Kintarō Refereeing a Wrestling Match between a Tengu and a Rooster, no. 10 from the series Bravery Matched with the Twelve Animals of the Zodiac

In this clever series by Kuniyoshi, he pairs the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac with famous heroes from history and legend. Kintarō was a child superhero, the son of the Thunder God and Yamauba, the Mountain Witch. He grew up in the forest with animals—bears, rabbits, monkeys—as his playmates. He was often depicted in red or orange, symbolizing his strength and energy.

Here Kintarō is officiating for a wrestling match between a rooster, representing the year of the rooster, and a small tengu. The print playfully mixes the Japanese tradition of cockfighting with sumo wrestling—Kintarō has torn off his clothes as if he is ready to take on the winner.