Human-drama story Edo
Ido no Chawan (The Well Tea-Bowl)
井戸の茶碗・いどのちゃわん
The story
Seibei, an honest scrap-and-junk buyer, brokers the sale of a small Buddhist statue from a poor ronin. When the young samurai who bought it discovers fifty ryo hidden inside, he insists the gold was not part of the deal and tries to return it, while the seller equally insists he cannot take it back. Poor honest Seibei is caught in the middle of two men who each refuse to accept a fortune.
What to listen for
A story with not a single villain in it, leaving a clean, refreshing feeling. A showcase of old-fashioned integrity.
Background
A kuzuya was a scrap and junk buyer who walked the streets purchasing unwanted goods. A ronin was a masterless samurai, often poor but fiercely bound by pride and honor, which is exactly what drives the standoff.
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).