fit him, considering he really looked a little demonic when not sleeping.

EIGHTH ILLUSION

16 Nov 1996 — 29 Nov 1996

After eighty hours without sleep, the time was perfect for Yasha to head back to the shrine and solve the case. Sayo was still so determined to keep him in the house at night that she moved her mattress to his room and even escorted him to the bathroom, but he finally managed to outsmart her and sneak out.

Yasha and Hiyama met up at the shrine. They waited in hiding for a good hour until the Monkey Mask showed up, and then Yasha ran towards him from behind, caught his head—actually a mask made using Saruzou’s chrysanthemum doll—and pulled it off.

The Monkey Mask slowly turned around…

On November 15th (so a few days and a lot of sleeping later), when Yasha explained the case at a press conference, he announced that the culprit was—no one. Monkey Mask the scary villain had never existed, and the case was mostly a mass illusion.

All those Billion Killer cases illustrated pretty well that while people would not believe a strange phenomenon without tangible proof, if a convincing proof did exist—like the Nessie recording—they would be happy to believe in the weirdest things.

There really was no proof for the Monkey Mask’s existence other than eyewitness testimonies, but the coincidentally rising crime rate was the “proof” that made people believe.

What many eyewitnesses “saw” was just an optical illusion, a game of shadows at night. Others have fallen victim to someone’s prank—here Yasha showed everyone a monkey-like mask and said he had found it on the ground by the local shrine, apparently discarded by the bored jokester. It was a weak piece of evidence, but Yasha stated that the only proof needed would be that no one would see the Monkey Mask ever again.

As soon as Yasha got home, he watched the entire press conference, which proud Sayo had of course diligently recorded on tape. She kept talking about how cool Yasha looked on TV and how nicely he managed to hide the truth.

The Monkey Mask that Yasha had caught a few days ago was—well, no, not quite Sayo like his reasoning had told him. Instead it was a man he’d never seen before, apparently a mutual friend of Sayo and Hiyama. Sayo had come up with the whole Monkey Mask plan, started spreading rumors around the time Yasha came back to Japan from China, created the message from “The Man in the Shadows”, and even walked around in the mask, employing her friend or Hiyama to take over her role whenever she needed to stay home at night to create an alibi. Her plan had just happened to start right before the Crime Olympics, so everyone assumed a connection.

Sayo’s entire plan was simply to make Yasha stay at home with his family for as long as possible.

After the Monkey Mask case was settled, Yasha finally left the town and headed towards Kyoto, where he would meet with Juku again after over two months of working separately.

[>>>NEXT PART>>>]

#sparkly reads carnival day #maijo and jdc stuff

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