Characters
Yashao
A mask carver, around 50, whose fame extends countrywide. He is asked to create a mask of Shogun Yoriie but is unable to achieve a real-life resemblance and cannot complete the work despite repeated efforts. The reason is surprising.
Katsura
Yashao’s eldest daughter, aged 20 and single. She does not get along with her father, who lives in the mountains and is uninterested in fame. She is beautiful and proud, and hopes that the shogun will fall in love with her. She was given the name Wakasa by the shogun, and her wish was granted – almost.
Kaede
Yashao’s second daughter, aged 18 and married. She is serious and hard-working. She cares for her father, who only wants to create quality work and is distressed by her sister’s volatile temper.
Haruhiko
Kaede’s husband, aged 20. He is a proud mask craftsman and does not get along with Katsura. On the way back from town for business, he learns about the scheme to assassinate the shogun.
Minamoto Yoriie
Second shogun of the Kamakura dynasty, aged 23. Short-tempered by nature, he becomes angry when Yashao has not delivered the requested mask after half a year. He snatches a prototype along with Yashao’s daughter Katsura. On his way back to Shuzenji Temple, he professes his love for Katsura, unaware that he is being followed.
Shimoda Kageyasu
Yoriie’s dutiful servant.
Kanakubo Yukichika
A warrior serving the Kamakura government. He is sent by the government and criticizes Yoriie for giving a name to Katsura without permission. He is looking for the opportunity to assassinate Yoriie at the behest of his masters.
