Animated Classics of Japanese Literature 10 - The Dancing Girl (Mori Ōgai)

Summary

Set in the Meiji era, this emotional narrative follows Tōta Tōtarō, a Japanese diplomat in Berlin, and his tumultuous relationship with Erisu, a German woman. Their love is tested by cultural differences, personal ambitions, and a web of misunderstandings. When Tōtarō faces career sabotage and must choose between his duty and his love for Erisu, the consequences are tragic. Themes of love, guilt, and sacrifice permeate the story, exploring the deep emotional turmoil of making life-altering decisions in an unfamiliar land.

Takeaways

• 😀 A man named Toyotarou Ota, an overseas officer for the Japanese government, is stationed in Berlin in 1884.
• 😀 His primary mission in Germany is not related to business but rather a long-term assignment with a focus on his work performance and outcomes.
• 😀 Toyotarou reflects on his background, mentioning his upbringing and studies in French, which helped him avoid language difficulties in his professional life.
• 😀 In the winter of 1884, Toyotarou meets a young woman named Eris, who is in a distressing situation due to her father’s recent death and her family’s financial struggles.
• 😀 Eris is reluctant to seek help from a man named Kin-Kashi, who has been aggressive in offering her financial assistance in exchange for favors.
• 😀 Toyotarou helps Eris by lending her money and eventually their relationship deepens into a romantic one.
• 😀 However, Toyotarou’s relationship with Eris comes under scrutiny when some colleagues report it to his superiors, leading to his work being compromised.
• 😀 Toyotarou is pressured to return to Japan but refuses to abandon Eris, even though his job and career are at risk.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, Toyotarou and Eris plan to live together, with Eris pregnant with his child, but Toyotarou is faced with a moral dilemma about his future.
• 😀 Toyotarou’s friend, Aizawa, warns him that his relationship with Eris could jeopardize his future in Japan, and urges him to break it off, suggesting a brighter career if he follows the official path.
• 😀 Toyotarou is torn between his loyalty to Eris and his ambition for success in Japan, ultimately leading to emotional turmoil and a tragic resolution, where he must live with the consequences of his choices.

Q & A

What is the primary setting and time period of the story in the script?

The story is set in Berlin, Germany, during the Meiji era of Japan, specifically in 1884 (Meiji 17). It revolves around a Japanese man working abroad and his personal and professional challenges.

Who is the main character, and what is his role in the story?

The main character is a Japanese man named Toyotaro Ota, who is working as a diplomat in Berlin. He is tasked with handling business affairs for his country while navigating personal struggles.

What significant event marks the beginning of Toyotaro's personal story?

Toyotaro's personal story begins when he encounters a distressed young woman named Eris on the streets of Berlin, which leads to their subsequent relationship.

How does Toyotaro become involved with Eris, and what challenges do they face together?

Toyotaro offers help to Eris when she is in emotional distress, revealing her financial and familial struggles. They form a bond, but their relationship faces challenges, particularly due to Toyotaro's work, and the disapproval of his peers.

What major professional obstacle does Toyotaro encounter in the story?

Toyotaro faces a significant professional obstacle when some of his colleagues report his relationship with Eris to the Japanese government, leading to a threat of dismissal from his diplomatic position in Berlin.

What is the role of Toyotaro's friend, Aizawa, in the story?

Aizawa is Toyotaro's close friend and fellow diplomat. He plays a pivotal role in trying to help Toyotaro by offering him a chance to stay in his career by severing ties with Eris, even suggesting that Toyotaro might be able to return to Japan if he follows the advice.

How does Eris react to Toyotaro's decision about their relationship?

Eris is heartbroken and devastated by the possibility of Toyotaro leaving her. She expresses her deep love for him and pleads for him to stay, even after hearing of his impending career-related decisions.

What are the emotional and moral dilemmas that Toyotaro faces?

Toyotaro is torn between his professional ambitions, his love for Eris, and the impending responsibilities of fatherhood. He struggles with the guilt of possibly abandoning Eris and their unborn child, as well as the pressure to make decisions that would secure his future.

How does the story depict the impact of cultural and social expectations on personal relationships?

The story highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, especially in the context of Toyotaro's role as a Japanese diplomat. His relationship with Eris becomes a point of contention due to the cultural stigma surrounding interracial relationships and the professional risks involved.

What is the significance of Toyotaro's final decision and the consequences of his actions?

Toyotaro ultimately decides to leave Berlin and return to Japan, thereby severing his relationship with Eris. His decision is driven by the professional pressure from his colleagues and his personal guilt. The consequences of his actions include the heartbreak of Eris, the loss of his relationship with her, and his internal struggle with the consequences of abandoning his responsibilities as a father.