Japan’s 24 Paragons of Filial Piety

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本朝廿四孝

Honcho Nijushiko

Overview

by Hashimoto Hiroki
Title

Japan’s 24 Paragons of Filial Piety
Writer Chikamatsu Hanji, Miyoshi Shoraku, Takeda Inaba, Takeda Heishichi, Takemoto Saburobei II
Premiere

Bunraku: January 1766, Osaka Kabuki: May 1766, Osaka
Overview

Originally a puppet play in five acts. It is set in the Period of Warring States (16th century) and revolves around the historical conflict between two major warlords, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin (known here as Nagao), though it is not true in its details to either historical fact or legend. The only scenes commonly performed in this complex drama are from Act IV, showing the passionate love of Princess Yaegaki. This is known as one of the three most challenging princess roles in Kabuki. The piece is thought to be derived from an earlier work involving the conflict, Terutora Haizen, which is still performed today.

 

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Princess Yaegaki（Bando Tamasaburo）　October 2008　Kabukiza Theatre