Koya TakaoThe Dyer and Takao
紺屋高尾（こうやたかお）
Kyuzo, a dyer from Kanda, falls in love at first sight with the courtesan Takao Dayu when he sees her in an oiran procession. For a woman he could never hope to meet, he works and saves for three years until he can finally spend one night as her guest. A ninjo-banashi (human-interest story) that moves you to quiet tears more than laughter.
The story
Kyuzo works at a dye shop in Konyacho, Kanda: an earnest craftsman who knows nothing of pleasure. One day he sees Takao Dayu of the Miuraya house in an oiran procession (a courtesans' parade) in the Yoshiwara, and falls so lovesick that he takes to his bed.
She is a courtesan of the highest rank, whom even a feudal lord cannot meet easily. Still, Takeuchi Ranseki, a doctor well versed in the pleasure quarters, promises: "Work for three years without a single distraction and save your money, and I'll arrange a meeting." Kyuzo works with all his heart for three years. When he has saved nine ryo, his master adds one more, making ten.
With that money, and with Takeuchi Ranseki as his guide, he goes to the Miuraya posing not as a craftsman but as a rich patron. His wish comes true, and he meets Takao face to face.
As they part, Takao asks, "When will you come again?" Unable to keep up the lie, Kyuzo confesses that he is just a dyer's craftsman who spent three years saving money to see her. Moved by his sincerity, Takao...
The sage the punchline, contains spoilers
Tap to reveal the punchline
"Kamenozoki"
In the sage (the punchline), Takao becomes Kyuzo's wife when her contract ends, and their dye shop becomes famous. Customers came to peek into the vats for a glimpse of Takao straddling an indigo vat as she dyed, and so, the story goes, pale indigo came to be called "kamenozoki" (peeking into the vat). Some performers end the story when the two become husband and wife.
Koya Takao and Ikuyo Mochi
Ikuyo Mochi has almost the same plot. What differs is the pairing of craftsman and courtesan, and the business the couple starts together.
| Koya Takao | Ikuyo Mochi | |
|---|---|---|
| Hero | Kyuzo, a craftsman at a dye shop | Seizo, a servant at a rice-polishing shop |
| Courtesan | Takao Dayu of the Miuraya | Ikuyo Dayu of the Sugata-Ebiya |
| The couple's business | A dye shop | A rice-cake shop, where "Ikuyo Mochi" becomes the specialty |
Key scenes original dialogue written for this site
Lovesick
- KyuzoMaster... I've fallen for a woman in a woodblock print.
- Takeuchi RansekiThen work for three years without a single distraction. When you've saved the money, I'll arrange a meeting.
The confession at parting
- TakaoMy dear, when will you come to see me again?
- (Kyuzo puts his hands to the floor and bows deeply. Takao notices his fingertips, stained with indigo.)
- Kyuzo...I'm a dyer's craftsman. The next time I can come will be three years from now.
The promise
- TakaoMy contract ends next year. When it does, please make me your wife.
This is not a transcription of any storyteller's performance. The plot and sage are traditional; the pleasure-quarter dialogue is written by this site.
Notable performers
- Sanyutei Ensho VI1900–1979EdoOne of the performers whose recordings survive.
- Tatekawa Danshi VII1936–2011EdoOne of the performers whose recordings and video survive.
- Tatekawa Danshun1966–EdoActive today. Known as one of his signature pieces.
- Katsura Utamaru1936–2018EdoOne of his specialties.
