Comic story Edo & Kamigata
Hatsutenjin (The First Temple Fair)
初天神・はつてんじん
The story
A father reluctantly takes his sharp-tongued little boy, Kinbo, to the year's first fair at the Tenjin shrine. Kinbo proceeds to beg nonstop for candy, dumplings, and every other treat in sight, and out-argues his father at every turn with his quick, cheeky mouth.
What to listen for
The bratty but irresistibly cute Kinbo, who runs verbal circles around his poor dad. A New Year's staple.
Background
Hatsutenjin is the first festival day of the year at a shrine dedicated to Tenjin, the deity of learning; such fairs are lined with food and toy stalls. It is a story associated with the New Year season.
Notable performers
🤫 We keep the sage (punchline) a secret so your first listen stays fresh. Reader reviews are currently in Japanese — see the Japanese page (use the 🌐 switch to come back).