Hatokori

Hatokori, also known as the "hatokori no sekku" or "hatokori no sekku," is a traditional Japanese folk tale that has been passed down through generations. The story is set in the late Edo period and revolves around a young woman named O-Hana, who is known for her exceptional beauty and intelligence. O-Hana is the daughter of a wealthy merchant and is betrothed to a man named Kikuo, who is much older than her and has a reputation for being cruel and unkind.

One day, O-Hana's father falls ill and is on his deathbed. Before he passes away, he reveals a secret to O-Hana: she is not his biological daughter, but rather the daughter of a lowly samurai who was once a close friend of her father. O-Hana is shocked and heartbroken by this revelation, as she had always believed that her father loved her deeply.

After her father's death, O-Hana is left with a large inheritance and a sense of betrayal. She decides to leave her husband and return to her father's home, where she is greeted by her true family. O-Hana's stepmother, who has been waiting for her return, is overjoyed to see her and reveals that she has been secretly in love with O-Hana's father all along.

The tale of Hatokori is a story of love, betrayal, and redemption. It explores themes of family, honor, and the complexities of human relationships. The story has been adapted into various forms of media, including theater, film, and television, and continues to be a popular subject of discussion and analysis in Japanese culture.