{"id":110,"date":"2026-02-19T21:08:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T12:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kabukiguide.jp\/en\/?p=110"},"modified":"2026-03-20T11:29:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T02:29:26","slug":"what-is-kanjincho%e5%8b%a7%e9%80%b2%e5%b8%b3-from-the-kabuki-juhachiban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kabukiguide.jp\/en\/what-is-kanjincho%e5%8b%a7%e9%80%b2%e5%b8%b3-from-the-kabuki-juhachiban\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Kanjinch\u014d(\u52e7\u9032\u5e33) from the \u201cKabuki J\u016bhachiban\u201d?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kanjinch\u014d\u201d is one of the plays in the famous \u201cKabuki J\u016bhachiban<\/strong>\u201d repertoire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Kanjinch\u014d<\/em> from the \u201cKabuki J\u016bhachiban\u201d? | Overview of the Play<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kanjinch\u014d<\/strong><\/em> is one of the most celebrated plays counted among the \u201cKabuki J\u016bhachiban\u201d (Eighteen Best Kabuki Plays), representing the essence of Kabuki theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally, it was performed as a specialty of the Ichikawa family, who inherited the style of the first Ichikawa Danj\u016br\u014d, the founder of aragoto<\/em> (rough style) acting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, due to a lack of strong heirs in the family, other actors gradually began performing the role of Benkei. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Kanjinch\u014d<\/em> <\/strong>is considered a representative Kabuki classic, and the three main roles\u2014Benkei, Yoshitsune, and Togashi\u2014are traditionally performed at least once in the career of a top Kabuki actor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The play depicts the scene in which Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his loyal retainer Benkei attempt to pass through the Ataka checkpoint on their way to the Oshu region, fleeing from the pursuit of Yoshitsune\u2019s older brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kanjinch\u014d<\/em> <\/strong>is performed as a one-act play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story is adapted from the famous Noh play Ataka<\/em>.
The stage setting imitates the Noh style with matsubame<\/em> (pine-patterned backdrop), and the costumes are similarly influenced by Noh.
Kabuki retains the tense atmosphere of Noh while adding the boldness of aragoto<\/em> and a deeply human drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note:<\/em> \u201cKanjinch\u014d\u201d refers to a scroll used to solicit donations for a temple.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Synopsis of Kanjinch\u014d<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Togashi\u2019s Entrance<\/strong>
At the Ataka checkpoint on the Hokuriku road, the samurai Togashi Saemon is on high alert.
He has received orders from the Kamakura shogunate to capture Minamoto no Yoshitsune,<\/strong> who has fallen out of favor with his elder brother, Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Yoshitsune<\/span><\/strong> is said to be fleeing disguised as a yamabushi<\/strong> (mountain ascetic), and Togashi, with his attendants, is prepared to stop him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note:<\/em> Yoshitsune is also referred to as H\u014dgandono<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Party Arrives<\/strong>
Yoshitsune<\/strong>, a hero who played a key role in defeating the Taira clan, is now suspected of treason by his brother.
With his loyal retainer Benkei and others, he flees to seek refuge with the Fujiwara family in the Oshu region.
Benkei<\/span><\/strong>, a real yamabushi trained on Mount Hiei, devises a plan: the party disguises themselves as yamabushi, with Yoshitsune dressed as a strong porter carrying the luggage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading the Kanjinch\u014d<\/em><\/strong>
Benkei claims they are collecting donations (kanjin<\/em>) to help rebuild the burned Todai-ji Temple.
Togashi, however, already suspects their disguise and strictly forbids passage to yamabushi.
To clear their names, Benkei <\/strong>and his men recite a formal appeal to convince Togashi. Impressed, Togashi orders Benkei to read the kanjinch\u014d<\/em> scroll.
Benkei improvises with a scroll he has on hand, reading aloud the donation request as if it were genuine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yamabushi Questions<\/strong>
Togashi, admiring Benkei\u2019s skill, questions him about the meaning behind the yamabushi attire and the secret \u201cnine-syllable mantra\u201d (kuji no shingon<\/em>).
Benkei explains that each item represents a Buddhist figure and demonstrates the proper use of the mantra.
Satisfied, Togashi apologizes for his suspicion and offers donations as if for the temple\u2019s reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Beating (Ch\u014dchaku<\/em>)<\/strong>
Just as the party is about to leave, Togashi is told a porter resembles Yoshitsune.
He stops them again.
To prove their loyalty and honesty, Benkei strikes Yoshitsune with his staff. Even so, Togashi remains doubtful.
Benkei then threatens, \u201cIf you still doubt, I could kill this porter right here,\u201d showing his readiness to sacrifice himself for his lord.
Moved by Benkei\u2019s devotion, Togashi finally allows them to pass, accepting the risk himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yoshitsune and Benkei Speak<\/strong>
Once Togashi departs, Yoshitsune and his men praise Benkei\u2019s quick thinking.
However, Benkei feels deep guilt for striking his lord.
Yoshitsun<\/strong>e comforts him, sharing the hardships of their battles and praising his resourcefulness.
Benkei apologizes,<\/strong> tears in his eyes, but Yoshitsune accepts his loyalty and forgives the act, allowing the party to continue their journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benkei\u2019s Ennen no Mai<\/em> (Dance of Eternal Years)<\/strong>
After passing the checkpoint, Togashi offers Benkei sake as an apology for doubting him.
Drinking and recalling memories from his youth, Benkei performs the Ennen no Mai<\/em>,<\/strong> a dance he learned as a child at Mount Hiei.
Realizing Togashi\u2019s intention\u2014allowing them to escape while enjoying the sake\u2014Benkei drinks heartily and continues dancing, signaling his comrades to set off ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying Six Directions (Tobi-Roppo<\/em>)<\/strong>
Finally, Benkei, carrying a pack and staff, sets off toward Oshu.
Pausing briefly to show gratitude to Togashi and the gods, he retreats down the hanamichi<\/em> with a dramatic Tobi-Roppo<\/em> step, energetically pursuing his lord to continue the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n