The Magic Ballad
1982, Japanese. Directed by Tadanari Okamoto.
The 25 minute film tells the tale of an ailing elderly woman named Itako who encounters a fox named Okon. The story opens with Itako lying bedridden, as she has for a long time. Okon enters her home and Itako tells the fox that he is welcome to take anything that he wants, for she has no use for anything anymore. Okon is delighted and in order to return the favour (the act of ongaeshi), Okon performs a magic jyōruri (a ballad with shamisen accompaniment) that heals Itako so that she is fit enough to walk again. Everyone is surprised by Itako's sudden recovery. She then hears of a hunter who has been badly injured and is near death. Itako hides Okon in the back of her shirt and has the fox sing the song while she plays shamisen in order to heal the man. This act of kindness is repeated for others until Itako's good fortune leads some to be suspicious of her.
- Runtime
- 0h 26m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Magic Ballad
The Magic Ballad isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 January 1982.
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Details
- Released
- 1 January 1982
- Original title
- おこんじょうるり
- Country
- Japan
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News & fan talk
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The Magic Ballad: quick answers
Is The Magic Ballad worth watching?
The Magic Ballad doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Magic Ballad?
The Magic Ballad runs 26 minutes (0h 26m).
Does The Magic Ballad have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Magic Ballad. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Magic Ballad parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Magic Ballad yet.
Which OTT platform is The Magic Ballad on?
The Magic Ballad isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 January 1982. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Magic Ballad?
If you liked The Magic Ballad, try Babes in the Woods, The House, The Pied Piper.
Who directed The Magic Ballad?
The Magic Ballad (1982) was directed by Tadanari Okamoto and stars Teruko Nagaoka, Tetsuo Goto.