TV-Series
Description
Damesuke Amano works as a salaryman at a clothing company, enduring constant workplace bullying and reprimands from superiors. At home, he suffers relentless physical and psychological abuse from his wife, Fuyuko "Onibaba" Amano, and their children Yukiko and Takobo. This dynamic subverts traditional Japanese family roles, as he holds no authority despite being the father; his family assaults and belittles him, treating him as a punching bag.
Initially portrayed as perpetually hapless and submissive, Damesuke's life changes dramatically when wealthy young woman Himiko Yamato appoints him president of her new company, "No-Good Father." This elevation earns him newfound respect from his family, particularly Onibaba, who ceases her abuse upon seeing his success. Despite this, Damesuke eventually resigns the presidency to explore other occupations, including hotel management, seeking fulfillment beyond corporate titles. His journey leads to self-discovery, culminating in relocating to Okuyama Village without informing his family to understand human happiness.
In the 2004 OVA, Damesuke experiences an alternate storyline. After confiding domestic suffering to Yukiko's teacher, Ms. Aino, he discovers Onibaba's infidelity with his boss. This prompts him to initiate divorce proceedings, opposed by Onibaba and Takobo but supported by Yukiko, who changes her view of her father. During the confrontation, Yukiko protects Damesuke from Onibaba's violence, leading to Onibaba's arrest and Takobo's placement in community service. Damesuke subsequently proposes to Ms. Aino, beginning a new life with her and Yukiko.
Damesuke maintains a friendship with Rokubee, a talking stray dog sharing his misfortunes. He occasionally shows concern for his children, like attempting to help Takobo confront school bullies, though these efforts often backfire. His third son, Ikataro, later joins him in Okuyama Village, where both encounter Daizaemon, another talking dog exhibiting human-like behavior.
Damesuke's resilience amid continuous adversity reflects creator Mitsutoshi Furuya's own experiences; Furuya's childhood in wartime China and subsequent bullying in Japan (earning him the "Manshu" nickname) informed Damesuke's unflappable, optimistic demeanor despite ongoing challenges.
Initially portrayed as perpetually hapless and submissive, Damesuke's life changes dramatically when wealthy young woman Himiko Yamato appoints him president of her new company, "No-Good Father." This elevation earns him newfound respect from his family, particularly Onibaba, who ceases her abuse upon seeing his success. Despite this, Damesuke eventually resigns the presidency to explore other occupations, including hotel management, seeking fulfillment beyond corporate titles. His journey leads to self-discovery, culminating in relocating to Okuyama Village without informing his family to understand human happiness.
In the 2004 OVA, Damesuke experiences an alternate storyline. After confiding domestic suffering to Yukiko's teacher, Ms. Aino, he discovers Onibaba's infidelity with his boss. This prompts him to initiate divorce proceedings, opposed by Onibaba and Takobo but supported by Yukiko, who changes her view of her father. During the confrontation, Yukiko protects Damesuke from Onibaba's violence, leading to Onibaba's arrest and Takobo's placement in community service. Damesuke subsequently proposes to Ms. Aino, beginning a new life with her and Yukiko.
Damesuke maintains a friendship with Rokubee, a talking stray dog sharing his misfortunes. He occasionally shows concern for his children, like attempting to help Takobo confront school bullies, though these efforts often backfire. His third son, Ikataro, later joins him in Okuyama Village, where both encounter Daizaemon, another talking dog exhibiting human-like behavior.
Damesuke's resilience amid continuous adversity reflects creator Mitsutoshi Furuya's own experiences; Furuya's childhood in wartime China and subsequent bullying in Japan (earning him the "Manshu" nickname) informed Damesuke's unflappable, optimistic demeanor despite ongoing challenges.