Experience a lively retelling of a heartwarming Japanese tale about a young boy trying to buy a ceramic dog for his mother. Encounter his struggles and determination, aided by a wise judge against a greedy shopkeeper. Enjoy whimsical courtroom negotiations filled with clever dialogue that highlight justice and kindness. The finale celebrates community spirit, inviting listeners to share their own favorite stories, creating a heartwarming connection between the audience and the performers.
The story illustrates the importance of perseverance and dedication, as the schoolboy tirelessly saves money to buy a special gift for his mother.
The intervention of the wise judge showcases the themes of fairness and justice, empowering the boy while revealing the shopkeeper's greed.
Deep dives
The Hardworking Schoolboy's Dream
A young schoolboy wishes to buy a ceramic dog statue for his mother's birthday, believing it to be the perfect gift since they cannot own a real dog. Despite his hard work and savings of 50 copper pieces, the shopkeeper dismisses him, insisting that he cannot afford the statues. The boy expresses his dedication to his mother, recounting the odd jobs he has done to save money, highlighting his industrious nature. This sets the stage for an encounter with the town judge that would change the boy's fortune.
The Judge's Ingenious Plan
A wise judge intervenes when he sees the shopkeeper's disdain for the boy and formulates a plan to ensure he receives a fair deal. He instructs the boy to fetch a rock, which leads to a moment of tension as the shopkeeper panics at the thought of the boy bringing a rock into her china shop. The judge cleverly utilizes the boy's rock to challenge the shopkeeper's previous offer, revealing that the boy can indeed carry a piece of the broken ceramic home without help. This clever twist empowers the boy and exposes the shopkeeper's greed.
Justice Prevails
Ultimately, the judge coerces the shopkeeper into complying with her original offer after demonstrating the boy's ability to carry a dog home in parts. The judge arranges for the boy to buy all three ceramic dogs for 50 copper pieces, asserting that he only needs to return two of them after securing a porter to help him with the last one. The shopkeeper reluctantly accepts her fate, realizing that justice has been served. The schoolboy's determination and the judge's wisdom culminate in the boy obtaining a cherished gift for his mother, reinforcing the idea that hard work and fairness lead to rewards.
Recorded live at The Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR, this Japanese tale about fragile statues and tough shopkeepers proves that every dog can have its day.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode