| Type | Restaurant |
| Location | Japan |
| Owner(s) | Takomaru |
| Featured in | Usagi Yojimbo |
Takomaru’s Shop is a restaurant in the early Edo period.
Overview[]
Owned by the fishmonger Takomaru and one of two places that is licensed to sell fugu, pufferfish. The other being Sakana-Shogun which is located at the other end of the city from Takomaru’s Shop.
Unfortunately Takomaru’s Shop is not as popular as Sakana-Shogun, much to the envy of the owner.
History[]
When a Shogunate official named Oga died from fugu poisoning, suspicion was cast on Toto the owner of Sakana-Shogun. Oga had bought fugu from Toto and always ordered it to his inn whenever he was visiting the city.
However Toto having been brought by Inspector Ishida to confirm if Oga truly did die from fugu poisoning realized that the fish the official ate was not the one he prepared. Miyamoto Usagi, a loyal customer of Toto’s also affirmed this having seen Toto’s knife work. The one who prepared the dish was competent but not experience.
Furthermore the fugu that Oga ordered had never reached the inn as the delivery man, Masaki was attacked in an alley.
On where the other fugu originated, the only other fugu provider was Takomaru, Toto’s rival. Though Toto had doubts that Takomaru would stoop so low to defame him, he guided the authorities to Takomaru’s shop.
While Toto waited outside, Ishida and Usagi confronted Takomaru on the death of Oga. Takomaru was angered thinking that this was an accusation by Toto. Usagi noticing a plate of prepared fugu in Takomaru on his table, one with same knifemanship pointed out as proof that the fugu that Oga ate did indeed come from Takomaru’s shop.
However Takomaru stated he did not prepare that dish on the table. A horrified realization dawn on the fish monger as he turned to the person who did prepare the fugu, his son. Takomaru’s son confessed that it was he who delivered the fugu to Oga, having prepared a dish for the official without Takomaru’s oversight. He then went to the inn that Oga was staying, having been let in by the innkeeper assuming he was sent by Toto. When he met with Oga he presented the dish of fugu and asked for his patronage. The government official was more than happy about the free fugu, but things went terrible as Oga succumbed to fugu poisoning and died in front of the apprentice.
The son panicked and left the inn. When he saw Masaki coming to deliver fugu and at the spur of the moment attacked him. He hoped that no one would think he would be involved and Toto would be blamed. However it appeared not.
Although in spite of his action the son did so only to make his father proud. Takomaru was incensed at what his son had done, as he had told him many times that he was not ready to prepare fugu without supervision. And now his criminal actions had ruined their business. Faced with the guilt of having killed Oga and also, assuming he killed Masaki, Takomaru’s son believed there was only one way to redeem himself and wash away the dishonor he place on his father and their shop.
His son then seized the liver of a fugu and prepared to eat it and commit suicide. Takomaru seeing what his son intended to do, pleaded the authorities to stop him. Usagi attempted to restrain the son, though failed to prevent him from eating the poisonous liver. Takomaru then wept to his knees at the loss of his son.
Staff[]
Takomaru[]
An ill-tempered fishmonger who is jealous of his rival’s success. While he has a foul personality, he does care for his son.
Takomaru’s Son[]
A young apprentice to his father Takomaru. While his knifework is poor, wishes to make his father proud.
Source[]
- Usagi Yojimbo Issue 160 (2016)