Days in Toba 2

Meeting His Wife, Riu

While working, Rampo and his colleagues formed the Toba Otogi Club, organizing storytelling events at theaters and elementary schools in Toba. An article about one such event, held at Sakate Elementary School, was published in the second issue of Hiyori, the company magazine edited by Rampo.

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"Sakate Elementary School does not merely follow formalities; the children's natural innocence shines through, filling the place with energy and vitality—a truly delightful experience. Also, I discovered an unusually intelligent female teacher in this area. I was impressed by her intellect, especially as the creator of the Ichinotani Battle and Momijigari performances on the school's sports day."

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This "female teacher" was none other than Murayama Riu, who later became Rampo's wife.

Riu grew up on Sakate Island, located within Toba City, and worked as an elementary school teacher.

Rampo also wrote a short poem dedicated to her:

Shima is good.
Toba is even better.
Like a white lily,
You live on an island,
As radiant as a pearl.
— Rampo