Characters
Sekibei (actually Otomo Kuronushi)
Gatekeeper at Mt. Osaka. He is actually the great villain Otomo Kuronushi, who is aiming to take over the nation. In his ambition to usurp the government, he seeks to cut down the cherry tree to use the wood as a prayer for success.
Munesada
Lives secretly near the gate after leaving Kyoto in order to look after the grave of the previous emperor. He unexpectedly runs into Princess Komachi, who was his lover back in the capital.
Princess Ono Komachi
A famed beauty in the capital, also known as a poet. She was formerly Munesada’s lover.
Courtesan Sumizome (actually spirit of cherry tree)
Spirit of the 300-year-old Komachi cherry tree at the Mt Osaka gate. She had transformed herself into a human and fallen in love with Munesada’s brother, who was later killed by Kuronushi. She vowed to take her revenge.
