Synopsis
In "Yasuji Murata's Monkey and the Crabs," Kanisuke and his son Kanitaro grow persimmon trees from seeds given by the monkey Sarukichi, and the trees soon produce abundant fruit. When Kanisuke struggles to harvest the persimmons one day, Sarukichi steals a basket of them and runs off. As Kanisuke chases him, Sarukichi throws a persimmon, accidentally killing the elder crab. Seeking revenge for his father's death, Kanitaro asks his three uncles—Kurisaku, Hachinosuke, and Usubei—for help, and they agree. The group sneaks into Sarukichi's home while he is away, with Usubei on the roof, Hachinosuke at the entrance, and Kurisaku hiding behind a screen. When Sarukichi returns, Kurisaku provokes him by tossing chestnuts into the fire, sparking a fight. Hachinosuke attacks with a spear, and as Sarukichi tries to escape, Usubei ambushes him, allowing Kanitaro to cut off Sarukichi's nose. The crabs then impale Sarukichi on Hachinosuke's spear and return home triumphantly.
