An elderly woman named Itako has been ill and bedridden for a long time. One day, a fox named Okon enters her home and Itako tells the fox that he is welcome to take anything that he wants, for she has no use for anything anymore. Okon is delighted and in order to return the favour (the act of ongaeshi), Okon performs a magic joururi (a ballad with shamisen accompaniment) that heals Itako so that she is fit enough to walk again.
Everyone is surprised by Itako`s sudden recovery. She then hears of a hunter who has been badly injured and is near death. Itako hides Okon in the back of her shirt and has the fox sing the song while she plays shamisen in order to heal the man. This act of kindness is repeated for others until Itako`s good fortune leads some to be suspicious of her.
Source: Nishikata Film Review
