The Salesman and the Tanuki

Setting and Initial Problem

• Location: Small village and the outskirts
• Main Character: Travelling salesman
• Issue: Difficulty selling wares as villagers had already seen his supply

Discovery of the Tanuki

• Event: Salesman hears a yelp near the forest
• Discovery: Finds a trapped tanuki (raccoon-like creature)
• Action: Frees the tanuki, which then bolts into the undergrowth

Finding the Kettle

• Event: Salesman finds an old, rusty tea kettle while on his route
• Action: Polishes the kettle and takes it to Morin-ji Temple
• Outcome: Monks purchase the kettle for an important service

The Ceremony and the Kettle's Behavior

• Occasion: Ceremony at Morin-ji Temple
• Problem: Kettle cools too quickly and squirms when hot
• Monk’s Reaction: Feeling of being cheated, calls for the salesman the next day

The Kettle's Transformation

• Event: Salesman and monks examine the kettle
• Discovery: Kettle sprouts a tail, paws, and a nose, revealing it’s the tanuki
• Explanation: Tanuki wanted to repay the salesman’s kindness
• Problem: Tanuki found being a kettle uncomfortable (hot, scrubbed, polished)

Conclusion and Resolution

• Resolution: Monks and salesman laugh, impressed by the tanuki
• New Role: Tanuki becomes an esteemed guest of the temple
• Activities: Tanuki tells tales and performs tricks
• Impact: Villagers visit to see the temple tanuki, salesman visits often for tea