Characters
Abe Yasuna
A student of the late astrologist Kamo Yasunori. He became involved in political struggles within the imperial family after Yasunori’s death, ending with his wife Sakaki’s suicide before his eyes, which drives him mad. He only returns to calm upon meeting Princess Kuzunoha, who resembles his late wife. Later, he rescues a white fox in the woods but is injured so severely that he considers suicide. Kuzunoha suddenly appears and nurses him back to health. He marries her and leads a quiet life with her in a small town.
Kuzunoha, actually a fox
Yasuna’s wife. They have a son together. She weaves cotton to help support the family. It turns out that she is actually a white fox who was rescued by Yasuna and magically took the form of his fiancée to remain close to him. When the real princess appears, the fox-princess slips back to the woods.
Princess Kuzunoha
Sister of Yasuna’s late fiancée Sakaki. She met Yasuna six years ago after her sister’s death and they became engaged. She has not heard from him since and has worried herself sick. She then learns of his whereabouts and visits with her parents, only to discover that Yasuna is married to a woman looking exactly like herself.
Shinoda Shoji
Father of Sakaki and Princess Kuzunoha. Due to Akuemon’s evil advice, he lost his possessions and now lives a humble life with his family in the mountains. He learns Yasuna’s whereabouts and visits with his wife and daughter.
Shigarami
Shoji’s wife and the mother of Sakaki and Princess Kuzunoha. In the original work, her name was not stated.
Abe Doji
Five-year old son of Yasuna and Kuzunoha. Later given the name Abe Seimei, he returns to service in the imperial courts in place of his father and demonstrates his talents as a yin/yang astrologist.
Ishikawa Akuemon
Does not appear in this act. He is Shinoda Shoji’s nephew. He joins a group trying to undermine Yasuna in order to promote himself. He also desires Princess Kuzunoha. He was chasing a white fox needed for his evil plan when Yasuna intervened, and ordered his retainers to attack the intruder.
Ashiya Doman
Does not appear in this act. He was a senior student of Yasunori. He initially fought against Yasuna and stole treasured documents that had been granted by Yasunori. He later switches loyalties and, at Yasuna’s request, hands the documents over to Doji, who he gives the name Abe Seimei.
