It’s finally here! Tsutaju’s wife? Tsutaju proposes to Tei, the key figure in their Nihonbashi expansion, on their first meeting!

This is believed to be the only illustration showing Tsutaya Juzaburo's wife and child together. His wife is seen praying on the right page. The Tsutaya family prays for prosperity at the Ebisu-ko meeting.
Source: Ukiyo-e Cafe Collection, "Ehon Azuma Karage"

The taiga drama “Berabou” has been garnering attention for its honey trap performance by the courtesan, played by Haruka Fukuhara, known for her pure and innocent image. In episode 24, the plan to seize Ezo from the Matsumae clan by seducing her seduces the younger brother of the Matsumae clan’s head, made great progress. Initially, the plan targeted Hirotoshi, the younger brother of the Matsumae clan’s head, but Hirotoshi, being too timid, lacked the courage to smuggle goods, and the plan appeared to have stalled. However, his target, the Matsumae clan’s lord, Michihiro, appeared in Yoshiwara. In front of Oomonjiya Ichibei and Daresode, he brought up the idea of ​​a direct amber transaction, proposing to make a profit in Yoshiwara with the Matsumae clan. During this process, Michihiro, played by Enari Kazuki, is shown many times showing his cruelty, such as when he fires a matchlock gun at a vassal, and many viewers were likely put off by the creepy smile he displayed at the time. In real life, Michihiro’s entertainment habits were also seen as problematic, so it will be exciting to see how he will be portrayed in Berabou, along with the future of Dare Sode Oiran. Meanwhile, as Tsutajyo’s plan to expand into Nihonbashi stalls, he meets his future wife, Tei, who is a key figure in his expansion into Nihonbashi.

Tsutajyo’s expansion into Nihonbashi was driven by the targeting of Maruya, a bookstore that was up for sale due to financial difficulties caused by debt. Tei is the proprietress of Maruya. Tei didn’t accept Tsutaju, a Yoshiwara resident, and refused to sell, so the men who supported Tsutaju approached the tea wholesaler Kameya on the condition that they would forgive their debts to Yoshiwara. Officially, they would have Kameya buy Maruya and lease the store to Tsutaju, with the aim of expanding into Nihonbashi. However, their intentions were discovered before the deeds were even signed, and Tei’s impression of Yoshiwara further deteriorated. Meanwhile, Tsutaju, hoping to catch a glimpse of the real Tei, visits the temple where Tei is studying Chinese classics. There, during an exchange between the priest and Tei, he sees Tei cherishing a book and finds a clue to winning Tei over. Tsutaju’s conclusion is that Maruya and Koshodo should be jointly managed, and to understand Tei’s feelings, he proposes that the name “Maruya Koshodo” remain. Despite this, Tei stubbornly refuses Tsutaju. So Tsutae proposes, “Well, how about we get together? It would be difficult to buy or sell a shop or a house (due to a rule that Yoshiwara residents cannot purchase houses within Mitsuke), but marriage is not prohibited. In that case, I will not disobey your orders, and it is only natural that we run the shop together.” However, Tei refuses, saying, “No matter how low I fall, there is no way I would marry someone from Yoshiwara.” Meanwhile, in Edo, rumors of something strange happening on Mount Asama spread, and subtle tremors in the earth are beginning to show ominous signs. Just like these tremors, it will be exciting to see how Tei’s womanly heart will be shaken.