Mito Komon

The main character in Mito Komon is based on Tokugawa Mitsukun, one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's grandsons and lord of the province of Mito (now Ibaraki prefecture). Born in 1628, he was a scholarly recluse best known for researching the Dai-Nipponshi, a history of ancient Japan. Late in his life, he adopted the literary name "Komon'' (Yellow Gate). The stories are based on popular legends about his incognito rovings around Ibaraki. Of course, in the series, he also puts right any wrongs wherever he finds them. 

The plots are basically the same. Accompanied by his two faithful attendants, Kaku and Suke, as well as his servant Hachibei and sometimes a shadowy ninja-like character, Mito Komon wanders around the countryside, helping those he finds oppressed by corrupt officials or evil landlords. 

A violent struggle typically ensues near the end of each show, at which point one of his attendants flashes Komon's inro, a lacquered case bearing the Tokugawa crest, thus revealing his true identity and proclaiming: ''Koko ni owasu o-kata koso, mae no fuku-shogun Mito Mitsukuni-kou ni araserareruzo.'' (Here before you is Lord Mitsukuni of Mito, uncle of the Shogun.)

Realizing they are facing someone who wields incredible power, the evil doers drop to their knees and grovel. Suppressing their rage at being outdone, the show ends with Mito Komon always putting everything right once again and then continuing on his journey.