“Otsu-e Fū” is thought to be a type of kusazōshi (cheap, illustrated fiction) that was popular in Edo from the mid to late Edo period. Kusazōshi were enjoyed as entertainment by the common people and often contained satire and humorous content. In particular, many works reflected the customs and social conditions of the time, and are said to be the prototype of modern manga and picture books. Otsu-e are simple paintings that originated in and around Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, depicting humorous figures and animals, and were widely popular among the common people. From the title "Otsu-e Fū," it is thought to be a satirical kusazōshi that incorporates elements of Otsu-e. The condition is good for something from that time. Approximately 30 pages. The characters are cursive, making them extremely difficult to decipher. Therefore, I will provide the deciphering technique I use. This is a book that teaches you how to easily decipher and translate into modern Japanese for free, even without specialized knowledge. Using that method, I translated the last page of the photos shown. (100% accuracy cannot be guaranteed) Modern Japanese Translation (Draft) "As if reflecting the scenery of the eight views of Omi (Shiga), where the leaves sway, the bell of Mii-dera temple echoes in the evening, and the mist drifting over the Seta Karahashi bridge gently billows. The light of the lanterns lit on the last day of the month illuminates the surroundings, and at the foot of Mount Hiei, where snow falls, the scenery unfolds beautifully as if promised. The fire of Ishiyama-dera temple burns out, and its snow-covered appearance seems to further accentuate the snow falling on the pine trees of Karasaki. However, no matter how beautiful the scenery, it is fleeting, and mistakes and misunderstandings are the norm of human life. It is also our fate to be swayed by such things." Explanation 1. Eight Views of Omi This passage incorporates scenes of the Eight Views of Omi (beautiful scenic spots around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture). Expressions reminiscent of the eight views, such as "Evening Bell of Mii," "Autumn Moon at Ishiyama," and "Night Rain at Karasaki," appear. 2. Contrast between Nature and People While the focus is on beautiful natural descriptions, human failures and transience, such as "misunderstandings" and "the norm of human life," are implicitly spoken of in contrast. 3. Poetic Rhythm It is a sentence with a rhythm characteristic of kusazōshi, and the content is such that readers of the time would feel the transience of things while connecting their hearts to the natural scenery. 4. Background Through the depiction of the Eight Views of Omi, the longing for beauty and the appreciation of nature that the common people of the time held are expressed. There is also a sense of the seasons, such as the last day of the month and snow, making one aware of the passage of time. This poetic passage seems to imply the transience of human life through the depiction of the scenery.