Kabuki Plus
Playwright and his model
Hasegawa Shin was born in Yokohama in 1884 to a poor family and was working from a young age. At 14, when he was working as a delivery boy at a restaurant in Shinagawa, a prostitute told him, “If you’re hanging around a place like this at your age, what is your future going to be like?” She gave him money and sweets as encouragement. This prostitute, Otaka, was the model for Otsuta in The Sword and the Sumo Ring. Later, Hasegawa became a newspaper journalist, and became famous with his novel, “The Nighttime Fixer” in 1924. The following year, he became a full-time novelist. He later searched for Otaka but never found her.
Owarabushi folk song
Otsuta sings a local folk song “Owarabushi” from a town called Yao. That becomes the clue that ultimately reunites her with Mohei. Owarabushi is a beautiful song sung to a kokyu, a Chinese stringed instrument with a poignant sound. This song is still played today to an elegant dance during the summer festival in Yao each September. The lyrics say, “We are friends, we are the rape flowers. Once we pass our peak, we scatter.”
Characterization of Mohei
notable!Mohei was modeled after Masago Iwa, a low-ranked wrestler active during the Taisho Period. He did not have many fans because of his irascible temperament. His specialty was head-butting. The actor Kikugoro VI adopted his mannerisms in creating the character. The play’s final clash includes humorous references to sumo matches, such as the head-butt-and-thrust combination and sumo warm-up rituals. Mohei becomes a gambler in the play’s second half, which is also said to be based on a real-life professional gambler.
Characterization of Otsuta
There is a scene where Otsuta cheers up Mohei by calling at him playfully. Female-role specialists such as Utaemon VI all stand from the second floor window and wave their hands at this point. In contrast, Kawarazaki Kunitaro V, hailing from the modern Zenshinza group, argues that if she were from a poor background, she wouldn’t be willing to give all her money to Mohei. He insists that she must be from a wealthy merchant family that failed in business, after which she drifted to the inn. When she calls Mohei from the second floor, it is not a cheerful call but a mournful cry reflecting her own fate.
Shabby, humble characters
notable!None of the protagonists in Hasegawa’s works are successes. He creates humble characters in average lives who live each day to the fullest even though their dreams may not come true. The author depicts even small characters in detail. Minor characters like nannies and two gabby old boatmen are memorable, giving supporting actors a chance to shine. Certain traditions further enliven this drama, such as the use of a rising actor in the role of Nekichi.
