Otomo Kazusa Jiraiya Shimabara Keisei Kawazu Gassen

Inspired by Chikamatsu Monzaemon's "The Battle of the Frogs at Shimabara" (1719), Takemotoza Theater, Osaka

This work features the "frog magic," which is said to be one of the inspirations for the later "Jiraiya" tale.

The title "Frog Battle" actually refers to the fantastical spectacular scene in which countless frogs fight each other.

The setting is Shimabara, Kyoto. (Possibly Nagasaki?)

Otomo Kazusanosuke, the young lord of the Otomo clan, is embroiled in a succession dispute and disguises himself in the Shimabara brothel. He is deeply in love with Shimabara's most famous courtesan, Michizuki.

Otake Dairen, a villain plotting to take over the Otomo clan, appears. He is a master of "frog magic." Dairen seeks to kill Kazusa-no-suke and relentlessly pursues the beautiful Dogetsu as well, hoping to make him his own. Behind the scenes of Shimabara's elegant banquet, a turbulent world of desire and magic swirls.

With their identities revealed, Kazusa-no-suke and Dogetsu are cornered. Dairen uses magic to summon "countless poison frogs" to attack. However, Dogetsu (or perhaps the loyal retainer protecting Kazusa-no-suke) fights back with secret arts and a sacred sword. Beneath the cherry blossoms of Shimabara at night, a grotesque and fantastical battle to the death unfolds, with frogs slaughtering each other.