Pathway to Japanese Literature

Characters

Farmer Jinbee Twenty-nine years old A severe cripple

His younger brother Jinkichi Twenty-five years old

Same [as above] Jinzō Twenty-two years old

Same [as above] Jinsaku Twenty years old

Jinbee's stepmother Okin, around fifty years old.

Neighbor Old Woman Oyoshi Over sixty years old

Village Headman Mobei

Villager Kangoro

Villager Tōsaku

Uprising Leader A

Uprising Leader B

Executioners, Villagers, Peasant Uprising Participants, and Many Others

Time:
December of Bunsei 11 (1828)
Place:

Sanuki Province, Kagawa District, Tsuruchi Village

Act 1

Jinbee's house.

A thatched-roof peasant house—large yet filthy.
To the left lay an earthen floor; adjoining it to the kitchen's right stood an eight-tatami living room—both mats and pillars blackened to a glossy sheen.
On the entrance pillar hung a large amulet of the Konpira Daigongen Shrine.
That amulet too was blackened and sooty.
The back of the eight-tatami area suggested the presence of another room.
There were almost no furnishings.

Close to the left of the main house stood a separate building.
It was partitioned into a cowshed and a storehouse.
There were no cows.

The curtain rose.
Jinsaku and Jinzō were mending a scoop net in the front yard of the house.
(A square-shaped net with a handle. Used for scooping crucian carp and loaches from small ditches.) After some time had passed, their mother Okin emerged from between the main house and cowshed, carrying two radishes.

The winter day neared dusk.

Okin: "Damn it! They’ve stolen two or three more radishes! Saku! Next time you catch them, beat them till their spines crack! Who the hell are they?"

Jinsaku: "Since Gon of Shinden was loitering around the back field yesterday evening, it might be him. The only thing that’s multiplied in this famine are field thieves."

Okin: "Radishes are more important than rice this year. The hundred or so radishes we have are our main food throughout winter, you see."

Jinzō: “Mother, they say Fujibē’s house in Kizu has already exhausted their food, so they’ve even resorted to using next year’s seed rice.”

Okin: “Just Fujibē’s house?”
“Serves them right!”
“That wife of Fujibē’s—when I once asked to borrow one shō of adzuki beans, she refused me flat out!”

(Okin enters the kitchen, draws water, and washes radishes.)

The old woman from the neighboring house, Oyoshi, entered.
(Dressed in tattered garments and emaciated.)

“Mr. Jinsaku and them, what are you doing?”

“We’re goin’ fish scooping now.”

“Your household can still do things like that, which is good.
In my household, us old folks can’t even manage to catch a single loach.
We’ve got nothing left to eat at all.”

Jinzō: “Granny Oyoshi.”
“Don’t go envyin’ us.”
“Even with two of us scrabbling through ditches all day, twenty scrawny loaches’d be a good haul.”

“Is that so?”

“In this area, everyone’s taken everything—there’s not even a single small crucian carp left in the river. Up in the mountains, there’s not a wild onion to spare, let alone mountain yams.”

“In another month’s time, what will we even eat?”

Jinzō: “They’re probably eating wall dirt by now.”

Jinsaku: “Over in Takinomiya, they’re already eating pine needles.”

Oyoshi: “Despite us peasants suffering so much, the authorities still intend to collect their annual tax.”

Jinsaku: “Instead of annual tax rice, they should collect human jerky.”

Oyoshi: “They say the Meiwa Famine was bad, but it wasn’t this severe, you know.”

Jinsaku: “But back then, they set up relief huts, didn’t they?”

Oyoshi: “Aye, that’s right.
“I too received porridge from the relief huts back then.
“It was a terrible famine back then, I tell you, but we weren’t as hard-pressed as this time.
“Everyone fared better because the authorities back then were competent.
“The Honorable Magistrate was a truly honorable magistrate back then.
“They distributed the government rice without hesitation.”

“This time, instead of government rice, they’re trying to turn us upside down and wring out even our noseblood,” said Jinzō.

“Ah, me too—all thanks to living so long, I’m suffering without bite nor sup,” replied Oyoshi.

(Suddenly remembering her purpose for coming to this house, hesitantly) “Okin-san...
“I’ve come with a request, you see.”

Okin immediately adopted a guarded expression. “What?!”

“Well... it’s a terribly hard request to make,” Oyoshi faltered. “Could you lend me one radish from your place?”

Okin (silent)...

Oyoshi: “Throughout the village, everyone’s envious.”
“They say your place grew such fine radishes.”
“Even though nothing else could grow during the famine, only your radishes thrived.”
“They say you had such good foresight, Okin-san.”

Okin (carefully cutting a radish with a kitchen knife): “I already gave you one on the first of this month.”

Oyoshi: “Oh, right!”
“I remember that well too.”
“When times improve, I intend to repay you tenfold—even a hundredfold.”
“But Okin-san, I don’t mean to come beggin’ all the time—it’s just that the old man at home’s been laid up sick these past two-three days... When he ain’t got nothin’ to eat, gettin’ sick’s only natural.”
“So you see he keeps sayin’ he wants greens—wants greens so bad it’s become like a catchphrase.”
“I thought maybe there’d be some edible grass out there—went runnin’ all over fields—but it’s dead winter... Nothin’ at all.”
“I think it might save my husband.”
“Could you spare me one radish?”
“When these hard times pass...”
“I’ll repay you tenfold—hundredfold—so...”

Okin silently put a radish into the pot...

Oyoshi: “Hey, Okin-san... We thought you’d help us.”

Okin coldly replied: “You’ll just have to endure it.”

Oyoshi startled: “Wh... What did you say?”

Okin: “Rather than getting a cartload back when times improve, one radish now matters more.”

Oyoshi weakly protested: “My goodness, how heartless.”

Okin dismissed: “What’s there to say? In times like these, when it comes to food—even parents and children or siblings—they all turn wild-eyed with desperation.”

“Is one measly radish really worth clinging to like that?”

“Hmph,” Okin snorted. “What nonsense are you spouting? Aren’t you the one desperate for it? These days, when people talk about Jinkichi’s household radishes, they’re all abuzz. They’re trying to steal even one or two roots. We’re taking turns keeping watch day and night against rats—both two-legged and four-legged kinds.” She brandished her kitchen knife for emphasis. “Bring just one isshu silver coin, and I might part with a radish or two.”

“There’s a limit to heartlessness!” Old Woman Oyoshi trembled with indignation.

“What drivel!” Okin slammed her knife into the cutting board. “Spout ‘compassion’ and ‘duty’ in times like these, you’ll shrivel up dead by next snowfall! Look at Gitarou in Mototsu—rice bales stacked roof-high, yet never spared us a cupful for our starving brats! If they can sell a koku for a hundred fifty momme, you think they’d share? We water-poor dirt-grubbers can’t hand out radishes like festival sweets! Take your beggar’s tongue home before I sharpen it on my whetstone!”

Jinsaku (unable to watch any longer): “Mother. Don’t be so cold—just lend her one already. Wasn’t there still one ridge left?”

Okin: “What nonsense are you spouting? It’s precisely because I care for you all that I can’t spare even a single radish. Quit your dawdling and go catch even one extra loach already.”

Jinzō: "Let's go, Jinsaku."
Old Woman Oyoshi.
"The mother here's stubborn as a mule—once she sets her mind, she won't budge an inch. Best give up and go home today."

Oyoshi: "Stubborn? You're no better than that Shōjizuka hag—greedy through and through!"
(As she turns to leave) "Mark my words—when we starve to death, I'll curse you till your bones rot!"

Okin: "Fine by me."
"Curse away!"
"What harm could come from a withered crone's curses?"

“You karma-ridden hag!”
“You decrepit crone!”
“Why don’t you lot hurry up and starve to death!”
“That way the grain’ll thrive and proper folk can survive.”
“For a woman,” she spat bitterly, “you’ve got a wicked tongue on you!”
“Fine then, fine.”
“Mark my words—I’ll make you choke on those curses!”

(Exited)

Okin: “With these radishes and millet, I’ll keep us alive till spring.”
“Couldn’t bear giving even one to others.”

(She placed a pot containing radishes on the hearth and lit a fire.)

Jinzō: “Well, Mother, I’m off.”

Okin: “Go on then!”

(The two brothers exited, carrying weeding hoes and fish baskets.)

(Villager Kango hurriedly entered as they passed each other.)

Kango: “Okin.”
“Mr. Jinkichi ain’t around, is he?”

“He’s not here,” Okin replied. “He went out early this morning to sell fallen pine needles at the castle town.”

Kango rubbed his chin. “Fallen pine needles... Hmm. Even such things can fetch coin now.”

“It doesn’t even make a hundred,” said Okin. “But it can buy two or three measures of millet.”

“Ain’t Jinzō and Jinsaku around neither?” asked Kango.

“Neither’s here,” Okin replied. “What d’you want?”

“Mother! Somethin’ terrible’s happened!” Kango exclaimed. “A peasant revolt’s broken out in twenty-three villages of Aya District—they’re beggin’ for tax exemption!”

Okin: “I see.”
“There’s going to be a peasant uprising!”
“Serves them right.”

Kango: “And so, they say it’s gradually pressing toward the castle town.”

“I see.”

“Well now, rumor has it they’ve already reached Hashioka. The young men of this village are gathering at Hachiman Shrine to decide whether to join or not while there’s still time.”

“This has turned dreadful.”

“The uprising’s all well enough, but the aftermath’ll be trouble. If they get too carried away now, they’ll end up crucified later—mark my words.”

“Terrible, terrible. Which d’you reckon’s better—starving to death or crucifixion?”

“Well then, I must hurry. When everyone returns, send them over, will you?”
“If they miss the village gathering, there’ll be hell to pay later!”

“Alright, I get it. I’ll go find Jinzō and Jinsaku and send them right away.”

“Alright then? Gather by dusk!”

(Kango exits.)

Okin, after pondering anxiously, exits to search for her brothers.

—Interval—A sound came from the cowshed.

Before long, Jinbee—the eldest son of this household—emerged from there.
He wore a patched kimono that barely reached his knees.
He was emaciated.
His right leg was severely shortened, and he dragged a limp.
After stealthily surveying his surroundings, he crept into the kitchen, lifted the pot lid, and voraciously devoured the still half-boiled radish.
After a while, the second son Jinkichi, with a backpack on his shoulder, returned from the front.
(He found his older brother eating a radish.)

“What’re you doing?!”
“You thievin’ cat!”

(Grabbed his brother by the collar and dragged him out)

Jinbee: (With dim-witted confusion) What'm I doin'?!
"What'm I doin'?!"

Jinkichi: You bastard! Sneakin' behind Ma's back to steal food?!
"You think I'd let you eat my radishes?!"

Jinbee: I wanna eat radishes too.
"I made this radish."

Jinkichi: What nonsense you spoutin'?
"You didn't make nothin'! This house'n fields're mine!"
"Everythin' from this field's mine!"

“What’re you sayin’? Uncle Fujibē from Nitta said.” Jinbee retorted with rural simplicity. “Since I’m the eldest son, Uncle said everything’s mine.”

Jinkichi violently shook his brother’s frail frame. “How dare a cripple like you talk back?! When Grandfather was alive, he petitioned the Honorable Village Headman—the house and fields are mine now!” His grip tightened with each word. “You should just rot away in the cowshed! Don’t get cocky, cripple!” The younger brother’s hands dug deeper into Jinbee’s patched kimono.

Jinbee’s eyes blazed with uncharacteristic fury. “You’ve conspired with Mother and my three brothers to steal everything that belongs to me, the eldest son!” Spittle flew as he gestured wildly at their surroundings. “Everything in this house—right down to the dust beneath the eaves—is mine!”

“What idiotic nonsense are you spouting?!”

(Shook him even more violently.)
Jinbee, while being shaken, raised his hand and punched Jinkichi’s face.

Jinkichi: “Damn you! You hit me!”

(The two men grappled fiercely.)
Jinbee continued resisting even as he was relentlessly oppressed.
(Here, Mother returned with the two brothers.)

Jinzō: “Brother Jinkichi. What’s going on?”

Jinkichi (holding down Jinbee): “This cripple had the gall to steal and eat the radish from the pot! When I yelled at him, he talked back and punched me in the face!”

Okin: “Is that true? You damn idiot cripple! Radishes like these ain’t for the likes of you to eat! I’ve been giving you a bowl of millet rice each day out of pity—seeing as you’re still wearing human skin—and you weren’t even grateful! Jinkichi! Beat some sense into him till it seeps through his bones!”

Jinzō: “Mother, this guy might’ve been the one who took the radish from the field yesterday too.”

Okin: “That’s right.”
“That’s right.”
“That must be it.”
“All of you—drive him into the cowshed!”

Jinbee (while completely losing his resistance): “Even if I’m a cripple… You make me—the eldest son—live in the cowshed and give just one bowl of millet rice each day…”

Okin: “What’re you saying?!”
“In this famine time—I begrudge even one bowl of millet rice!”
“Jinkichi! Twist his cheek good!”

(Jinkichi does as instructed.)

Jinbee: “Ah! It hurts!”
“It hurts!”

Okin: “All of you—throw ’im in!”
“Millet rice’s too good fer ’im now!”
“Water’s plenty!”

(The three brothers wrestled Jinbee into the cowshed as their mother ordered.)

Jinbee: “What’re y’doin’?!”
“What’re y’doin’?!”
“We’re...!”
“What’re y’doin’ to yer own brother?!”

Jinkichi: “Who you callin’ ‘brother’?!”
“Who’d claim a crippled idiot fer kin?!”

Jinbee: “What’re you doin’?!”
“What’re you doin’?!”

Jinzō (assisting his second brother): “Hey! Shut up and stay put inside there!”

Jinsaku (also lending a hand and hoisting him up, somewhat more gently than his two older brothers): “This is what you get for stealing food.”
“Just stay quiet and keep yourself in the shed.”

(The three of them carried the writhing Jinbee into the cowshed.)

Jinbee: “What’re you doin’?!”
“What’re you doin’?!”
(Shouting, he was carried in)

“Close the door so he can’t get out and put that bar across,” said Okin.
“From tomorrow I won’t waste even one bowl of millet rice on him!”
(Lowering her voice slightly) “If he died right now nobody would bat an eye.”

(Jinkichi closed the door fetched a pole and secured it firmly.)

(The surroundings gradually began to grow darker than before.)

“Jinkichi! Did ya hear?”
“There’s been an uprising—in Aya District!”

“Heard all right,”
“The castle town’s in chaos.”
“Twice I crossed paths with couriers on Kotogawa embankment.”

“Well now—since their path floods toward castle town,”
“They’ll come surging our way too.”
“To parley ‘bout joinin’ or not,”
“Gatherin’ at Hachiman Shrine come dusk—”
“Kan’goro came tellin’: best you be there.”

“Participants in the peasant uprising?” Jinkichi said. “In times like these, fumble around and you’ll lose your head—but hold back and the uprising’ll make you pay dearly.”

“Just go,” Okin snapped. “Keep yourself in check and don’t stick your neck out.” Her voice sharpened like a sickle blade. “Don’t go jumping the gun and worrying me!”

Jinkichi rubbed his calloused palms together. “Well then—best get going.”

“Eat your meal first,” Okin said. “The deliberations might drag on.”

“Ahh—grapplin’ with that damn cripple’s left me starvin’!” Jinkichi complained.

Okin entered the kitchen and lifted the pot lid. “That idiot! He ate three whole pieces! I was plannin’ to give each of us a piece, but now they won’t be enough!”

(The three brothers sat in the kitchen, scooping millet rice into bowls while picking radishes from the pot and eating.)

Jinzō: “When there’s an uprising goin’ on, things get lively, eh? Later on, there’ll be twenty or thirty crucifixions and beheadings, I reckon.”

Okin: “Let sleeping dogs lie. If possible, it’d be best if no one had to go.”

Jinsaku: “It won’t go that way. If the village decides to join in, since our household has young men gathered here, we’ll have to send one or two out, I suppose.”

(The surroundings grew slightly brighter and more tumultuous than before. The distance glowed red as if aflame. The clamor steadily intensified. A distant temple bell began tolling.)

Jinsaku (dashing out): “What’s that? What’s that? A fire? It’s crimson over there!”

Jinkichi: "Huh? What’s goin’ on?"
(emerging) "Oh ho!"
"Red."
"What’s happenin’?"
"I wonder if there’s a fire somewhere."

Okin: “Aye, it’s a fire.”
(Emerging)

(Jinzō also emerges.)
The mother and her three sons gazed into the distance, overcome with unease.
The temple bell tolled violently.
(The cow shed door rattled.)

Jinbee’s voice: “Open up!”
“Open up!”

Jinkichi: “You idiot!”
“You should just stay crouched there.”

(The entire village grew increasingly brighter.)
Voices swelled like a storm.
Dogs barked clamorously.
The temple bell tolled solemnly.
Jinsaku dashed out.
(He soon returned.)

Jinsaku (turned pale and returned) “This is terrible!”
“This is terrible!”
“The highway’s covered wall-to-wall with torches!”

“Huh? What’s goin’ on?”

(At this moment, shouts of “It’s an uprising!
It’s the uprising!
The uprising’s here!” could be heard from far and near.)

“Ah... So it’s finally come, eh?”
“How dreadful this has become, eh?”

“They’re gonna night-attack the castle town, eh?”

“Surely they won’t turn their vengeance on us, eh?”

Jinkichi: “What’s there to worry about like that? The peasant uprising’s on our side, ain’t it?”

Okin: “We all need to hide! If we’re forced to join in, the aftermath’ll be a right mess, I tell ya.”

Jinkichi: “Still fine. Still fine. They won’t be here for a while.”

At that moment, one of the villagers came running in a panic.

“Oh! It’s Tōsaku!”

Tōsaku: Oh.
“This village is also taking part, you know.”
“You got that?”
“Each household provides one person, you know.”
“You got that?”
“Prepare torches and bamboo spears.”
“You got that?”
“Afterwards, the uprising leader will come around to check.”

Jinkichi (turning pale) Got it.

Tōsaku: “The number of participating villages has reached two hundred twelve.”
“They say we'll swarm into the castle town after dark tonight – smash up them senior councilors' houses.”
“Get your torches ready quick.”
“Clear?”
“Got me?”

Jinkichi: “Understood.”
“Understood.”

(Tōsaku dashed off.)

Okin (in a panic): “What do I do?”
“What do I do?”

Jinkichi: “There’s no helpin’ it.”
“I’ll go.”

“Don’t be an idiot! What’d we do if somethin’ happened to you, the heir? I ain’t goin’.”

“You stay home. I’ll go. I will.”

“I ain’t goin’ either. If we take part and end up gettin’ beheaded later, what’ll we do?”
“What’s there to fret ’bout like that? There’s tens o’ thousands of folks involved! They ain’t gonna behead nobody just fer taggin’ along!”

(Suddenly, torch flames drew near.)
The sound of peasant rebels approaching could be heard.
(The temple bell continued to ring, growing louder.)

“They’re coming this way! They’re coming this way! We all hide! Mother will take care of it! Leave it to me! I’ll handle it properly! I’ll make sure none of us have to go!”

“Don’t talk nonsense! How can we leave this to an old woman like you?”

“Enough! Keep quiet, you lot! If I tell you to stay in, then stay in! Stay in!”

(Okin pushed her three sons into the back room.)
Then she went to the kitchen.
Taking a deba knife, she went from between the main house and cow shed to the back depths and came out carrying firewood for torches and a bamboo pole of suitable length.
She sharpened the tip with the deba knife.
Then she removed the securing bar from the cow shed door.
At that moment, two masked uprising leaders holding spears emerged, surrounded by many rebels carrying torches.
Villager Kango led the way.)

Kango (to the Leader): “Yes, sir.”
“This household too has able-bodied men.”

One of the leaders: “I am a rural samurai dwelling in a village of Aya District. This uprising was raised to petition for exemption from the annual rice tax - all to save the people. Will you join us or stand against us? If you join, we’ll smash every wealthy peasant’s house along every road and divide their gold, silver, rice and grain.”

The other leader: “If you join our cause, give us one participant as proof of allegiance. Oppose us, and we’ll reduce this house to rubble this instant. We’ll cut you down where you stand. Choose.”

Okin (trembling): “Oh yes, yes! We’ll join your noble cause! For us humble peasants, you’re our saving gods! Thank you! Our deepest thanks! We’ll hand over our participant without fail!”
(She steps toward the cow shed and flings open the door) “Jinbee! Quit cowering in there and get out! Nothing to fear! These gods’ll save us from our troubles! Out with you now!”

(grabs Jinbee's hand and drags him out)

Okin: “Come on!”
“Take this.”
“Follow after these honorable people!”

(hands him the bamboo spear and torch)

(Hands him the bamboo spear and torch.)

“I’m scared,” said Jinbee. “I’m scared.”

“What nonsense!” Okin snapped. “Keep dawdlin’ an’ they’ll spear ya through with bamboo!” She forced the weapon into his hands. “Hurry up! Can’t even hold it right?!”

“I’m scared,” he repeated. “Scared.”

One leader barked a laugh. “Coward! Nothin’ to fear with fifty-three thousand rebels from Aya an’ Uda at yer back!”

“Beat some spine into ’im!” Okin urged the men. “Born trembling, this one.” She shoved Jinbee forward. “Straighten up now! Follow these fine gentlemen an’ ya’ll eat white rice till ya burst!”

(Jinbee, slightly encouraged by her words, took three or four steps.)

The other leader: “Isn’t that one a cripple?”

Okin: “He’s no cripple! His work in the mountains and fields is twice what others do.”
“He does twice the work of any man.”
“Even limping, he runs twice as fast as anyone else!”

Kango: “Missus Okin—what about Jinkichi?”

Okin: “Didn’t I just tell you?”
“He went to sell pine needles in the castle town and ain’t come back yet.”

“Even a cripple’ll do,” barked one leader. “Quit wastin’ time inspectin’ ‘im! Now – take us to the next house!”

Kango: “Come along now—this way please.”

The other leader (to Jinbee): “Follow behind us.”
“Hahahaha! There was once a lame strategist called Yamamoto Kansuke in the old days.”
“You work hard now, hahahaha.”
“In return, I’ll feed you white rice or whatever.”
(Starts walking)

Jinbee (lagging slightly behind with resentment): “You aimin’ to have me beheaded?”

“What nonsense are you spouting?!”
“I want to feed you plenty of white rice.”
“Get moving and follow them already!”

(Jinbee—his dull-witted face twisted in resentment as he glanced back at mother—leaned on the bamboo spear like a cane and staggered away.)
Okin stroked her chest in relief as she watched them depart.

(The three brothers emerged from the inner room and stealthily crept up behind their mother.)

“Ma!” Jinkichi called out.

Okin gasped in shock.

“You pulled it off, Ma,” Jinzō said.

“Hahahaha!”

“You really pulled it off, Ma. When I picture that cripple hobbling along with his bamboo spear-cane, I can’t help but burst out laughing.”

“Ahahahaha! That cripple—raising him till twenty-nine finally paid off, I tell you. He served his purpose better than expected, I tell you. Thanks to this uprising, our taxes’ll be waived clean, I tell you. Rice prices’ll plummet too, I tell you. We’ll watch the whole peasant revolt from the high ground, I tell you. Ah, what a masterstroke!”
“Jinsaku—light a ritual lamp at the shrine to mark our calamity’s passing.”

Jinsaku: “The uprising leader said that. They say there was once a great strategist named Yamamoto Kansuke long ago. But Mother here’s an even greater strategist, ain’t she?”

“How’s that?”
“Even at my age, I can still pull off something like this!”
“Hahahaha!”

The three brothers burst into laughter: “Ahahahaha!”

Jinkichi spat out: “That damn cripple.”
“Ahahahaha!”

The parent and children—all four of them—rocked with convulsive laughter: “Ahahahahahahaha!”

CURTAIN

Act II

Ten days had passed since Act I. One night in Tsutau Village, the main hall of Village Headman Mobei’s house.
Villagers filled both the veranda and the garden.
In the main room, large wax candles burned here and there.
In the garden, bonfires burned in about three places.
The crowd was proportionally quiet for its size.
It was clear that everyone was gripped by anxiety and terror.

Village Elder A (standing on the veranda and looking around): “I wonder if everyone has gathered now. Has Honto’s Gousaku arrived?”

Villager 1: “He’s come.”
“He’s right here!”

Village Elder A: “I don’t see Shinkichi from Niita here.”

Villager 2: “He hasn’t come yet, but when I invited him earlier on my way here, his wife said she’d send him over right away once he gets back from the mountains.”

Village Elder B: “Jinbee of Kamisatoi isn’t here.”

Villager 3: “Yeah.”
“Mr. Jinbee hasn’t come.”

Villager 4: “That poor soul—why not let him come?”

Villager 5: “Even if that fool comes again, there’s no point.”

Villager 6: “Don’t keep calling him a fool.”
“Just because he’s a bit simple-minded, doesn’t that make him even more pitiable?”

Villager 7: “That’s right.”
“He may be a fool, but he’s a good soul.”
“Being abused by his stepmother and brothers is what’s making him more of a fool.”

Villager 6: “True enough—he’s been tormented for years now.”
“His younger brothers took the house and fields; they don’t feed him proper-like; and if he dares talk back, all three gang up to beat him down.”

Villager 5: “But he’s a fool—what can you do?”

Villager 6: “Fool or not, he’s still the eldest son.”

“The deceased Shichibee was too soft on Granny Okin—that’s why things went wrong.”

Villager 6: “That’s right.”
“The dead old man was also to blame.”
“But what about Granny Okin’s actions during this peasant uprising?”
“She has three able-bodied sons, and yet…”
“She didn’t send her own sons out, and yet…”
“They send out Mr. Jinbee—the one they’re always tormenting day in and day out—and for what?”

Villagers 7, 8, and 4: “That’s right.”
“That’s right.”
“What cruel treatment.”

Villager 6: “When I saw Mr. Jinbee—who knew nothing about any of it—hobbling along with his limp, using a bamboo spear as a cane, tears spilled from my eyes.”

Villager 7: “I couldn’t bear to watch either—it was too pitiful! Mr. Kangoro, what’s wrong with you? You’re the one who guided the uprising leader to Mr. Jinbee’s house, aren’t you? Why didn’t you tell them there are three able-bodied young men in this house?”

Kangoro: “That’s easy to say after th’fact! I had their bamboo spears pressed ‘gainst my back when I guided ’em—this was life or death! All I wanted was t’shake off that guide duty quick as could be—figured whatever ended things fast’d do.”

Villager 7: “I really wish Granny Okin had asked the uprising leader to have her stabbed to death.”

Villagers 4, 6, 8: “That’s right.”
Villagers 4, 6, 8: “That’s right.”

“Even thinkin’ about it makes my blood boil, I tell ya.”
“But Village Headman Mobei and them officials’re runnin’ late, I tell ya.”
“This might’ve turned into proper trouble now, I tell ya.”

Village Elder B: “It’s fortunate that where Lord Matano Hachidayū fell from his horse was already half a chō beyond our bounds. That Jizō hall yonder marks the village border, you understand? A mere half-chō difference would’ve brought ruin upon this village.”

“The authorities are being unreasonable too, aren’t they?” said Villager 8. “Just because the Lord Magistrate was killed by the uprising within Tsutsumi Village’s borders, they demand we produce a culprit from Tsutsumi Village—doesn’t that sound completely absurd?”

Village Elder B countered, “But if we don’t comply, no culprit will come forward. If no culprit emerges, the authorities’ honorable prestige will be compromised.”

“This is a dreadful calamity,” murmured Villager 6.

Kangoro: Good things never come in pairs.
“Just when we thought we’d gotten our annual taxes exempted thanks to th’uprisin’, straightaway comes this unreasonable investigation.”
“They say even th’uprisin’ leaders got crucified at Gobogawa day ’fore yesterday—so if some culprit steps forward, crucifixion’s unavoidable, I tell ya.”

(The group falls completely silent.)

(At that moment, Jinbee arrived together with his youngest brother, Jinsaku.)

Villager 7: “Ah, Mr. Jinbee’s come.”
“Mr. Jinbee’s here.”

Villager 4: “Still smilin’ away like always, I tell ya.”
“That one’s always so friendly to others, I tell ya.”

(Jinbee, suppressing a smile on his pale face, bows repeatedly to everyone and sits in a corner.)

“Mr. Jinbee.”
“You were late, I tell ya.”

(Jinbee nodded silently...)

(Jinsaku tried to sit close to Jinbee.)

Villager 7: "Jinsaku! What’re you doin’ here?"

Jinsaku: "Mother told me t’come with ’im."

Villager 7: "What nonsense! Why’d Mother say such a thing? This gatherin’s only for those who joined the peasant uprising, I tell ya!"

Jinsaku: "But y’see... Mother says Brother’s a bit slow-like. Says sendin’ ’im alone t’the meetin’ place ain’t safe."

“What outrageous selfish nonsense she’s spoutin’, I tell ya.”
“Why’d she send such an unreliable Jinbee out alone to the peasant uprising?”
“If she keeps actin’ so damn selfish, divine punishment’ll strike—go tell your mother that!”

Jinsaku (wordlessly falls silent)...

Kangoro: “That’s right.”
“Go tell Mother off a bit.”
“If ya do too many terrible things—even if folks forgive ya—the gods won’t, they say.”

(Jinsaku blushed and hung his head.)
(Jinbee smiled gently.)

Villager 9: “Ah, I see lanterns on the highway!”
“Headman Mobei and the others must’ve returned.”

Villager 10: “Oh, I see them!”
“Let’s go meet them.”

(The group waited in tense silence.)
Eventually, the villagers who had gone to meet them returned dejectedly.
Following them, Headman Mobei and the village officials, each in handcuffs and guarded by the district magistrate’s officers, came back with their heads bowed.
(The group was stunned.)

Villagers (in unison): “What happened?”
“They got blamed and ended up in this mess!”

Village Elder A: “Headman Mobei, what on earth has happened here?”

Headman Mobei: “I will explain the particulars later. First, please quiet down.”

Village Elder A: “We’ll keep quiet without fail.”
“Everyone—silence!”
“This concerns the village’s very survival—all of you stay silent!”

(The village elders protected Headman Mobei, escorted him into the reception room, and guided the district magistrate’s officers.)
They emerged before the headman’s residence.
The villagers fell deathly silent.)

Mobei (blinking his aged eyes while surveying the group): “To appear before all of you in such a state brings me profound shame.”

Villager 1: “What need is there for such formalities, I tell ya! We know you’ve been reduced to such a state for the village’s sake, I tell ya!”

Villagers: “That’s right, I tell ya! That’s right, I tell ya! We don’t need such formalities, I tell ya! Quit that and just talk already, I tell ya!”

Village Elder A: “Shh! Quiet.”

“When you say that, I feel all the more ashamed.”
“Through our poor explanations, the whole village has come to suffer like this.”

“Headman Mobei, enough about that! Tell us quick about today’s outcome and those handcuffs!”
“I’m worried sick over it.”

Mobei: “Now, there’s no call for such concern. Even were I told not to speak, I could not remain silent on this matter. The truth is today I attended the official residence of the new district magistrate, Lord Kakehi Sadayu. However, His Lordship declared that the authorities’ disposition toward this peasant uprising would combine mercy with severity—such being their official stance. Therefore, in exchange for tax exemption through petition, they crucified the uprising leaders at Gobō River two days past. Moreover, regarding the culprit who cast stones at Lord Matsuno Hachidayu, His Lordship has decreed they will leave no blade of grass unturned in their investigation.”

(Intense sighs rose from the gathering.)

"And so," continued Headman Mobei, "the Honorable Magistrate declared that when the uprising reached Kōtō River embankment, it was our Kentouchi villagers who led the charge."

"That's a lie!" the villagers cried out in unison. "No matter what His Lordship says, that's wrong!"
"A terrible mistake!"
"...A terrible mistake!"

(The villagers shook their heads vehemently.)

Mobei: "Enough! Please remain silent and listen. The Honorable Magistrate has declared that the leaders of the peasant uprising confessed to this."

The villagers (each sighing)...

Headman Mobei: "Moreover... The worst part is that where Lord Matsuno had the misfortune to fall from his horse was right before Jizō Hall—unfortunately within Kentouchi Village’s precincts. The Honorable Magistrate states: 'Given that villagers of Kentouchi were at the forefront, and that Lord Matsuno met his end within our village precincts, it becomes an unfortunate necessity to accept that suspicion now falls upon you all.' And so, according to the Honorable Magistrate’s private instructions—should the village deliberate and produce the culprit—he declares that as a reward, they will allocate relief rice more generously than to other villages. But if the culprit is not identified within three days—they may crucify me, the headman—along with all the village officials and elders in place of the culprit—so declares His Lordship."

(Loud sighs and lamentations rose from the crowd.)

Mobei: “Moreover, with an official decree ordering you all to be handcuffed during the investigation—this is how things stand.”
(Violently slapping) “And so, I believe that during that commotion, even the one who threw the stone that hit Lord Matsuno wouldn’t know whether it was theirs.”
“But among all of you, I believe there are five or ten people who remember throwing stones.”
“Among them—if there’s any honorable person who wishes to save the village from calamity—I would have you come forward and identify yourself.”

(The entire group fell deathly silent.)

Mobei: “Among all of you—if there’s anyone who remembers throwing stones and wishes to save the entire village—I would ask you to come forward.”

Village Elder A: “What a troublesome situation this has become, I tell ya.”

Village Elder B: “What a terrible disaster this is, I tell ya.”

Village Headman A: “Everyone, it is as you’ve just heard.”
“The Honorable Magistrate further declared thus:”
“Should the culprit remain unidentified, they intend to bind up every last member of this village and conduct an exhaustive investigation without relenting—so His Lordship declared.”

(The entire group exchanged pale-faced glances.)

Villager 5: “Since I was holding a torch in my left hand and a bamboo spear in my right hand, even if I’d tried to throw stones, I couldn’t have!”

Villager 2 and 3: “Me too, I tell ya!”

Villager 4: "I didn't do anything like that, I tell ya! When I saw Lord Matsuno's horse, I ran off right away."

Villager 7: "Since I was lagging far behind, I didn't catch sight of Lord Matsuno's horse, let alone his retinue."

Kan'gorō: "Hey everyone! Rather than clearing your own names, now's the time to think about the village's hardship!"

Fujisaku: "That's right—well said! Well said indeed! What's crucial isn't saving your own hide, but figuring how to save the village from ruin."

Mobei: (As if emboldened) Exactly. It is as Mr. Kan'gorō and Mr. Fujisaku here have stated.
“There are no reckless ruffians in this village who’d throw stones upon seeing the Honorable Magistrate—I know this better than anyone.”
“However, given this calamitous time, we must resign ourselves to bearing this ill-omened suspicion as misfortune—I ask that someone step forward with resolve to save our entire village.”
(Pause)... Even so, none would readily step forward.
“It’s about casting away one’s life, you see.”
“But Lord Sōgorō of Sakura Domain cast away his own life to save the peasants—for that reason, he is still enshrined as a god to this day.”
“Is there not a single soul who will cast away their life to save this entire village from calamity?”

(The entire gathering fell utterly silent.)
(Only the sound of lamentation escaped.)

Mobei: "Everyone—is there no person among you who threw a stone?"

Village Headman A: "Is there no one?"
"Is there no one who threw a stone?"
"Those who remember throwing stones—resign yourselves to the fact that your stone struck Lord Matsuno and come forward."

“Is there no one?”

(The entire gathering merely exchanged glances.)
(Not a single person uttered a sound.)

Mobei: “Then there’s nothing to be done.”
“It cannot be helped.”
“If the entire village keeps pleading ignorance, you’ll face unimaginably severe torture.”
“In turn, all of you must steel yourselves and prepare for imprisonment.”
“I too am prepared to face crucifixion or whatever it takes.”

(Everyone was struck by a ghastly mood.)
And thrown into disarray, they began babbling in confusion.

“Fujisaku, you threw a stone, didn’t ya!”
“What nonsense—don’t spout lies! I was right at the front—you’re the one who threw it!”

“What nonsense you spout, you idiot!” Villager 5 shouted.

“You’re the one spouting nonsense!” Fujisaku retorted.

(The two men nearly came to blows before bystanders pulled them apart.)

Village Elder A: “Isn’t there someone who’ll save the village from hardship? Is there no one who threw stones during the disturbance?”

Village Elder B: “For the sake of the village, someone step forward.”
“Someone step forward.”

(The entire gathering fell silent again, with no one uttering a sound.)

Mobei: "Well then, if everyone claims to have no recollection, I shall have no choice but to report precisely that to the Honorable Magistrate."
"Just once more, to be certain—let me ask: Is there anyone who threw stones during that disturbance?"
"Is there anyone who threw stones during that disturbance?"
"If you're the one who threw the stone, step forward for the village's sake!"

(Jinbee had been dazed from the start, not listening to anyone’s words.)
However, when the village headman’s final words boomed out, he suddenly tilted his head to listen.

Village Elder A: “Now’s the time! Let anyone who remembers throwing stones step forward!”

Village Elder B: “If you mean to save the village, now’s your chance!
If no one comes forth now, we’ll all face terrible hardship!”

At the village elders’ desperate cries, Jinbee heaved himself upright with labored movements.
(Jinsaku, startled, tried to hold him back.)

Jinbee: “What’s this? Are they sayin’ there ain’t nobody who threw stones durin’ the disturbance?”

Village Elders A and B: “That’s right.”
“That’s right.”

Jinbee (with childlike innocence): “I threw one!”

“Yes, Master Jinbee.”
“Did you throw it?”

“I did throw it!”
“I threw two of ’em!”

Village Elders and Villagers: Really? Really?
(They gasp in shocked elation)

Jinsaku (rushing over): “Brother, what are you saying?!”

(Startled and trying to cover his brother’s mouth as he speaks)

Jinbee (annoyedly pushing his brother aside): “Yeah, ’way with you.”
“I threw it!”
“What’s more, one of ’em was a real big one like this!”
“Fujisaku.”
“Wasn’t I throwin’ ’em too?”
“Kankurō! Wasn’t I throwin’ ’em too?”

Kankurō (aghast): “That’s absurd! What’re you sayin’?!”

Fujisaku (likewise): “That’s true!”
“What nonsense are you spouting, confusing me with someone else!”

Jinbee: “That so? Did I mistake ’em for others? Since everyone was throwin’ ’em, I just copied ’em and threw mine too.”

Kankurō (still trembling): “Don’t go sayin’ such nonsense! Them stone-throwers were all from other villages.”

Jinbee: “That so?”

Jinsaku: “Brother! You don’t know nothin’ talkin’ like that! Keep this up an’ there’ll be hell to pay! Say it was a lie! Say it now!”

Jinbee: “Ain’t no lie. What’re you goin’ on ’bout me? Get yourself home!”

“Fine! I’ll go tell Mother!”

(Jinsaku dashed off like a shot)

“Master Jinbee, come this way.”
“Oh, it’s like that, Village Headman.”
“You did throw the stones, did you not?”
“Oh, I did throw ’em! One of ’em was a real big one like this!”

Mobei: “Who were you aiming at when you threw it?”

Jinbee: “Wasn’t aimin’ at anyone special. Since everyone was throwin’, I just threw mine along with ’em.”

Mobei: “Master Jinbee.
Will you save this village from its hardship?”

“I don’t know what’s what.”

“If you declare that you threw stones at Lord Matsuno, all the people of this village will be saved. The people of this village will revere you like a god for their entire lives. How about it? Will you declare that you threw stones at Lord Matsuno?”

Jinbee: “I don’t rightly know what’s what, but that’s fine by me.”

Villagers (in unison): “Master Jinbee, we’ll worship you!”
“We’ll worship you!”
“We’ll never forget your kindness our whole lives long.”

Jinbee: “That makes me happy.”
“I’m happy.”
“Never been this happy since the day I was born.”

(He smiles brightly)

Mobei (turning toward the officials): “As Your Honors have heard, there can be no doubt this person did indeed throw stones at Lord Matsuno.”

Official: “He appears somewhat slow-witted, but there should be no error in his testimony.”

Mobei: “Though I must say he is slow-witted, he is an exceedingly honest man.”

Official: “Very well. We shall take him to the office and conduct a thorough investigation. Bind this Jinbee fellow!”

(At this moment, Jinkichi and his two brothers came rushing in.)

Jinkichi (lunging at Jinbee and pinning him down): “You idiot!”
“What’re you sayin’?”
“What’re you blabbering nonsense for?”
“Don’t you realize ropes’ll be put round your own parents and brothers’ necks?”

“What’re you doin’?”
“What’re you doin’?”
“I threw ’em!”
“I definitely threw ’em!”

“What’re you spoutin’?”
“You idiot!”

(Tried to strike Jinbee.)
(Seven or eight villagers restrained him.)

Seven or eight villagers: “What’re you doin’? How can you lay hands on your own brother?”

Jinkichi: “You’re the ones. You’re the ones takin’ up what this idiot says, makin’ this idiot the culprit to escape blame. The Headman won’t stand for this neither. The idiot’s fine, but what about the hardship you’re causin’ his parents and brothers?”

“What’re you sayin’? You’re callin’ him such an idiot? Then why’d you send such an idiot to the uprising? You’ve got three clever sons like yourself—why send such an idiot to the uprising? Jinbee throwin’ stones—wasn’t that all ’cause you made him do it?”

“Huh? What nonsense’re you spoutin’? You all ganged up ’n pinned this on th’ idiot, didn’t ya?”

“What nonsense are you spoutin’? If he’s such an idiot, why’d you send him to the uprising in the first place?”

Villagers: “That’s right.”
“That’s right.”

Jinkichi (clinging to Jinbee): “Hurry! Take back what you said!”
“If you say you threw stones at Lord Matsuno, you’ll be crucified!”

“Even if it’s crucifixion, that’s fine by me,” Jinbee said unfazed. “The villagers, they’re all glad for me, see.”

“You idiot!” Jinkichi spat. “Listen to what I say and hurry up and take it back! Hurry! Take it back! I’m telling you this for your own sake!”

Jinbee: “Ahahaha! For my sake! Ahahaha! I’m twenty-nine, but you’ve never done one good thing for me.”

Jinkichi: “Huh? What nonsense you spoutin’? You idiot!... Honorable Headman! Honorable Officials! What my brother states—all lies! This one’s an idiot. Insufficient proof! Most troublin’ if your honors heed such a fool’s words! I beg you!” (He sat and bowed his head like a madman.)

Jinbee (mimicking his brother’s bow): “Honorable Headman! Honorable Officials! That’s the truth! I threw a stone big as this! When that horseback samurai came—aimed right at ’im—threw a stone big as this!”

Jinkichi: "What're you saying?
"You idiot!"
"How could a cripple like you throw stones?!"

Jinbee: "What're you saying?
"You didn't come to the uprising, so..."
"How'd you know what I did..."
"How'd I throw a big one like this..."

Jinkichi (lunging at his brother): "What're you spoutin'..."
(Villagers restrain Jinkichi.)

“Who is this one?”

Mobei: "He is Jinbee's younger brother, but as Jinbee is a dullard, this one has taken charge of the household."

Official: "Given Jinbee stands under suspicion of capital crimes, neither parents nor siblings shall escape implication."
(To subordinate constables) "Seize that man!"

Jinkichi: "I can't accept that! I can't accept that! You're listening to this idiot's words? This idiot... daring to throw stones at the Honorable Magistrate... such audacious—"

Jinbee (while being bound with rope): "I threw a big one like this..."

Villagers: "We pay our respects, Lord Jinbee. We pay our respects."

Jinbee: "Oh... I... I threw a big one like this..."

Official: "Arrest those brothers!"

Jinkichi (crying through frustrated tears): "Are you making trouble for us too? Idiot! Damn cripple!"

Jinbee: “I threw a big one like this...”
(He tried to demonstrate the stone’s size with his hands, but both were bound and immobile.)

Villagers: “We pay our respects, Lord Jinbee.”
“We pay our respects!”
“We all pay our respects!”

Mobei: “Lord Jinbee.”
“I too offer my thanks!”
“I will never let you die abandoned!”
“Using the names of peasants across the lord’s domain, I shall present our petition without fail!”

Jinbee: “What are you saying?”
“When everyone tells me that sorta thing, I just get happy.”
“Happy.”

Jinkichi (glaring with bitter resentment): "You idiot! You damn cripple!"

Jinbee: “I threw a big one like this...” (tries to move his bound hands)

(Amidst the villagers’ voices of gratitude and admiration)

―CURTAIN―

Act III

Several days after Act II, at the end of December.

Kōtō Riverbank Execution Ground.
A bamboo enclosure has been constructed on a pebble-strewn riverbank.
In the distance, a dried-up riverbed extends, and in the background, winter-barren mountains can be seen.
The winter wind blows along the riverbank.

When the curtain rises, first show the exterior of the bamboo enclosure, then rotate the stage halfway to reveal the interior.

Outside the bamboo enclosure, many onlookers were gathered.
The village headman, headman, elders, and villagers of Gen'uchi Village were also among them.

Villager: “Headman.”
“Even the petition signed jointly by village headmen from over a hundred villages ended up being useless after all, didn’t it?”

Mobei: “It shames me to be asked that.”
“No matter how much we pleaded with the Honorable Magistrate, it proved futile.”

Village Headman: “The authorities don’t care who it is. If they crucify someone and show their authority’s might, that’s good enough.”

Villager 2: “No matter how much I think on it, Lord Jinbee’s pitiable. Back then, every one of us threw stones, you know. Only Lord Jinbee went and spoke honest and plain-like, see?”

Village Elder: "Well, that's enough. I reckon Kannon of Shibayama possessed Lord Jinbee to save our whole village."

Mobei: "No use lamenting now—what's done can't be undone. We'll have Lord Jinbee die and tend to what comes after."

Village Headman A: "Aye. We'll enshrine him as our village deity later."

Mobei: "Enshrine him we will. Enshrine him we will. He's truly Lord Sōgorō of Sanuki Province reborn. The very model of a righteous commoner."

Villager 3: "And besides, if it were someone else, their parents and siblings getting beheaded over it would be pitiable, you know. That old woman Okin and Jinkichi aren't really pitiable. When I think it's the punishment for tormenting Lord Jinbee all these years, it feels rather satisfying."

Villagers 4 and 5: "Oh, that's right. That's the truth."

Villager 6: "I brought something like this here thinking to have Lord Jinbee eat it."

(Showed rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves)

Village Headman: “Oh, that’s a fine idea! Lord Jinbee hasn’t had decent food due to the famine, so he’ll surely be delighted.”

Villager 6: “That’s why I thought, you know—I cooked about three gō of rice from our precious, precious next year’s seed stock.”

Mobei: “Oh, that was a good thing you did. I, Mobei, express my gratitude to you, I tell you.”

(At this moment, the murmur of a crowd could be heard from afar.)

Villager 1, 2: “Ah, here they come!”
“They’re here!”
“Lord Jinbee has come.”

(The crowd called out Jinbee’s name one after another as they surged like waves toward him.)
Before long, Jinbee and his mother arrived on a bareback horse.
They dismounted from the horse.
(passed through the crowd)

Mobei: “Lord Jinbee.”
“We’ve all come.”

Village Headman A: “We’re all praying for you in secret, I tell you.”

Village Elder 2: “Please take heart—we’ve all come here for you, I tell you.”

Villagers: “We’re all praying for you, I tell you…”
“We’ll never forget you for as long as we live, I tell you.”
“Later, we’ll make you a god.”

Jinbee bowed to the villagers with a pleasant smile...

Mobei: “Lord Jinbee.”
“I ran around over a hundred villages and had them sign a petition pleading for your life, which I presented to the authorities, you know.”
“In the end, we’ve gone and done this to you, I’m afraid.”
“Please forgive us, Lord Jinbee.”

Jinbee: "What."
"That's fine."
"That's fine."
"When everyone tells me that, I feel happy."

Villagers (in unison): "Lord Jinbee."
"Thank you!"
"Thank you!"
"We give our thanks."
"We give our thanks."
"Please pass onward peacefully."

(Jinbee, smiling without cease, enters the stockade.)

(Okin and Jinkichi appear next.)

Village Elder 1: “Ms. Okin, you’re truly pitiable indeed.
But please die thinking you’re saving the whole village.”

Okin (indignantly): “What nonsense are you spouting? All of you ganged up to flatter that fool, framed him for crimes he didn’t commit, and even made his own kin suffer like this—and now you dare spout such nonsense?”

Jinkichi: “What Mother says is right. After putting us through such terrible suffering, you still had the nerve to come and watch us, did you?”

Okin: “Remember this! Even if my head flies off, I’ll haunt this whole village for seven lifetimes!”

Villager 1: “What nonsense are you spouting? Isn’t this punishment for all of us tormenting good Jinbee?”

Villagers: “That’s right! That’s right!”

Okin: “What!”
(Though bound, she tried to lunge at the villagers.)

Rope-handling Official (pulling the rope): “Behave meekly!”

Okin (resentfully to the villagers): “Remember this! Mark my words!”
“Even if I die, I’ll have my revenge on you.”

(Okin and her sons proceeded into the execution ground.
The stage rotated halfway, revealing the interior of the execution ground.
The crucifixion post was propped up against the bamboo stockade.
The five prisoners, with Jinbee at the front, were lined up in a row.
The executioners entered from behind.
The leader of the executioners sat down on a camp stool.)

Leader of the Executioners: "Are the preparations in order?"

Executioner 1: "All preparations are in order."

Leader of the Executioners: "Now, read out the charges!"

Executioner 2 (reads out in a loud voice):

"Jinbee, peasant of Gengorō Village

You, having participated in the peasant uprising that occurred on the thirteenth day within this domain, and furthermore having stoned and killed senior official Matsuno Hachidayu upon the banks of the Koto River during said uprising—these acts constituting an unpardonable offense through having shown no fear toward our honorable lord—are hereby sentenced to crucifixion.

Mother of the aforementioned: Kin

Younger brother of the aforementioned: Jinkichi"

Likewise: Jinzō

Likewise: Jinsaku

You, being a blood relative of Jinbee, are hereby sentenced to public display of your severed head.

“As your end approaches, should there be any final words, I shall hear and grant them.”

“I ain’t acceptin’ gettin’ beheaded over some trifle like this! No matter how much it’s the authorities’ doin’, this is goin’ too far! This is goin’ too far!”

Executioner: “Do not voice your regrets at this late hour! Since the person has confessed, resign yourself to this misfortune born of your connection!”

Okin: “What’re you sayin’? That you’d take up the words of this idiot here—it’s too much! That don’t make sense! That don’t make sense! The authorities’ way of doin’ things makes no sense!” (To Jinbee) “You idiot!”

Jinbee (laughs vacantly): Ha ha ha ha.

Okin: "What's so funny, you idiot?! You've put your own family through such misery, you idiot!"

Jinbee: Ha ha ha ha.

“Oh, you ungrateful wretch!” Okin cried.
“It’s too noisy,” said Executioner 1.
“Hold your tongue!”
Okin fell silent resentfully.

Leader of the Executioners: Jinbee!
"Do you have any final words?"

Jinbee (smiling): I ain't got none.
"Since all them villagers are glad for me, I'm happy."
"I'm happy."

(At that moment, Villager Six rushes into the bamboo stockade.)

Villager Six: “I beg of you.”
Villager Six: “I beg of you.”

Executioner 1: “What’s this?”
Executioner 1: “State your business!”

Villager Six: “I beg of you.”
“Please let Jinbee eat this one thing.”

(Produces a bamboo sheath-wrapped rice ball)

Executioner 1: “What shall we do?”

Leader of the Executioners: “There’s no objection.”
“Give it to Jinbee.”

Executioner 1 (handing it to Jinbee): “The villagers’ token of regard.”
“Partake of it gratefully.”

Jinbee (innocently delighted): Oh ho!

“Are you giving this to me?”

Leader of the Executioners: “Release his hands!”

(Executioner 1 released only Jinbee’s forearms.)

Jinbee: “Oh ho! I’ve never had white rice like this in all my born days.”
“Can I eat this?”
“Really, can I eat it?”

Executioner 1: “You may eat it gladly.”

Jinbee (eating with relish): “Oh! I’ve never eaten somethin’ this delicious before.”
“My cheeks are about to burst…”
“Really, I’ve never eaten somethin’ this delicious before…” (He continued eating five or six in quick succession.)
(Suddenly noticing his mother and brothers) “…Ooooh Mother! Jinkichi!”
“You all ain’t hungry?”

Jinkichi: “What nonsense are you spouting! Idiot! How can you swallow such stuff when your head’s about to fly off?!”

Okin: “Truly, you idiot! How far will you mock your parent?!”

Jinbee: “Oh... I see. Don’t want any? Then I’ll eat all of it for you.” “Mmm, delicious! So delicious! My jaw’s ’bout to drop!” “Thank you, everyone!”

Villagers (in unison): “What are you saying?” “You really ate it all up.” “We’re the ones who should be thanking you.”

Leader of the Executioners: “If there are no final words, move the mother and brothers to their execution stations.”

Okin (flustered): “Wait a moment, I beg you!”
“I most humbly entreat you!”

Leader of the Executioners: “What is it?”

Okin: “A dying woman’s request.”
“Please—run this unfilial monster through first!”
“Let me at least have this solace—to watch the wretch suffer on the crucifixion stake!”

Villagers (cursing in unison): “…What madness, you demon hag… You drop dead first!…”

Leader of the Executioners: Though it's a sincere request, I cannot grant it.
"In such circumstances, leaving those guilty of grave offenses for last is standard procedure."
"Take those prisoners and position them over there!"

Okin: How maddening!
"Can't you even watch this bastard get impaled?"

Executioner 3: “Yeah. Shut up!”
“Get into position properly!”

(The executioners led the mother and her three sons away upstage.)
(The decapitator drew his sword and followed behind them.)

Jinbee (with a faint smile, watching them go from behind): “Are Mother and Jinkichi going ahead too?”
“Thank you for tormenting me all this time.”
“Thank you.”
“Ahahaha.”

(Shouts of beheading rang out, followed by the clang of a sword and continuing noises.)
(The spectators stirred and raised their voices.)

Jinbee (his complexion slightly pale but his laughter unceasing): “Ahahaha! My chest feels all light now.”
“That mother who tormented me for twenty-odd years and Jinkichi have already gone and become holes.”
“Ahh, Mother! Jinkichi! Jinsan! Jinsaku! What a feelin’ this is! Ahahahaha!” (Jinbee continued guffawing.) “Now it’s my turn.”
“Hurry up and crucify me already.”

Villagers (suddenly agitated): “Mr. Jinbee.”
“Thank you. We’ll pray for you.”
“We’ll never forget your kindness...”
“Hail Amida Buddha!”
“Hail Amida Buddha!”

(The executioners raise the crucifixion stake and attempt to bind Jinbee to it.)

Jinbee: "What's all this 'Hail Amida Buddha'?"
"You all just go on rejoicin'."
"I ain't never felt nothin' like this before."
"Ahahaha."

(Amidst the crowd's mingled admiration and lamentation, Jinbee's laughter grew ever louder.)

―― Curtain ――