A Hundred Ryō and a Piece of Gold

A hundred ryō can pay a family’s debts—or save a stranger’s life. A single gold piece can rescue an actor’s household—until another appears where it should not be.

This compact collection brings together two complete tales by San’yūtei Enchō: “Bunshichi’s Hair Ties” and “Umewaka Shichibei.” Their spirited conversations move between comedy and hardship, following people whose fortunes change through generosity, honesty, and misunderstanding.

Translated directly from the Japanese source texts, with the original divisions of Bunshichi retained, concise notes, and a documented source record. A New English Translation in the series Japanese Classics in English Translation.