Nezumikozou Jirokichi

Produced as a tribute to the late filmmaker Sadao Yamanaka, this short film unfolds in the shadowed streets of Edo under the cover of night. From the rafters of a darkened attic emerges Nezumi Kozō Jirokichi, a chivalrous thief who dedicates himself to robbing the wealthy and distributing their riches among the impoverished. His daring exploits set the stage for a deeply human drama that plays out across the city’s bustling neighborhoods. The story is anchored by Suzu, a widowed merchant struggling to survive while raising her young child alone. Recognizing her vulnerability, three men—Bonji, Yasugoro, and Chogoro—attempt to exploit Suzu in a calculated scheme to unmask Nezumi Kozō’s true identity. Their machinations draw the attention of Kan’emon, a seasoned detective guided by a profound moral philosophy: he despises the crime but holds deep compassion for the people who commit it. Together, these richly drawn characters bring to life the vivid, emotionally resonant world envisioned by director Sadao Yamanaka.