The play

The play was created in Edo in 1729 with Ichikawa Danjuro II in the lead role. The current version was modified in 1882 by Ichikawa Danjuro IX.It is a typical "aragoto" style play, a family art of the Icjhikawa line of actors. 

The expression aragoto is an abbreviation of aramushagoto, which means literally "the reckless warrior matter". This is in fact a Kabuki bombastic style exaggerating all the aspects of the role (acting, wig, make-up (kumadori), costumes, dialogues, oversized swords) to portray valiant warriors, fierce gods or demons. It is the opposite style of the soft wagoto created by Sakata Tojuro I.

The play takes place in the house of Soga Gorô Tokimune in Sagami province with the Mount Fuji at the back of the stage and Soga Gorô's amazing collection of oversized weapons (giant swords, huge arrows,..). It is the first day of the year and Soga Gorô is busy sharpening one of his arrowheads. He has a visit from a friend which gives him a magic scroll which gives a premonitory dream if he uses it as pillow on the first night of the year. In his dream, Gorô sees his brother as prisoner in a palace, wakes up and leaves triumphantly the stage through the hanamichi to go and deliver his brother. 

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