絵本太功記～尼ケ崎閑居（Ehon Taikoki: Amagasaki Kankyo）

Mitsuhide thrusts his bamboo spear into the bath, but the victim is unexpected

Mitsuhide kills his master at Honnoji Temple, and thrusts a bamboo spear into a bath in hopes of killing his arch-rival Hisayoshi, who has been hiding in Amagasaki. However, he discovers to his horror that he has killed his own mother. She has substituted herself for the intended victim, and dies while chastising her son for the inhuman act of murdering his master. Mitsuhide’s son also appears heavily wounded after a battle and dies as well. Mitsuhide thus loses both his mother and son simultaneously, paying a heavy price for his rebellious acts.

Synopsis

by Komiya Akiko

Three generations: mother-in-law, bride, granddaughter

Takechi Mitsuhide has been enduring the continued humiliation of his master Oda Harunaga. On 2 June, he kills him at night at Honnoji Temple in Kyoto. Mitsuhide’s mother Satsuki disapproves of the son’s murder of his own master. She goes to a small cottage in Amagasaki. Mitsuhide’s wife Misao and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Hatsugiku come to see if she is okay.

【Left】Satsuki（Nakamura Tozo）　May 2012　Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

【Center】Misao（Nakamura Kaishun）　April 2011　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre

【Right】Hatsugiku（Nakamura Fukusuke）　December 2003　Kabukiza Theatre

Good-natured mendicant monk

Mashiba Hisayoshi arrives in the disguise of a mendicant monk. He asks to spend the night. The grandmother agrees and offers him the bath.

Mashiba Hisayoshi（Onoe Kikugoro）　April 2011　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre

Modest celebration upon first battle

Mitsuhide ’s son Jujiro arrives and asks his grandmother for permission to attend a battle. She agrees, knowing full well that he may not come back alive. She offers a celebratory cup of sake to toast the marriage of her beloved grandson and his fiancé. Hatsugiku meanwhile tearfully prepares the armor for his departure.

Takechi Jujiro（Nakamura Kankuro）　December 2003　Kabukiza Theatre

A sudden appearance

After Jujiro has gone, Mitsuhide appears from the garden. Thinking Hisayoshi is in the bath, he thrusts a bamboo spear to kill him. He finds to his horror that he has stabbed his own mother Satsuki, who has entered the bath as a substitute. Near to death, she tries to convince Mitsuhide to change his mind, but he refuses to listen.

【Left】Takechi Mitsuhide（Ichikawa Danjuro）　December 2003　Kabukiza Theatre

【Right】Satsuki（Nakamura Tozo）　May 2012　Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

The medicine

Jujiro comes back from the battle. He has been severely wounded and loses consciousness. Mitsuhide gives his son medicine to revive him. Jujiro tells with difficulty about the battle, ultimately dying in his wife’s arms. Satsuki then dies as well. Having lost both his mother and son, Hideyoshi cries uncontrollably. The monk steps up and reveals his identity as the enemy Hisayoshi, accompanied by his ally Sato Masakiyo. They promise to meet Hideyoshi on the battlefield.

【Left】［from left］Takechi Jujiro（Nakamura Tokizo）、Takechi Mitsuhide（Ichikawa Danjuro）　April 2011　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre

【Center】Misao（Nakamura Tokizo）　May 2012　Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

【Right】［from left］Sato Masakiyo（Bando Mitsugoro）、Takechi Mitsuhide（Ichikawa Danjuro）、Mashiba Hisayoshi（Onoe Kikugoro）　April 2011　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre

Ehon Taikoki: Amagasaki Kankyo （ ）