Characters
Musashibo Benkei
The historic Benkei is said to have met the young Yoshitsune on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto, where he became his loyal servant. He originally trained as a monk on Mt. Hie but was expelled because of his rambunctious personality. Legend has it that he had no peer in strength and never shed a tear, but in Kabuki, including this play, he almost always cries. Usually his physical strength is the core of the story, but in this drama, his wit and intellect are the crucial factors.
Minamoto Yoshitsune
The 12th-century general Yoshitsune was the dominant figure in several decisive battles that changed the course of Japanese history. However, his brother, who had become the nation’s supreme leader, feared that he was planning a revolt and ordered his arrest. This forced him to flee to Kyushu and then to his allies in the northern part of the country. Because of his tragic fate, he is the subject of many Noh and Kabuki dramas. This play imagines him fleeing through the mountains with his servants in the guise of a porter.
Togashi Saemon
The chief inspector at Ataka Barrier in Kaga (present day Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture). He has been charged specifically with capturing Yoshitsune.
Kamei Rokuro, Kataoka Hachiro and Suruga Jiro
Powerful servants of Yoshitsune, known collectively (along with one absent here) as his Four Heavenly Guardians. They pretend to be mountain priests and travel with Yoshitsune to protect him.
Hitachibo Kaison
Oldest of the servants protecting Yoshitsune, based on an historical figure.
