こいそと竹四郎 / Koiso and Takeshiro

Takeshirō Hondō rises from a low-ranking foot-soldier family to become assistant to a powerful chief retainer.

He falls in love with the retainer's daughter, Koiso, and boldly asks her to reject another marriage proposal.

At the same time, Takeshirō discovers that four young officers have been stealing from the domain treasury. Instead of exposing them, he creates a plan that allows them to repay the money without destroying their families.

When the officers challenge him to a duel, Takeshirō defeats them without serious injury and continues to protect their secret.

His refusal to explain the incident costs him his position. Yet he still declares that social rank will not prevent him from seeking Koiso's hand.

Days later, Koiso appears at his home after being disowned by her father.

"Koiso and Takeshiro" is a lively historical tale of love, integrity, compassionate justice, and defiance of social rank.

Written by Shugoro Yamamoto.

Narrated by Shichimi Shungorō.

Produced by Marutake Shobo.

足軽出身ながら、城代家老の助筆へ抜擢された本堂竹四郎。

竹四郎は城代の娘・こいそを偽の手紙で呼び出し、ほかの男との縁談を断ってほしいと迫る。

「私が貴女を愛しているからです」

一方、竹四郎は四人の若侍による不正会計を発見する。彼らを破滅させず、自ら返済させようとするが、逆恨みした四人から果し合いを挑まれる。

竹四郎は誰にも重傷を負わせず四人を制し、なお秘密を守り続ける。

身分の差にも、上役の怒りにも屈しない男と、自ら家を捨てて彼を選んだ娘。

恋と正義を痛快に描く、山本周五郎の人情時代小説。

著者：山本周五郎

朗読：七味春五郎

制作・発行：丸竹書房