Wolfwood (Trigun) and Kansai Dialect (Kawachi Dialect) - Toko Kon
September 16, 2023, 16:38
※chatGPT4oに翻訳してもらいました
Kawachi Zoro (1967) (Toko Kon Masterpiece Collection, Volume 3)
Trigun Maximum Vol. 2 (Young King Comics)
544 yen (as of September 16, 2023, 15:38, more details here)
The other day, I wrote an article about the “Chigo Kanjo” ritual and tied it to an analysis of Doi-sensei from Nintama Rantaro. This time, I want to talk about another work by the author who wrote the novella “Chigo,” Toko Kon. Kon had a deep connection with Kawachi in Kansai and wrote several novels set in that area, some of which were even adapted into films (though they seem to be out of print now).
In the first article on this note, I mentioned that I was struck by the character speaking Sen-shu dialect in the historical novel “Murakami Kaizoku no Musume.” This character’s way of speaking reminded me of Wolfwood (the buddy of the protagonist in the SF manga Trigun). I always felt that the Kansai dialect often heard on TV from comedians was different, but it wasn’t until years after reading Trigun that I learned dialects vary slightly even within Osaka. Thanks, “Murakami Kaizoku no Musume.”
Wolfwood left a very strong impression on me, but it wasn’t the usual “moe” or romantic feelings. As a priest (pastor) and gunman, he could decisively kill “bad guys,” but this also brought him internal conflict, making him a compelling character. In hindsight, I might have sensed a literary quality in this SF entertainment action manga, somewhat akin to Dostoevsky (though that might be an exaggeration—I’ve only read “The Idiot” at 19). The contrast between the holy impression of theology and a pastor who kills, combined with the cheerful Kansai dialect, created a unique and attractive character.
Back to the topic, Toko Kon’s books are mostly out of print, and even damaged copies can be expensive. However, I managed to get “Akumei” and “Kawachi Zoro” for a few hundred yen. Both feature characters speaking in Kawachi dialect, allowing me to experience Wolfwood-like elements outside of Trigun (and “Murakami Kaizoku no Musume”). It felt like Wolfwood was talking to Wolfwood!
Incidentally, Wolfwood’s model is said to be Tortoise Matsumoto from Ulfuls, which makes sense. He’s cheerful, has short black hair, and speaks Kansai dialect. Therefore, the Wolfwood in the recently released reboot “Trigun Stampede,” which is supposed to conclude with a movie, didn’t feel very welcoming to me because:
He’s not a pastor (so there’s no conflict of a priest killing people).
He’s not cheerful (there’s no fun Kansai dialect banter).
I watched the reboot each week with the feeling of “watching over” the development but was left with a disappointed impression. If the main characters had stampeded as suggested by the key visuals, a funeral director might have been fine... This isn’t resistance to modern styles or old-school preference for original material.
Despite that, “Trigun Stampede” appears to be popular, given the merchandise, collaboration cafes, fragrance, and clothing sales. I must admit the collaboration clothing models look cool.
‘TRIGUN STAMPEDE’ brand collaboration costume |
COSPA Essentials | COSPA Essentials
Anime ‘TRIGUN STAMPEDE’ collaborates with three brands to create original costumes that transcend traditional representations.
The opening song and CG expressions that would be impossible by hand were impactful and drew me in.
To summarize:
“I found a novelist who writes in Wolfwood dialect!”
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