ABSTRACT
In March 1970 I had an attack of pleurisy from overwork and was hospitalized at the city hospital in Tornakomai, about too kilometers from Nibutani. About eight years prior to that, in May 1962, I had contracted pleurisy from stress and, told to stay in the hospital for one month, ended up staying three. I apparently had had a relapse. But in contrast to my previous stay at the hospital, this time my mind was clouded with uncertainties. I could only fret, wondering, "If I die, what will happen to the Ainu craft items and recordings I've collected so far?" Desperate to avoid death, I strictly monitored myself to ensure recovery. As long as I had placed myself in the care of the hospital, I sternly ordered myself, I must obey the instructions of the doctors and nurses, dwell on nothing else, and completely empty my mind, not even continuing my diary.
