Tomokichi is a skilled carpenter with one serious weakness: gambling. To break completely with his old life and become worthy of marrying O-Kiku, the daughter of his former master, he leaves Edo and works in the Kansai region for three years. Before departing, he entrusts O-Kiku to his younger fellow carpenter, Kakutaro. Three years later, Tomokichi returns. He has kept his promise and changed his life. But the news waiting for him is devastating. He is told that O-Kiku and Kakutaro became husband and wife only months after his departure. Anger, disbelief, and betrayal overwhelm him. Yet the truth is not what it appears to be. Kakutaro has not stolen O-Kiku from him. He has been protecting her, preserving the promise Tomokichi left behind. As misunderstandings unravel, a great flood strikes Fukagawa, forcing the three to confront not only danger, but the meaning of trust itself. "The Third Year" is a moving story of promise, jealousy, friendship, love, and the courage to believe in another person. Written by Shugoro Yamamoto.
Narrated by Shichimi Shungorō.
Produced and published by Marutake Shobo. 腕のいい大工・友吉には、博打という悪い癖があった。 親方の娘・お菊と夫婦になるため、友吉は博打仲間との縁を断ち、上方へ出稼ぎに出る。 お菊のことは、弟分の大工・角太郎に託した。 そして三年。 働き抜き、心を入れ替えた友吉が江戸へ戻る。 ところが、彼を待っていたのは信じ難い話だった。 自分が旅立って半年もしないうちに、お菊と角太郎が夫婦になったという。 怒りと疑念にかられた友吉は二人を探す。 しかし真実は、彼が想像したものとは違っていた。 角太郎は友を裏切ったのではない。 お菊を守り、友吉との約束を守るために、夫婦を装っていたのである。 そして折しも深川を大水が襲う。 三年間の離別、疑念、嫉妬を越えて試されるのは、約束そのものではなく、人を信じ抜く心だった。 友情、恋、誠実、信頼を描く、山本周五郎の下町人情短編。
