Jirozaemon

One backpack full of lucky (but inedible) rocks, two stripes of berry-juice war paint, and a bitter, years-long rivalry with a squirrel. Every year in The Heart of the Forest, Jirozaemon enters the Great Tree-Climbing Race, certain this time will be different. Last season, they dreamt of Namazu, who showed them visions of swirling rivers and offered cryptic advice: “Try distracting it with a nut.” This strategy resulted in Jirozaemon losing their best climbing nut and finishing fourth, just behind the squirrel, who seemed to wink at them from the finish line. Their uneasy expression is permanent preparation for the next inevitable, humiliating defeat. They train daily, convinced the Rock Chakra on their back will one day provide the edge they need.