Section 1
In ancient times, the land of Japan was ruled by Hohodemi, who was the fourth Mikoto or Augustness in the lineage of the illustrious Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. Hohodemi not only possessed the same striking beauty as his ancestor but was also endowed with great strength and courage. He was widely renowned as the preeminent hunter in the realm and was bestowed with the appellation of "The Happy Hunter of the Mountains" owing to his unparalleled hunting prowess.
Hohodemi had an elder brother who was a remarkably adept fisherman. As he outstripped all competitors in the art of fishing, he was christened "The Skillful Fisher of the Sea." Both brothers lived joyful lives, thoroughly reveling in their chosen pursuits. The days glided by swiftly and agreeably as they each followed their path - one hunting and the other fishing.
On a certain day, the Joyful Hunter paid a visit to his brother, the Skilled Fisher, and spoke as follows:
"My dearest brother, it is not unnoticed by me that you traverse the sea each day, carrying your fishing rod with you, and on your return, you are laden with a bounty of fish. As for me, my delight lies in wielding my bow and arrow to hunt the wild creatures dwelling amidst the peaks and valleys. Over a protracted span, we have both pursued our preferred pastime, and it appears that we may have grown a trifle weary - you of fishing, and I of hunting. Would it not be prudent for us to switch our pursuits for a while? Might you endeavor to hunt in the mountains while I venture to the sea for fishing?"
The Skilled Fisher listened intently to his brother's words, and after a brief pause for reflection, responded as follows:
"Indeed, my brother, I see no reason why we should not undertake this exchange of activities. Your proposal is, in fact, quite appealing. Hand me your bow and arrow, and without delay, I shall proceed to the mountains to commence my hunt."
Thus, through their discourse, the brothers agreed and set off to pursue each other's craft, blissfully unaware of the unforeseen events that would unfold. However, this decision was not well-considered, for the Happy Hunter was ignorant of fishing, and the Skilled Fisher, being of irritable disposition, was equally inept in hunting.
The Happy Hunter made his way to the shore with his brother's highly-prized fishing hook and rod and perched himself upon the rocks. He then baited the hook and haphazardly cast it into the sea. He watched the little float bobbing up and down on the water's surface, yearning for a substantial fish to be ensnared. Every time the bobber shifted, he hastily pulled up his rod, but never did he find a fish at the end of the line, only the hook and the bait. If only he possessed proficiency in fishing, he would have been able to catch an abundance of fish. Alas, despite being renowned as the greatest hunter in the realm, he was inept in the art of fishing.
The entire day transpired in this fashion, as he sat upon the rocks, clutching the fishing rod, and waiting in vain for his luck to change. As the day waned and dusk approached, he had not caught a solitary fish. In his final attempt to reel in a catch before departing for home, he realized that he had inadvertently lost his hook, and was unaware of when it had slipped away.
He began to feel extremely anxious, for he realized that his brother would be infuriated at his loss of the hook. Since it was the only one his brother had, he treasured it above all other things. The Happy Hunter commenced a search for the lost hook amongst the rocks and on the sand. While he was scouring the area, his brother, the Skillful Fisher, arrived at the site. Having failed to capture any game while hunting that day, he was not only in a foul mood but also appeared to be cross. Upon seeing the Happy Hunter frantically searching about the shore, he instantly surmised that something had gone awry, and uttered:
“What are you up to, my brother?”
The Happy Hunter approached his brother with trepidation. Fearing his anger, he spoke meekly, "Oh, my brother, I have made a mistake."
"What's wrong? What have you done?" asked the elder brother impatiently.
“I have lost your precious fishing hook,” replied the Happy Hunter, his voice filled with regret.
As his brother was still speaking, the Skillful Fisher interrupted him and shouted angrily:
"Alas! My hook is lost, just as I anticipated. Hence, when you initially suggested the idea of exchanging our professions, I was vehemently opposed. However, your ardent desire convinced me to acquiesce and grant you the liberty to do as you pleased. Alas, the folly of attempting unfamiliar vocations has become all too apparent! Regrettably, your performance has been dismal. Until you recover and promptly restore my lost hook, I shall withhold your bow and arrow. Take heed and diligently search for it with utmost haste."
