Yoshida: 9

There is an ancient Japanese myth entitled "Hidesato And The Centipede". In this myth the Dragon King gave the hero Hidesato the task of killing a terrifying monster the size of a mountain called the Centipede. He slew the beast by dipping an arrow in his own saliva and firing it into the brain of the creature. Hidesato was much rewarded.

It is a somewhat common myth, and hence many Japanese have a particular dread of centipedes. I would imagine that The Old Man chose that specific torment for Tanaka simply because it was what he most feared.


I have contacted Tanaka's family. They are making arrangements to bring his body back to Japan.