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Earth

Even Kashima’s kaname-ishi* stone loses its effect over time. We can study the cause of an earthquake and announce its epicenter after it happened. Yet, this doesn’t stop an earthquake. A loyal warrior, Fujita Toko** was crushed to death under falling beams, while trying to save his mother. It is the most regrettable event in a thousand years. When can we ever escape from this living hell?

*The keystone of Kashima Jingu shrine, which is believed to have the power of preventing earthquakes.

**A renowned scholar from the Mito domain, who died during the Ansei Edo Earthquake in 1855.

土 (tsuchi)

鹿島の要石も後世には利き目なし。地震の後に原因を探り、震源地を発表するも何ぞ夫れ及ばんや勤王の志士藤田東湖も親を救はんとして梁に打たれて死す。千載の恨事ならん。これ文字通りの地獄にして、いつの日かこの厄を免れんや。