At the Border Checkpoint
お関所
At a major border checkpoint in the Hakone mountains, the morning begins with the sounds of sparrows and crows. Traveling entertainers from Mishima and Odawara gather at the gate, hoping to pass through. However, a strict declaration is made: no one may cross without a proper pass, causing anxiety among those without steady jobs or documentation.
A kind official then offers an alternative: anyone who can demonstrate their entertainment skills may be allowed through the checkpoint. The travelers must now showcase their talents to gain passage, turning the border into a stage for performance and ingenuity.
