Kanjinchö

Catalog note / 解説

Kanjinchö, a drama inspired by the Yoshitsune legends, is one of eighteen celebrated Kabuki plays. It evoked deep sympathy from the audience and helped immortalize Yoshitsune as one of the most beloved tragic heroes in Japanese history. Fleeing the manhunt ordered by his brother Yoritomo, Yoshitsune, accompanied by a handful of followers disguised as yamabushi (mountain priests), reaches the Ataka Barrier, only to be recognized by the barrier keeper, Togashi. In one of the most dramatic moments of the play, Benkei snatches Yoshitsune's staff and furiously beats his master in order to allay Togashi's suspicion. In a classic example of the Kabuki theme of giri (sense of duty) in conflict with…