Red Lie White Lie
The making of this video was prompted by an essay called “Masshiro na uso” ( 真っ白な噓 ) or “Little White Lies” written by the Japanese writer Murakami Haruki (村上春樹).
In his essay, Murakami tells us that in the Japanese language, they say “red lie” - “makka na uso” (真っ赤な噓), which means a blatant lie. In his essay, Murakami fibs about the etymology of this expression, joking that the expression came about because in the Nara period (710-784), people who told malicious lies and disturbed public order would receive the punishment of having 12 red mochis stuffed into their mouth to have them choked to death. According to Murakami, since the mochis were red in colour, hence red lies - “makka na uso” (真っ赤な噓).
Murakami almost immediately points out that his explanation is nothing but a fib. However, the fib does make the expression “makka na uso” (真っ赤な噓) easier to remember. Learning a language can be fun. The mood of Murakami’s essay is very light-hearted. He concludes his essay by pointing out that the fibs throughout his essay are “white lies” and as such, are harmless.
The essay, with English translation side-by-side, is an enjoyable read. Check it out.
Murakami, H. (2001). Read Real Japanese Essays. J. Ashley, Ed. (2012). Kodansha, USA.
Have a good day!
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