. It is the source of the name of the rebellious, taiyozoku (太陽族) youth culture which emerged after World War II
. The novel won the 1955 Akutagawa Prize
.
Japanese:We stand in awe of that which cannot be seen, and we respect with every fiber that which cannot be explained.English:We stand in awe before that which cannot be seen.
Japanese:People are able to hold on to hope,since death is that which cannot be seenEnglish:People have hopeBecause they cannot see Death standing behind them
Japanese:If I were the rain, that binds together the earth and the sky, whom in all eternity will never mingle, would I be able to bind two hearts together?English:If I were the rainThat joins sky and earth that otherwise never touchCould I join two hearts as well?
Japanese:We come together,Like drops of water, like the astral bodiesWe oppose each otherLike magnets, like the colors of skin
Japanese:Unless I grip the sword, I cannot protect you.While gripping the sword,I cannot embrace you.
English:Yes, there is no Fate for usOnly those who are swallowed byIgnorance and fear and miss a stepFall into the rapid river called Fate
English:We should not shed tearsThat is a surrender of the body to the heartIt is only proofThat we are beings that do not knowWhat to do with our hearts
English:If it rusts, it can never be trustedIf its owner fails to control it, it will cut himYes, pride isLike a blade
English:Oh, all of us dreamThat we are flying the skiesWith our eyes open
Everything in this worldExists to wear you down