Characters
Fukuoka Mitsugi
Adopted son of a priest at Ise Shrine. He is in love with the courtesan Okon. Because his real father was a retainer of a powerful household, he is looking for the household’s treasured sword and certificate of authenticity. He discovers the sword, but gets distracted in a pleasure house on the way to deliver it.
Okon
Courtesan at Aburaya Pleasure House. A well reputed beauty in the pleasure quarters, she is deeply in love with Mitsugi. In order to help him regain an important sword, she intentionally pretends to separate from him.
Manno
Madam of Aburaya Pleasure House. She plots with Iwaji to overthrow the lord of the realm and attempts to steal the sword from Mitsugi. Knowing the courtesan Oshika is in love with Mitsugi, she gets her to pass over money for him, but never hands it over, thus causing problems between them. She is thoroughly evil and cunning.
Kisuke
Chef at Aburaya Pleasure House. He is loyal to Mitsugi because his father was a retainer of Mitsugi’s father. When Mitsugi is asked to deposit a treasured sword, he offers to take care of it.
Oshika
Courtesan working in Aburaya Pleasure House. She is mediocre in looks but cheerful in nature. Infatuated with Mitsugi, she is manipulated by the evil Manno to write him a love letter with a large sum of money despite his engagement to another woman.
Imada Manjiro
A son of a retainer in the reigning household. He discovers a lost sword after a long search, he is tricked by Iwaji and puts the sword into a pawn shop to get money for a night of fun.
Okishi
Courtesan at Aburaya Pleasure House along with Okon. She is Manjiro’s lover.
Aidamaya Kitaroku, actually Tokushima Iwaji
Retainer of the lord’s brother. The brother is plotting to take over the household. He works as a spy in order to steal the sword and certificate. He disguises himself as Kitaroku to hide his identity.
Tokushima Iwaji, actually Aidamaya Kitaroku
A merchant assisting Iwaji. He swaps identities with Iwaji to help with the usurpation scheme. He tries to steal Okon from Mitsugi.
Rinpei
Servant working for Manjiro. Works hard to help the hapless Manjiro find the treasured sword.
Shojiki Shodayu
Nephew of Priest Magotayu at Ise Shrine. Takes charge of the shrine when his uncle is away. He steals money from a local association and tries to put the blame on Mitsugi, but is exposed by his aunt.
Sakaki
Priestess at Ise Shrine and daughter of Magotayu. The father has arranged for her to be married with Mitsugi.
Omine
Mitsugi’s aunt. She locates a pawnbroker who has absconded with the treasured sword. She recovers the sword and delivers it to Mitsugi, but warns him that the sword is cursed, having caused misfortune to both Mitsugi’s father and grandfather. She also resolves the problem when Shotayu tries to accuse Mitsugi of stealing money.
