OVA
Description
Momotaro originates from Japanese folklore, born from a giant peach discovered by an elderly, childless woman washing clothes in a river. The couple named him Momotaro, combining "momo" (peach) and "tarō" (a common name for firstborn sons). As an adult, he journeyed to defeat ogres (oni) on Onigashima (Demon Island), accompanied by three animal companions—a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant—who joined him in exchange for millet dumplings. He vanquished the ogres, returning to his village as a celebrated hero who lived comfortably with riches and glory.
In the afterlife, Momotaro arrives in Hell as a spirit. He initially exhibits pride and arrogance, frequently boasting about his past exploits and demanding to fight Hell's resident oni to relive his glory days. This behavior causes disruptions, particularly near the understaffed Animal Torture Hell division. His three animal companions—Shiro the dog, Kakisuke the monkey, and Rurio the pheasant—accompany him but reveal his original victory occurred only because the demons were intoxicated, criticizing his inflated ego and lack of post-victory compassion.
Hoozuki, Hell's chief of staff, intervenes to reform Momotaro. After a physical and verbal confrontation, Hoozuki reprimands him, leading to Momotaro's apology and acceptance of a new role. He is reassigned to work in Togenkyo, a celestial realm associated with Heaven, under the supervision of Hakutaku, an expert in Chinese medicine. This transition marks a significant shift: Momotaro abandons pretentious samurai attire for Muromachi-period working clothes and adopts a more docile, hardworking personality. He becomes a diligent employee at Hakutaku's pharmacy, showing genuine interest in medicinal herbs and respectfully addressing Hoozuki as "Hoozuki-sama" in gratitude for his guidance.
Momotaro's afterlife relationships are defined by professionalism and growth. He deeply respects Hakutaku as his boss, valuing his vast knowledge of oriental medicine and attentively learning from him, though he frequently expresses disapproval of Hakutaku's flirtatious behavior toward women. Hakutaku treats him amiably, assigning the nickname "Taotaro-kun" (using the Chinese word "tao" for peach). Momotaro maintains unwavering respect for Hoozuki, acknowledging him as the figure who redirected his path. Hoozuki reciprocates by treating Momotaro as a friend, checking on his well-being during visits.
His animal companions become employed as torturers in Hell's Animal Torture Hell section, specializing in punishing souls guilty of cruelty to animals. This role occasionally resurfaces past regrets, such as Kakisuke's remorse over his actions toward a crab in the original folktale.
In later appearances, such as an OVA episode, Momotaro faces challenges like deciphering Hakutaku's poorly drawn instructions for preparing medicine. This reinforces his role as a dedicated but occasionally flustered employee, solidifying his growth from a boastful warrior to a responsible member of the afterlife's bureaucracy.
In the afterlife, Momotaro arrives in Hell as a spirit. He initially exhibits pride and arrogance, frequently boasting about his past exploits and demanding to fight Hell's resident oni to relive his glory days. This behavior causes disruptions, particularly near the understaffed Animal Torture Hell division. His three animal companions—Shiro the dog, Kakisuke the monkey, and Rurio the pheasant—accompany him but reveal his original victory occurred only because the demons were intoxicated, criticizing his inflated ego and lack of post-victory compassion.
Hoozuki, Hell's chief of staff, intervenes to reform Momotaro. After a physical and verbal confrontation, Hoozuki reprimands him, leading to Momotaro's apology and acceptance of a new role. He is reassigned to work in Togenkyo, a celestial realm associated with Heaven, under the supervision of Hakutaku, an expert in Chinese medicine. This transition marks a significant shift: Momotaro abandons pretentious samurai attire for Muromachi-period working clothes and adopts a more docile, hardworking personality. He becomes a diligent employee at Hakutaku's pharmacy, showing genuine interest in medicinal herbs and respectfully addressing Hoozuki as "Hoozuki-sama" in gratitude for his guidance.
Momotaro's afterlife relationships are defined by professionalism and growth. He deeply respects Hakutaku as his boss, valuing his vast knowledge of oriental medicine and attentively learning from him, though he frequently expresses disapproval of Hakutaku's flirtatious behavior toward women. Hakutaku treats him amiably, assigning the nickname "Taotaro-kun" (using the Chinese word "tao" for peach). Momotaro maintains unwavering respect for Hoozuki, acknowledging him as the figure who redirected his path. Hoozuki reciprocates by treating Momotaro as a friend, checking on his well-being during visits.
His animal companions become employed as torturers in Hell's Animal Torture Hell section, specializing in punishing souls guilty of cruelty to animals. This role occasionally resurfaces past regrets, such as Kakisuke's remorse over his actions toward a crab in the original folktale.
In later appearances, such as an OVA episode, Momotaro faces challenges like deciphering Hakutaku's poorly drawn instructions for preparing medicine. This reinforces his role as a dedicated but occasionally flustered employee, solidifying his growth from a boastful warrior to a responsible member of the afterlife's bureaucracy.