along, long time ago, in a certain place, there lived an old man and woman who were poor but very kindhearted. It was New Year's Eve in a certain year. The old man and the old woman made some straw hats together. They planned to take them to the nearby town to sell, and use the money to buy some mochi rice cakes for the New Year. "There are five straw hats, so we should easily be able to buy some rice cakes," said the old man. "Please go and do so then. But it's expected to snow tonight, so do be careful," replied the old woman. So the old man took the five straw hats and set off for the town.