36 Grains of Rice: Koïchi’s Great Journey

Content : Koïchi dreams of marrying the gentle Yunko, but only he who passes a unique test will be deemed worthy:
to sell a cartload of rice across the country while keeping 36 grains of rice tightly held in his fist. He must never open his hand. On his journey, he is joined by Tomomi—a sly, grumbling fox.

For Yunko, Koïchi is ready to face any challenge. Off he goes, fist clenched, rice in tow. But no one wants to buy from him, and Tomomi never stops complaining. The fox, who can take on any form, even sets a trap for the young man. Furious, Koïchi sends him away. The journey is long… The seasons pass, filled with hope and disappointment. Instead of selling his rice, Koïchi shares it with the hungry, and one careless moment causes him to open his hand. He has failed the test and cannot marry his beloved. In sorrow, he chooses exile.

But an encounter with a reclusive painter restores his courage and honour. In the end, Koïchi marries the beautiful Yunko.