Synopsis
The 25-minute film follows the story of a frail, elderly woman named Itako who meets a fox called Okon. The narrative begins with Itako confined to her bed, having been immobile for a long time. Okon enters her home, and Itako tells the fox that he is free to take whatever he wishes, as she no longer has any use for anything. Okon is overjoyed and, to repay her kindness (the concept of ongaeshi), he performs a magical jyōruri—a ballad accompanied by shamisen—that restores Itako's health enough for her to walk again. Everyone is astonished by her sudden recovery. She then learns of a hunter who has been severely injured and is close to death. Itako conceals Okon inside the back of her shirt and has the fox sing the song while she plays the shamisen to heal the man. This compassionate act is repeated for others until Itako's good fortune causes some people to grow suspicious of her.
Background
Winner of the 1982 Oofuji Noburou Award at the Mainichi Film Awards.
