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Embracing the Legend of Yoshitsune Through Traditional Japanese Music —Tracing the Saga
National Noh Theatre
Embracing the Legend of Yoshitsune Through Traditional Japanese Music —Tracing the Saga
*Please note that this is NOT a Noh performance, even though it is taking place in the National Noh Theatre.
With his innate military talent, Minamoto no Yoshitsune brought about the fall of the Heike clan; however, he was shunned by his brother, Yoritomo, and met a tragic demise in Hiraizumi, Ōshū.
His turbulent life spawned many legends and stories, which have been passed down through literature and the performing arts.
In this performance, Kodan storyteller TANABE Gin'ya will guide you through Yoshitsune’s life while presenting traditional Japanese music pieces inspired by him and those around him.
Performance Date Booking Opens Click here to find the details about how to buy tickets.
May 17(Sat.), 2025
Performance Time
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
*The finish time is an estimate and may vary.
Tokiwazu-bushi
Munekiyo
Jōruri :TOKIWAZU Hatsusedayū
Shamisen : TOKIWAZU Mojizō and others
A Duel at the Legendary Gojō Bridge
Nagauta
Hashibenkei
Uta : IMAFUJI Chōichirō
Shamisen : IMAFUJI Chōtatsurō and others
Shizuka Gozen’s Path of Devotion to Yoshitsune
Kiyomoto-bushi
Yoshinoyama
Jōruri : KIYOMOTO Kiyomidayū
Shamisen : KIYOMOTO Eikichi and others
The Tragic Finale of the Hero
Chikuzenbiwa
Koromogawa
Biwa : OKUMURA Kyokusui
Navigator
TANABE Gin'ya
*Audio guide : Not available.
*Subtitles : Not available.
Tickets (Tax included)
6,000 yen ( Students : 4,200 yen )
Seating plan
10:00 a.m., March 18(Tue), 2025
*20% discount for audiences with disabilites and one accompanying audience.
*Tickets for students and persons with disabilities for this performance are available online.
*Wheelchair spaces are available. For more details, please contact the Box Office.
*If there are still tickets available for purchase on the day of the event, you may purchase them in person at the Box Office (on-site) for this performance. Box Office (on-site) : Open from 11:00 a.m. until curtain time.
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Box Office
0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000) in Japanese and English
(10:00 a.m. ～ 6:00 p.m. )
Munekiyo
Yoshitsune’s mother, Tokiwa Gozen, attempts to flee the capital with her young children, including Yoshitsune. However, she finds herself on the brink of disaster when she is interrogated by the barrier keeper, Taira no Munekiyo.
The intense exchange between Munekiyo, who questions her, and Tokiwa Gozen, who tries to conceal her identity to protect her children, is conveyed through the dynamic chant and shamisen performance in the Tokiwazu-bushi.
Hashibenkei
Yoshitsune, who was raised and secretly trained at Kuramadera Temple, challenges Benkei to a duel to test his skills when they cross paths at midnight on Gojō Bridge.
This legendary battle, featuring the later loyal retainer Benkei—recognized as the most famous episode in Yoshitsune’s story—is powerfully sung alongside the vigorous shamisen strokes of the Ōzatsuma-bushi.
Yoshinoyama
Despite achieving a series of victories, Yoshitsune is compelled to flee after coming into conflict with his elder brother, Yoritomo.
The journey of Yoshitsune to Mount Yoshino, along with his beloved Shizuka Gozen and the Genkurō fox disguised as Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer, Satō Tadanobu, is vividly expressed through elegant chant and distinct sound of the shamisen in the Kiyomoto-bushi.
Koromogawa
Hunted by Yoritomo, Yoshitsune and his followers eventually escape to Ōshū, only to be attacked by Fujiwara no Yasuhira, who could not refuse Yoritomo’s pressure. Although Benkei fights valiantly, he becomes exhausted, leading to the tragic end of Yoshitsune. This finale, involving Yoshitsune and Benkei, is chanted alongside the desolate sound of the Chikuzen biwa.