Synopsis
In "Risu no Matoi," the mascot of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF)—a well-known squirrel featured on wildfire prevention posters across Japanese forests and campsites—takes center stage. Much like Smokey Bear for the U.S. Forest Service, this squirrel is instantly recognizable. The story unfolds when the squirrel notices smoke from a nearby fire. Despite initial suspicion falling on local men, the squirrel protects them, knowing they are innocent. Later, the squirrel meets a kitsune, who confesses to using her shape-shifting powers to disturb a hunter chasing her. Amidst the confusion, the hunter unintentionally drops a burning fuse connected to his equipment, sparking the forest fire. Following the squirrel's account of these events, the kitsune helps identify the hunter, who is then caught and penalized.