Characters
Shinza the Barber
A traveling hairdresser who plies his trade at people’s homes. He is a lovable rogue. Among other nasty acts, he takes Okuma as a hostage in his home as a ploy for money.
Genshichi
Known as boss of the town. He saves Chushichi, who is trying to commit suicide on a bridge, and goes to Shinza’s home in hopes of rescuing Okuma. His subsequent loss of face makes him keen for revenge.
Chushichi
Head clerk at Shirakoya, in love with the shop owner’s daughter Okuma.
Okuma
Daughter of Shirakoya’s owner. She promises to marry Chushichi eventually, but her family is trying to marry her someone else for a large dowry in order to save the sinking shop.
Otsune
Shirakoya shop owner. Tries to keep shop running after her husband’s death, but business continues to worsen. To overcome this problem, she tries to marry off her daughter Okuma for a large dowry.
Zenpachi
Rickshaw driver who often visits Shirakoya. Good-hearted man who tries his best to rescue Okuma when she is kidnapped.
Katsuyakko
Shinza’s apprentice. Lives and works with Shinza.
Chobei
Shinza’s landlord. Outwits Shinza with his native cleverness. Even greedier than Shinza.
Bonito seller
Comes to Shinza’s place hawking his fish. He prepares the fish in front of Shinza’s house in an entertaining scene depicting merchant life in the Edo Period.
