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Subject:Transcription of Toki Zenmaro's Comments
Posted By: Irwin Sat, Jun 20, 2026 IP: 174.127.209.134

I will not try to guess at an accurate transcription of the attached. I once again call upon your expertise in transcribing Toki Zenmaro's, sealed as Aika 哀果, commentary on Itō Chūta satirical sketch titled "Triple Alliance," showing America, England and France holding hands and dancing in a circle as they, perhaps, conspire against Japan. With thanks for your continuing and invaluable help.



Subject:Re: Transcription of Toki Zenmaro's Comments
Posted By: I.Nagy Mon, Jun 22, 2026

I found it a bit tricky to get to grips with.

佛しきる    
まっぱだか   
なる
君と我 

Futsu shikiru, mappadaka naru kimi to ware

ca. If France takes leadership, you and I, stripped naked.

Seal,
哀果 Aika

At the first kanji ‘佛’- the way the ‘イ’ radical is written is a bit confusing, and what's more, it's connected by a continuous stroke to the kana ‘し’ that follows.

Note, alternative kanas are represented in their modern forms.

Regards,
I.Nagy
    

Subject:Re: Transcription of Toki Zenmaro's Comments
Posted By: Irwin Lavenberg Mon, Jun 22, 2026

Nagy-san, My guess is 佛 relates to the Buddha, or becoming Buddha-like. Maybe Toki's commentary is some kind of humorous play with words involving being naked and becoming Buddha-like. Anyway, I think I'll leave this one untranslated. Thanks, Irwin.

Subject:Re: Transcription of Toki Zenmaro's Comments
Posted By: I.Nagy Wed, Jun 24, 2026

佛 is the original complex form of the simplified character 仏. Here stands as an abbreviation for France.
Regards,
I.Nagy


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