The Walrus Said
A Discourse by Three Drunkards on Government
By Nakae Chomin (Translated by Nobuko Tsukui)
1 Apr, 2026
Translation
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Nakae Chomin’s 1887 A Discourse by Three Drunkards on Government is a comedic political fictional conversation. The 1984 English translation is by Nobuko Tsukui. The 144-page text features a foreword by Marius Jansen and an introduction by Nobuko Tsukui and Jeffrey Hammond.
Master Nankai loves to discuss politics. Master Nankai loves to drink. When the Gentleman and Mr. Champion arrive, Golden Axe brandy in hand, Nankai immediately recognizes them as kindred souls. Surely, the three of them can determine Japan’s proper course of action…
or at the least, finish that bottle of European brandy.