Title:

鬼の子と桃太郎 (oni no ko to momotarō)
Momotarō and the oni’s child

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This top depicts Momotarō, sometimes translated as “The Peach Boy,” or “Peach Tarō,” a legendary figure originating in the Edo period (1600-1868). In many versions of the Momotarō legend, Momotarō is a boy who came to Earth inside a giant peach who is discovered by an elderly couple who then raise him. He later leaves his home to fight a band of demons on a distant island, meeting a talking dog, a monkey, and a pheasant on the way who joint him in his quest. Most versions of the legend end with Momotarō defeating the demons, taking their treasure and their chief captive, and then returning home to live happily ever after with his parents.

In this top, Hiroi-sensei has depicted Momotarō babysitting the peach he was born from, which he carries on his back. The oni (ogre) is making fun of him for it and chasing him around taunting him.

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Hiroi Michiaki: Umm, ah, this is Momotaro, Momotaru as a babysitter. On his back, he’s carrying the peach that he was born from, and he’s babysitting it. The oni (ogre) is making fun of him and from behind he’s yelling, “Hey! Hey!” Momotaro’s dejectedly carrying the peach. My own little brother didn’t understand what it was– [Momotaro] carrying the peach.