Benkei

The play

This play Kanjincho (the Subscription list) was premiered in 1840 in Edo. It is derived from a Nô theater play named “Ataka” and is now the most popular play of the current repertoire. It is part of the 18 best kabuki plays as defined by Ichikawa Danjuro VII in mid-19th century. It is based on the moral dilemma faced by Benkei, trapped between lying and the loyalty to his master, forced to beat him to ensure he is not recognized. 

The play is based on historical facts and tells of an episode of the flight of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his faithful servant monk-soldier Benkei when chased by the shogun’s troops. Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189) was the general of the Genji clan whose successes allowed his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199) to seize power and become shogun. But the latter became wary of  Yoshitsune’s fame and decided to get him killed. After numerous adventures, like the one told in this play, they were caught in Komoro-gawa castle and killed by Yoritomo's soldiers.

Main characters

• Togashi Saemon: Samouraï loyal to the shogun, in charge of the barrier and its troops 

• Minamoto no Yoshitsune: Half-brother to the Shogun, on the run

• Benkei:  Monk-soldier and bodygard to Yoshitsune

The plot

The play starts at the control barrier where Togachi Saemon reminds his men to be on the lookout for the fugitives. A small group approaches with Benkei in the lead and followed by Yoshitsune disguised as a porter with a large hat and a heavy load and four retainers disguised as priests. Benkei, an ex-priest, announces to the guards that they are priests wishing to pass the barrier. He goes on to say that they have been sent to collect funds for the restoration of Tôdaiji Temple at Nara.

But Togashi is suspicious and ask them to prove themselves to be genuine priests. Togashi asks Benkei if he has a kanjinchô or list of contributors. Benkei takes a blank scroll, which he unwinds and begins reading aloud. As Togashi moves forward, he sees that there is nothing written on the scroll and he knows now that the scroll is a fake. Benkei realizes that Togashi has discovered the truth. Togashi then asks Benkei about the costume and equipment of a priest and the meaning of some difficult Buddhist terms. Benkei answers all these questions correctly. Togashi is very impressed by Benkei's display of knowledge and is about to let them through when one soldier calls his attention to the porter in the rear, saying the porter resembles Yoshitsune.  Benkei tries to prove that the porter is not Yoshitsune, then pretends to be angry and beats Yoshitsune bitterly. Togashi is sure that the porter is Yoshitsune, yet as he watches Benkei beat his master, , he realizes deeply what a predicament it must be for his loyalty. When Benkei offers to beat him to death, if necessary, Togashi stops him and let them go through.

Once out of sight, Yoshitsune thanks Benkei for saving his life and extol Benkei's courage and resourcefulness. Benkei, however, apologizes for beating his master and for the first time in his life, Benkei bursts into tears. He leaves the stage via the hanamichi (long raised platform, running on the left side of the stage allowing for the entry and exit of the actors) in a memorable finale. 

The actor

Matsumoto Kôshirô VII (1870-1949) was the best Tachiyaku (actor playing young hero roles) in the first half of 20th century. Best disciple of Ichikawa Danjûrô IX, he transmitted his master's knowledge, traditions and acting methods to his three sons who became then the best tachiyaku of the second half of the twentieth century.

The roles of Benkei and Togashi were created by Matsumoto Koshiro V and Ichikawa Danjuro VIII. They are now specialties of their actor lines. 

The role of Benkei is one of the most famed in the Kabuki repertory. It demands a big voice, skill as a dancer, and an ability to invest a typical anti-hero with nobility and larger-than-life presence. It is easy to recognize this role as Benkei always wears a black priest hat as member of a mountain priest sect and his kimono is decorated with white fluffy pompoms on the front.  

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