Rewritten:
The Doll's Essence
Sakichi was a popular hairdresser in Edo, admired for his mild-mannered personality. He declares his love for Haru, his childhood pal and fellow worker, who reciprocates his affection. Nevertheless, as he encounters Satsuki, a Bunraku doll with striking realism, he finds himself losing vitality. The more magnificent she becomes, the further he distances himself from his beloved Haru.
Midnight Theater
Mitsu, on her wedding night, unexpectedly passes away. She finds herself trapped in a coffin, with the spirits of the departed surrounding her, despairing of never seeing her husband Hanji again. Other women's tales of their deaths bring her some solace until a visitor to her graveyard reminishes her of the life she had left behind. Hanji comes to visit her every night, and Mitsu studies Jigoku Dayu's dance by day.
Sleeping Beauty
Yuki, a tailor, has always had an eye for the supernatural, including Aya's spirit, who has been sleeping for three years. Yuki wonders if Aya's affliction is related to a fire that injured her boyfriend, Gorou.
Clockwork Naivety
Matsue, a spoiled and self-centered heiress to a kimono shop, competes with her friend Shizue in every conceivable way. Matsue disdains Shizue's fiance and is critical of the clockwork dolls they admire until an archery doll takes her somewhere where she can have everything for a price.
The Absent Groom
Sakae is dreading his upcoming marriage to Akane, his youth tormentor. He wishes he could marry the more restrained woman depicted in an inn's artwork. On the day of the wedding, the groom vanishes without a trace.
