'Aoto Zoshi Hana no Nishiki-e' (???????); as the original and fullest version of this play is known; is a tale in five acts of the shiranamimono (tales of thieves) sub-category of the kizewamono (rough contemporary piece) genre of kabuki plays. Written by Kawatake Mokuami; it first premiered at the Ichimura-za in Edo in March 1862.

The play centers on a band of five thieves; based on real thieves and criminals of Edo period Osaka: Karigane Bunshichi; An no Heibei; Gokuin Sen'emon; Kaminari Shokuro and Hotei Ichiemon. The name of Nippon Daemon; the leader of the band; is taken from that of Nippon Saemon; who was captured and executed in 1747. The character of Benten Kozo; meanwhile; is said to have been based upon a servant at the Iwamoto-in temple on Enoshima; an island dedicated to the goddess Benten. Pictures From History