Who Is The Swindler (Suppa)?

The Swindler (Suppa) is the role of a con man or thief in kyogen, Japan's traditional comic theater. The word "suppa" could also originally refer to a shinobi, or ninja. In kyogen he is a smooth-talking trickster who preys on naive people in the streets of the capital, appearing in Suehirogari as well as plays such as Busshi and Rokujizo.

In Episode 1, Suehirogari, he spots Taro Kaja walking around calling out that he wants to buy a "suehirogari." He talks Taro Kaja into paying a high price for an old umbrella, insisting that its ribs, paper, pivot, and painting are all perfect. For all his cheating, he has a likable side: he teaches Taro Kaja a festive song, "Kasa o sasu naru Kasugayama," to put the master back in a good mood. This song becomes the key to how the story ends.