Kawatake Shinshichi II's drama "Kômonki Osana Kôshaku" was premiered in December 1877 in Tôkyô at the Shintomiza [more details].

The original drama was in 7 acts.

Act I, scene 1

During the reign of the Shôgun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, who was famously known as the Dog Shôgun due to his deep affection for dogs, he issued a decree stating that anyone who killed a dog would face the penalty of losing their own life. This period was marked by widespread greed and corruption, fueled by the incompetence of the Shôgun, greatly impacting the lives of the common people. However, Mitsukuni, also known as Mito Kômon, the esteemed lord of Mito, held significant respect and influence, being the head of the powerful Mito branch of the Tokugawa Shogunate, despite not being in the direct Shogunate line.

A magnificent ship named Atakamaru has been constructed under the direct orders of the Shôgun. Enormous resources were allocated to its creation, not only for its impressive structure but also for its opulent embellishments in gold and silk. Although it was transported to Edo from the shipbuilding yards in Izu, rumors began to circulate that every night a voice emanated from the ship, expressing a desire to return to Izu. Many superstitious individuals interpreted this as an ill omen. Chief retainer Oda Echigo-no-Kami recommended the dismantling of the ship, yet the truth of the matter is that Oda and his followers have been conspiring to orchestrate the ship's dismantling to seize its valuable materials and decorations.

Two of Oda's subordinates, Zuburoku and Guzuhachi, joined by others, are on a quest to locate a large dog presented to Oda by the Shôgun. Given the Shôgun's fervent affection for dogs, it is imperative to find and return the dog to the Oda mansion. Subsequently, an Oda follower, Tatei Gôzô, is observed receiving bribes from several townspeople, aiming to sway Oda and, by extension, the Shôgun, to enact laws beneficial to their respective businesses.

Following their departure, fishmonger Kyûgorô arrives with a load containing two exceptional sea breams, which he has struggled to procure in the market to fulfill a special order. He is accosted by the kanekashi Kanroku, demanding repayment of a loan. In the midst of this altercation, a large dog caused a commotion, resulting in the spoiling of the sea bream. Overwhelmed by the destruction of his prized fish, Kyûgorô impulsively strikes the dog, unintentionally killing it. Terrified of the consequences of violating the law by killing a dog, Kyûgorô is left in distress as Kanroku flees the scene.

An alms solicitor named Gorôshichi, who is secretly a follower of Mitsukuni, appears and advises Kyûgorô to flee, as nobody else has witnessed the incident. Following the advice, Kyûgorô hastily took off. Upon returning, Zuburoku and Guzuhachi stumble upon the dead dog, realizing that it is the one they have been seeking, and they also discover a fishmonger's permit, which they know would help them in identifying the perpetrator.

Later, Gorôshichi and a candy peddler named Kanematsu, both secretly allied with Mitsukuni, congregate and listen attentively to an eerie voice emanating from the vicinity of the Shôgun's ship, expressing a desire to return to Izu, aligning with the prevailing rumors.

Act I, scene 2

Kyûgorô's father, Genseki, has become a blind and helpless old man, entirely reliant on his son and the small amount of money brought to him by his adopted daughter, Otomi. Otomi, who had sold herself as a geisha to obtain money for Genseki's medication, is actually his orphaned niece whom he had raised with the hope that she would eventually marry Kyûgorô. Unfortunately, his wife's prolonged illness and his own blindness shattered that dream.

During her visit, Otomi gives Genseki three ryô from her savings and expresses her frustration with a persistent guest, Fujii Mondayû, who refuses to accept that she is engaged to Kyûgorô. Although Mondayû once had a promising character and held a high rank, he later succumbed to corruption and bribery. Genseki is troubled by the attention that Mondayû shows to Otomi.

As Kyûgorô returns home, he tries to conceal his concerns, but both Genseki and Otomi sense something amiss. The rônin Shibata Gunbê arrives to inquire about the sea bream he has ordered, which Kyûgorô had not delivered on time. After initially claiming that he couldn't secure the fish, Kyûgorô admits that he bought a mutilated one with the money. To pacify Gunbê, Genseki offers the three ryô given to him by Otomi earlier.

The situation worsens when the authorities arrive to arrest Kyûgorô for killing a dog. Despite claiming innocence, Kyûgorô surrenders himself and bids a sorrowful farewell to his father and sister. The landlord, Mokuemon, assures Genseki that he will care for them, and advises Genseki to approach Mitsukuni directly to address the matter.

Act II, scene 1

Guzuhachi and Zuburoku are spotted coercing some money from the townspeople. Shortly after, a ruffian from Jôshû named Kappa no Kichizô can be seen confronting Oda retainer Kurozaki Ban'emon. It appears that Kurozaki has hired Kichizô to go under the ship and make it appear as though the ship wanted to return to Izu. Kichizô has been compensated well for the job, but he is pressing Kurozaki for more now that the boat had been dismantled and it is evident that Oda and his retainers have gained considerably from the job. Kurozaki is reluctant to pay more, but when Kichizô threatens to take his story elsewhere for a higher payment, Kurozaki gives in. Since he has not the cash on hand, he hands Kichizô a gold fixture taken from the ship, to be exchanged later for 100 ryô.

Guzuhachi and Zuburoku overhear the latter part of the transaction and latch on to Kichizô for drinks. However, they end up in a quarrel over the drinks, inadvertently causing a disruption to the passage of the palanquin of Lord Inaba, a high-ranking Shogunate official. The lord's retainer, Masuda Kingo, confronts the trio and has them arrested for misdemeanor.

Act II, scene 2

Kichizô, Guzuhachi, and Zuburoku have been summoned at the court room (shirasu) for questioning by the minami machi bugyô Kawaguchi, with Kingo serving as a witness. Although their altercation seemed insignificant, the discovery of a gold fixture from the ship Atakamaru in Kichizô's possession raised further inquiries. Kichizô claims to have found it on the street and he knows nothing of its origin. However, the magistrate cautions Kichizô that he would still be held accountable, regardless of whether it was given to him or found, as it was not rightfully his. Connecting the dots about Kichizô's birthplace in Jôshû, the magistrate suspects that Kurozaki, the regional lord from that area, may have involved Kichizô in a conspiracy related to the dismantling of Atakamaru.

Through skillful questioning, the magistrate leads Kichizô to repent and confess, unveiling the conspiracy. When the magistrate refrains from imposing the death penalty, Kichizô chose to end his life by biting off his own tongue.

Act III, scene 1

Landlord Mokuemon guides the blind Genseki to the gateway of Dentsûin Temple in Koishikawa, anticipating the arrival of Mitsukuni. While they wait, a dog runs by and bites Genseki. Fortunately, Tokusai, one of Mitsukuni's attendants, witnesses the incident and offers medicine to the injured man. When Mitsukuni himself appears and learns of the situation from Tokusai, Genseki and Mokuemon see their chance. They appeal to Mitsukuni to spare the life of Kyûgorô, who faces death for killing the dog.

Mitsukuni displays remarkable understanding and compassion. He agrees to work towards overturning the unjust law and, after expressing concern for Genseki's blindness, he provides financial assistance to support him until Kyûgorô's safe return. Later, when the rabid dog reappears, Mitsukuni intervenes and kills it, putting himself in the same position as Kyûgorô. Unless the law is repealed, the Shôgun will be obliged to order Mitsukuni's execution for the same offense.

Act III, scene 2

Mitsukuni, a passionate supporter of the arts, especially Nô, has prepared to showcase a Nô dance at his 61st birthday celebration at his mansion. However, Fujii Mondayû, who was supposed to take on a key role alongside Mitsukuni, has sent word that he is unable to attend due to illness. In order to ensure that the guests and household members are not disappointed, Mitsukuni has made arrangements for another Nô actor to step in and take on the role.

As the festivities unfold, a servant arrives to announce the arrival of Kurosaki Ban'emon, a follower of the Shôgun's chief retainer Oda, bearing a large box of exquisite cakes to pay his respects to Mitsukuni. Despite the grand gesture, Mitsukuni declines to meet the visitor, citing his busy schedule for the day.

Shortly thereafter, a fishmonger named Kyûgorô, accompanied by his father Genseki, arrives. In stark contrast to his earlier interaction with Kurosaki, Mitsukuni warmly welcomes them. They have come to express gratitude to Mitsukuni and present a small box of cakes as a token of appreciation. Mitsukuni takes the opportunity to emphasize to his followers and attendants, as well as to the humble father and son, that the small box of cakes holds greater value due to the sincerity behind the gesture, compared to the larger box brought by Kurosaki, which Mitsukuni perceives as a calculated attempt to win favor.

Impressed by Mitsukuni's benevolence, Genseki contrasts it with the behavior of Fujii Mondayû, Mitsukuni's retainer, who has been using his influential position to demand bribes. Genseki also reveals Mondayû's attempt to coerce his daughter Otomi into compliance by offering to save Kyûgorô in exchange. Upon learning of these troubling revelations, Mitsukuni begins to question his trust in Mondayû.

Following the departure of Genseki and Kyûgorô, Atsumi Kakunoshin and Sasaki Sukesaburô enter. In reality, they are Mitsukuni's men in disguise, bringing news that Mondayû is involved in corrupt activities with Oda, including bribery and extortion, leading to the dismantling of Atakamaru. Upon hearing this, Mitsukuni immediately orders someone to summon Mondayû, regardless of his purported illness.

Act IV, scene 1

Mondayû's uncle, Fujii Jôzaemon, arrives at Mondayû's residence in a state of agitation. His purpose is to take his nephew to investigate the "illness" that has prevented him from attending the gathering at Mitsukuni's mansion. Additionally, Jôzaemon intends to address the rumors about Mondayû's misconduct, of which he has become aware through a letter discovered during a visit in Mondayû's absence. In a difficult conversation, Mondayû admits to falling into bad habits after initially impressing Mitsukuni with his skills. Jôzaemon's words lead Mondayû to repent his betrayal of Mitsukuni's trust. However, when Jôzaemon demands that he commits suicide, Mondayû requests a brief reprieve. In his repentance, Mondayû instead proposes to meet Mitsukuni directly and accept his punishment there. Both of them lament that Mondayû's actions have tarnished both his and the family's honor, acknowledging that it is now too late to rectify the situation.

Act IV, scene 2

Mitsukuni stands in his Nô costume, poised for his performance while awaiting Mondayû's arrival. As Mondayû approaches, Mitsukuni finds himself hesitant to admonish his once-favored companion, whom he had watched over since childhood. Yet, realizing the irrevocable nature of Mondayû's actions, Mitsukuni understands that Mondayû must face the consequences.

Expressing remorse, Mondayû reveals that he has already inflicted harm upon himself, anticipating Mitsukuni's retribution. In a surprising turn of events, Mitsukuni instructs Mondayû to retrieve the Nô mask prepared for his own performance. Obediently, Mondayû presents the mask before willfully shattering it on the floor. As others enter the room to prepare Mitsukuni for his stage appearance, he erupts in anger, chastising Mondayû for destroying the precious mask. Brandishing his sword, Mitsukuni strikes Mondayû, concealing the true reason behind Mondayû's demise, sparing him the shame associated with his ultimate transgression.

The actors Onoe Kikugorô V and Ichikawa Danjûrô IX playing the roles of Fujii Mondayû and Mito Kômon in the drama "Kômonki Osana Kôshaku", which was staged in December 1877 at the Shintomiza (print made by Toyohara Kunichika)