# Seiji — Short Fiction character guide

> Seiji in Short Fiction by Tanizaki Jun’ichirō.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Seiji-san

**First appearance:** 0001-short-fiction

## Snapshot

A boatman of Fukagawa who has rowed the Suruga-ya family for ten years, familiar with Tsuya and Shinsuké, and perhaps the only one who knows the river's secrets.

## Who they are

Seiji is a boatman patronized by the Suruga-ya household for a decade, ferrying them to clam-gathering picnics and river festivals until he knows Tsuya and Shinsuké as well as he knows the tides. His familiarity with the family places him at the edge of their private turmoil, a witness whose silence or speech could tip the balance. In the early-middle arc, he represents the world outside the house—the river, the city, the possibility of escape—and his presence makes the planned flight to Fukagawa feel both real and risky.

## Relationships

### [Tsuya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/tsuya)

_romantic_

Seiji is a suitor or lover of Tsuya, adding to the romantic entanglement around her.

### [Shinsuké](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/shinsuke)

_rivalry_

Seiji and Shinsuké are rivals, likely competing for Tsuya's affection or social standing.

### [Santa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/santa)

_friendship_

Santa and Seiji are friends or allies, perhaps sharing a lighthearted or supportive bond.

### [Tokubey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/tokubey)

_rivalry_

Seiji and Tokubey are rivals, likely competing for Tsuya or social dominance.

### [Tsuya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/tsuya)

_romantic_

Seiji is a suitor or lover of Tsuya, adding to the romantic entanglement around her.

### [Shinsuké](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/shinsuke)

_rivalry_

Seiji and Shinsuké are rivals, likely competing for Tsuya's affection or social standing.

### [Tsuya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/tsuya)

_romantic_

Seiji is a suitor or lover of Tsuya, adding to the romantic entanglement around her.

### [Shinsuké](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/shinsuke)

_rivalry_

Seiji and Shinsuké are rivals, likely competing for Tsuya's affection or social standing.

### [Santa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/santa)

_friendship_

Santa and Seiji are friends or allies, perhaps sharing a lighthearted or supportive bond.

### [Tokubey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/tokubey)

_rivalry_

Seiji and Tokubey are rivals, likely competing for Tsuya or social dominance.

## In the story

### [A Springtime Case](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/chapters/a-springtime-case)

Wealthy boatman who killed Shinsuké (via Santa) and later takes a third wife; Tsuya and Shinsuké plot to destroy him.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters/seiji
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/characters