Anju and Zushioumaru enjoy a tranquil existence in rural Japan alongside their benevolent father—the steward of the emperor"s hunting reserve who instills in his children reverence for nature and guardianship over wildlife. The regional lord accuses him of setting the reserve ablaze; Anju and Zushioumaru, together with their mother and several animals, flee to Kyoto to petition the emperor for their father"s absolution. Yet Anju and Zushioumaru become estranged from their mother and are sold into bondage after being deceived into boarding an incorrect vessel. Their ruthless overseer compels them to undertake grueling labor under the menace of punishment. Luckily, Saburou—the overseer"s son—feels compassion for their suffering. The twins possess no arms and constantly dread retribution for disobedient servitude. In these dire conditions, they must strive to reclaim the joy they once possessed in their former lives for happiness.
Toei Animation Japan