A townsman uses unarmed techniques to to defeat an armed samurai. Although the wearing of two swords was restricted to the samurai class , these swaggering warriors didn't always have it their own way. Many stories tell of bands of chonin (townsfolk) in cities such as Edo or Osaka who joined together in groups to defeat unscrupulous samurai.

Both parties here are wearing kimono, a long flowing garment like a dressing gown. Underneath are hakama (trousers), fastened with a pair of straps from front to back. The straps were concealed by a stiffened flap at the back and a pair of tying cords secured neatly at the front. The swords were thrust into these belts.