Mekauma (Hachigorō's Rise)
妾馬・めかうま
The story
O-Tsuru of the row-houses is chosen for her beauty to become a feudal lord's concubine, and she bears him an heir. At this joyful news her rough, foul-mouthed brother Hachigoro is summoned to the lord's mansion. Knowing nothing whatever of samurai etiquette, he blunders his way through the unfamiliar residence, committing one ridiculous breach of manners after another.
What to listen for
The unruly, loudmouthed Hachigoro's clumsy flash of tenderness when he meets his sister O-Tsuru, and the heartfelt speech he pours out to the lord once the drink has loosened his tongue — the true gem of the piece. A warm, human tale that laces its hearty laughter with a tear.
Background
The story rests on a samurai-era reality: if a lord's concubine (o-heya-sama) bore an heir, even her humble birth family's fortunes could rise with her. The title 'Mekauma' comes from a later portion in which the newly elevated Hachigoro is put on a horse, though on stage the tale is often cut at his speech to his sister, and it is also fondly known as 'Hachigoro's Rise.'
Notable performers
五代目古今亭志ん生三代目古今亭志ん朝