Pathway to Japanese Literature

Yushima Shrine Precincts (*Onna Keizu*—A Play—Act I)

The rain falling in the piercing spring cold turned to snow as dusk deepened unnoticed,

Kasho-shi, two people, entered.

The sound of Ueno’s bell flowed along the freezing slender stream’s many bends, finally reaching Tagawa’s Iriyamura village,

Those Kasho-shi stood at the restaurant gate, freely assumed their roles, and departed.

The paths along the ridges near the pleasure quarters too, whether to the right or left, glistened white,

During this time, Hayase Chikara and Otsuta entered while encountering the Kasho-shi.

Taking advantage of the deserted streets, they stealthily proceeded, avoiding notice.

When the Kasho-shi exited, Hayase and Otsuta stopped.

Otsuta: “You… you.”

Hayase: “Ah.”
(He replied as if startled.)

Otsuta: “It’s a lovely moon, isn’t it.”

Hayase: “Is that so.”

Otsuta: “Do look at this view.”

Hayase: “Ah, I see.”

Otsuta: “How dreadful—as if noticing it anew—you’re not yourself at all.”

Hayase: “I must be out of sorts.”
The moon might shine clear, but my heart stays dark.

Otsuta: “Yes—even were the whole world dark, I wouldn’t care.
After all, I’m but a shadowed creature…”

Hayase: Otsuta.

(solemnly.)

Otsuta: “Yes.”

Hayase: “I’m sorry—though it’s far too late now.”

Otsuta: “You’re being so distant.”
“...Haven’t you been steeled for this since the beginning, hmm?”
“Secret though it may be, we’re still husband and wife.”
“Hardship brings me contentment.”
“No moon shines nor snow falls.”
(Glancing about) “Let’s steal a moment for flower-viewing before we go.”
“...Not a soul remains.”
“Sit down now.”

(She lightly placed a hand on his shoulder.)

When they approached the gate here that they distinctly recognized, (Hayase, pulled back in retreat, rested on a bench.)

Otsuta (sitting down beside him and placing her hands on her knees with a happy look): “Isn’t it wonderful? I’ve turned into a novice myself, you know.”

The bamboo clappers clattered loudly in the wind,

At that moment, from the dim shadows came the clattering sound of two or three people clapping.

Otsuta (removing her hand from his shoulder): “But isn’t it strange?”

Hayase: “What? The moonlit night?”

Otsuta: “Well, even if we keep our relationship hidden, once we start a household together, rain may leak through but moonlight will still shine in. There’s nothing odd about a moonlit night itself—what’s unusual is us coming here together for prayers.”

Hayase: “I suppose you could call it strange. The world works in ways beyond understanding.”

Otsuta: “I just hope it doesn’t suddenly snow or anything.”

Hayase (with concern): “Huh? Why?”

Otsuta: “But you’ve never once taken me out anywhere together before, have you? It’s such a rare occasion, you know.”

Hayase: …………

“You know, I truly believe my late parent’s lingering attachment has taken hold of you. ……Though it’s become a moonlit night now, this afternoon was so dark and cloudy—perfect weather for someone like me who can’t venture out on sunny days—so while you were away, I visited Mother’s grave.”
“……It’s my first time since moving to Iidamachi.”
“She said that with my circumstances settled, my life-risking wish fulfilled, and a respectable man by my side, I’ve become someone worth envying—and then from within the grave, Mother sent her regards to you.”
“Harsh yet affectionate, letting me go yet ever watchful.”

Hayase: “Otsuta.”

Otsuta: “But please take me out with you sometimes.
Once we become husband and wife, I grow careless, lose all pride and stubbornness, and just cling to you—what a troublesome country bride I am.
I find even Edo’s Hongo so novel that I can’t help wanting to see the sights.
—That’s what Mother asked me to tell you.
……Somehow, these past two or three days, you’ve been so gloomy—so I thought you should visit Tenjin-sama, your clan deity, for prayers. And since I wanted to go together too, I pleaded until you finally brought me along like this.
There’s no telling how delighted she must be, even from beneath the grass.”

Hayase: “Endure it.”
“Even being falsely praised or made happy—I think that lasted only until yesterday or the day before.”
(He sighed.)

Otsuta: “What’s this? You’re so fainthearted.”
“Even if you helped a thief and got exposed in the papers… wasn’t it you yourself who resigned from your government post?”
“If I were to say anything about it, you’d think I cared about losing the salary—how mortifying—so I kept silent… but you—this whole time, you’ve been brooding over that matter, haven’t you?”
“Isn’t it just fine?”
“When you see someone being trampled and kicked—even a thief couldn’t just stand by! That’s what makes a man.”
“Why, if I were back in Yanagibashi, I’d help too!”
“If that’s wrong, then let all of society have its way.”
“And about government affairs—Mother at the grave said the same.”
“Otsuta will find joy in any hardship—so please don’t worry yourself about household matters at all… she said.”

Hayase: “Thank you. We’re glad.”

Otsuta: “Does anyone thank their wife? You’ve truly lost your senses.”

Hayase: “Don’t be absurd. I’m thanking your mother. But I’m not fretting over household matters.”

Otsuta: “Then what gnaws at you?”

Hayase: “Nothing worth mentioning—but see how clouds veil the moon at times? A man less than stardust—we might fade into darkness… No—selfish prayers for domestic peace ill suit these grounds when we’ve neglected proper observances… Enough—let’s go.”
(Starts rising.)

Otsuta (clinging to him): “Ah, please wait just a moment.”

“What?”
“Well, you see—I was born in the Year of the Snake and have always been devoted to Benten-sama... Now that we’ve come this far, I can’t bear to neglect my prayers. I want to go all the way down the stone steps to worship properly. So you—wait here just a little while, won’t you?”
“Go if you must—though it’s rude to call it a mere errand—but why not head all the way to Shinobazu? Let’s go together.”
“My, how unusual.”
“It’s strange that you’re suggesting we go together.”
(Looking at his face) “But since it’s not some ill omen making you act strange, I’m glad.”
“Still, Benten-sama doesn’t favor us being together.”
“Besides... there’s something I want to buy without telling you and bring back.”

Hayase: “You may do as you see fit.”

Otsuta: “You’re being unusually kind, aren’t you? Shall I stop, I wonder… Or should I stop?”

Hayase: “Why treat prayers differently? You mustn’t stop them.”

Otsuta: “But you look so lonely. I can’t help fearing some disaster might strike.”

Hayase: “Nonsense. I’ll crush any disaster.”

Otsuta: “Oh! It’s done—innkeeper!”

Hayase: “This isn’t a teahouse. Don’t you know where we are?”

Otsuta: “I’m happy—it’s been ages since you scolded me. But your voice has no strength.”
(She worried again.)

Hayase: “Why don’t you hurry up and go?”

Otsuta: “Righto.
Oh right—since it’s bothersome, I’ll leave your overcoat here.
Night dew will settle; you should wear it.”

〽With quick wit between wife and words.

Otsuta clapped her hands.
“Tenjin-sama, Tenjin-sama.”

Hayase: “What? How rude.”

Otsuta (without answering that): “I humbly request lodging.”

Hayase shed a quiet tear.

Otsuta (starting to leave): “Please watch me—until I’ve gone down the stone steps. It’s frightening to be alone.”

Hayase: “Look at that—coward.
“For someone who’s always meddling in people’s business...
“What’s this—aren’t you the girl who can’t even walk alone through Shitaya and Ueno?”

Otsuta: “If one keeps up appearances, even a demon wouldn’t faze them—but nowadays, even a massage therapist scares me.”

“Fine—I’ll keep my eyes wide open and watch.”
“It’s fine—hurry up and go.”
“Righto.”
〽Hearts interlocked like paired keys,
Hayase saw her off.
—Otsuta left.—

…………………………

〽In this love that cannot meet openly—from innermost chambers of heart to the world—joyfully proclaiming three thousand years of devotion,

Amidst this full-throated song, Otsuta turned back with hurried steps.

Hayase crossed his arms and sank into deep thought.

Otsuta (from behind): “You—come back now.”
“Brother.”

Hayase: Ah.

Otsuta: I'm... over here.

Hayase: “Oh, that was quick.”

Otsuta: “No—forgive me for making you wait.
“I… I grew so worried about you that my heart raced—let me see your face.” (pleading as she notices him turning away) “Ah!” (joyfully) “It feels like we’re meeting anew after years apart!” (peering closer) “What troubles you?”
He still wore that clouded expression.
Though I’m glad we came together like this, it’s unseemly to—[linger] by Tenjin-sama’s altar—we mustn’t stay here and risk being tempted on our way back.
“Let us hurry home by train.”

Hayase: “Quit your babbling and take a little rest.”
Otsuta: “That’s enough.”

Hayase: “Did you go to pray?”

Otsuta: “Yes—from the corner of Nakacho—” (lightly pressed her palms together) “—I prayed.”

Hayase: “What did you say?”

Otsuta: “Oh, that’s nothing.”

Hayase: “I want to know.”

Otsuta: “Yes, I’ll tell you.
‘You have no parents—yet I pray to them as yours and regard you as their own child.
For your esteemed mentor—the Teacher from Masago-cho—and his wife, first and foremost, may they be in good spirits and health.
And may the lovely young lady never, ever form a marital bond with someone like Kouno.’”

Hayase: “And then?”

Otsuta: “And then?”

Hayase: “And then…”

“But you already know the rest, don’t you?” she giggled.

Hayase (both laugh forlornly): “Ha ha ha. So—what did you buy? What’s the purchase?”
Otsuta (smiling innocently): “Something good… but something you won’t like—yet something I won’t let you dislike. Something joyful, something hateful… a bit awkward, really.”

Hayase: “What is it? What is it?”

Otsuta: “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“……My dear boy was waiting for a souvenir.”
“In that case, I should’ve bought you something…… Please forgive me.”
“You’re such a dear boy.”

Hayase: “Enough already—what’d you buy?”

Otsuta: “Shall I show you? You won’t scold me?”

Hayase: “…………”

Otsuta: “Even if you scold me, it’s too late now—I’ve already bought it.” (Taking out a paper-wrapped package from the cloth bundle) “A hairpin for a round chignon.”
“There’s a well-regarded shop in Nakacho.”

Hayase: “The hairpin, Otsuta.”
(Involuntarily reaching for the package) “You might as well have bought my mortuary tablet instead.”

Otsuta: “Well, the mortuary tablet is properly enshrined—your parents might disapprove—but I alone, with a wife’s devotion, tend to it morning and evening even if it never reaches them.”

Hayase: This body of mine fell from a tree… It’s only through the filial devotion of a kind wife that I’ve finally received a posthumous name.
Hayase: I’ve been disowned… What are you—as if my parents would find you lacking? The mortuary tablet you speak of—it’s mine.

Otsuta: Yes.

Hayase: Otsuta, I already feel like I’m dead—there’s something I need to tell you.

Otsuta (upon hearing this, frantically covers both ears with both hands.)

Hayase: Just—hear me out one more time.

Otsuta shook her head without speaking.

“Hey,” said Hayase.
He pressed a hand to his chest, moved to embrace her, then recoiled as if burned. At the words “I feel like dying,” her pulse raced—she trembled.
*As if struck by lightning… Poor thing… Why don’t we just… go on a pilgrimage together?*
*……No—no—I’d sworn to the Teacher.*
*Hmm—I’m stuck.*
*What should I do?*

(He slumped over the bench as if collapsing.)

Otsuta (seeing this, gently drew closer): “Please tell me. Please tell me. I’m so worried my body’s stiffening.”
(hurriedly) “Please hurry and tell me,” she urged.
(she said quietly.)

Hayase: “Listen as if I were dead.”

Otsuta: “How cruel!”
(Covering her ears violently again) “I don’t know what you’re about to say, but judging by how you’ve been these past few days, I’m more terrifying than the thunder god.”

Hayase (placing a hand on her shoulder): "Well now—you're trembling all over."

Otsuta: "Yes—even if I tremble weakly, if you're telling me to die in your place, I'll gladly listen. But I won't hear you talk as if you're dead—not even if I die!"

Hayase: Oh—you won’t kill yourself, I won’t die—just listen.

Otsuta: Then… but because it’s too frightening, close your eyes.

Hayase: Otsuta.

Otsuta: …………

Hayase: “I’m parting with you for good.”

Otsuta: “Yes.”

“Make a clean break and part with me.”

Otsuta: “Mr. Hayase.”

Hayase: …………

Otsuta: “This is a jest—you don’t seem to mean it.”

Hayase: “This is no joke or jest—s-such a thing.
I wish to become a dream.”

Afterwards, even if the two meet—Sennenzai, wiping tears, looks at [their] face resentfully—

Otsuta: “So it’s true…”

Hayase: “I’ll apologize—I’ll bow my head.”

Otsuta: “Talk of cutting ties or parting ways—those are words one speaks when still a geisha.”
“……To me, say ‘Die’.”
“Command me—‘Wither away, Otsuta.’”

She grew cold and withdrew.

Hayase: “Otsuta, Otsuta, I’m not heartless.”

Otsuta: “Yes, I don’t think you’re heartless.”

Hayase: “I swear I won’t grow tired of you.”

Otsuta: “Yes—how could I bear being disliked?”

Hayase: “Face me—just listen. There’s nothing else troubling me—these past few days, people have been questioning my face and complexion—the worry is this matter. Even now I try to say it—at this very moment I try—but when I open my mouth: mornings, I wake to find you already in the kitchen, the sound of dried bonito being prepared; nights, when I go to bed after you, lamplight still glowing over your needlework. You’d be holding your pipe worriedly—planning the day’s meals—your retreating figure heading out to buy tofu with the miso strainer—your hands clasped in prayer before the mortuary tablet—and even if my throat were slit, my chest torn open, my lips ripped apart—I couldn’t bring myself to say, ‘Leave me.’ Even now—no, *right* now—whenever I hear your kind words, your joyful laughter, your adorable murmurs, the urge to say it stabs at my chest like a sneak attack from behind—as if smashing something guiltless and undeserving with a rock or stone hammer—and I’m drenched in cold sweat mingled with blood. Look, when you’re causing me such torment, it’s best to resign yourself and accept that we can part ways. …If you sulk at me like this, I’ve no will left to go on living.”

Otsuta: “So please tell me to die. It’s because you say ‘cut ties’ and ‘part ways’ that it’s so hateful. If I must die—aye, I’d say it. I don’t cling to my life.”

Hayase: “Well—do you know the one so vital that even our two lives combined—yours and mine—wouldn’t suffice? If those words you spoke about praying first to the gods and Buddhas weren’t lies, you’d understand without me saying it. It’s His command.”

Otsuta (collapsing as though dissolving): “Yes… Then it isn’t your heart saying we must part—it’s the Teacher from Masago-cho.”
(She stands transfixed.)

Hayase: “I cannot die even if I wish to.”
(writhes in agony.)

Otsuta (starts crying and clings to Hayase.)

If but a day passed without meeting you, I languished through a thousand days' longing—even the marks of needles and medicines blurred as tears from weeping soaked this paper, dreams of shared pillows startled me awake, and my grief swelled like a mirror's reflection.

Meanwhile, Hayase rose from the bench; Otsuta followed behind as if clinging to him. Both gazed up at the moon through tear-filled eyes while slowly circling the bench.
Otsuta sat down first and restrained the sleeve of Hayase, who remained standing.

“I can’t resign myself—even if I cling to your knees and weep once more, is there truly nothing to be done?”

“Truth is, in the inner parlor of the Kashiwa residence, I received an order that stabbed like a dagger through my chest. Koyoshi turned pale and tearfully tried to intercede for us, but ‘Even if she weeps or clings to you,’ he said, ‘even if she wastes away to death—I don’t care. It’s my command.’ There was no room for further words—both Koyoshi and I collapsed onto the tatami.”

Otsuta (with growing indignation): “Oh! So he thinks that even if I die it doesn’t matter—that man doesn’t truly intend to let me perish… Koyoshi staked her life—acting all-knowing yet so aloof! He understands nothing of a geisha’s devotion!”
“I will die. Let Yanagibashi’s Tatsukichi show you—burning with passion for her man, I’ll prove it through death!”

Hayase: “This is absurd! You—standing there pale-faced—would you stubbornly defy the Teacher out of petty pride?”
“I won’t permit it.”
“Wait! Calm yourself and listen!”
“True—the Teacher said he wouldn’t care if you died… but it was I who vowed to sever ties, to cast this woman aside! What would you have me do?”

Otsuta: “What do you mean, ‘what should I do with you’? Nothing but impossible demands! If you had any affection—any sincerity—why didn’t you at least tell the Teacher about my feelings when he said such things, even if you couldn’t refuse him outright?”

Hayase: With a heart-wrenching effort, I said it too.
Ms. Koyoshi—though I, listening beside her, felt excruciating shame—had relayed your feelings to me, but when he pressed his demand to my chest—“No ifs or buts! Either abandon me or abandon your woman—choose now!”—I had no words to reply.
Even now—no, for all eternity—I know no other words to say.

Otsuta (Pause) Ah—I understand.
"So... back then—that time—you said 'I will abandon the woman,' didn't you?"

Hayase: Forgive me—it's unforgivable—but yes—I swore it.

“Well said—what a man you are.”
“As your wife, I’m happy too.”
“Mr. Hayase… A man… That’s why you took that stand.”

“Whether I stand or stay seated—it’s all up to you.”
“So you’ll agree to part ways, then.”

Otsuta: What am I to do if I don’t agree?

Hayase: So you’ll consent to part ways then.

Otsuta: But… after all, my Mr. Hayase—that’s precisely why this lingering attachment surfaces, isn’t it?

Hayase: You’re making unreasonable demands again.

“Which of us do you think is being unreasonable?”

Hayase: “So you—even after I’ve laid everything out and begged—won’t give your consent, huh?”
Otsuta: “No.”
Hayase: “Then just say it clean—one word that we’re through.”

Otsuta: “…………”

Hayase: “Yes, Otsuta.”
(growing impatient).

Otsuta: “I’ll say it.”
(In fragmented speech through tears) “Before this parting severs us completely…as husband and wife…let me see your face one last time.”
(Clutching his chest, their gazes meet.)

“Each time I look upon you, your face grows gaunter—if I cannot bear this agony any longer, then kill me now and go.”

Otsuta: “I can’t endure this final glimpse—very well then, I take my leave.”

Hayase: (wiping away tears and steadying himself) “Here—this money…I brought it down for you. Take it and keep it.”
(Hands it over.)

Otsuta (taking it in unison): “A severance payment? How crude.” (As if to hurl it away, but her arm went limp.) “Did... did the Teacher give this?”

Hayase: “You must still have debts left—he gave this as consideration for your daily expenses.”

Otsuta (dejectedly receiving it): “My mind was in such disarray at a time like this—I nearly did something wasteful. Well then, I’ll accept it spitefully.”
(After tucking it into her obi,) she gazed at the fallen topknot-shaped package.
(Crying silently while picking it up and brushing off sand) Yet as a burden, it felt inexplicably heavy.
She wanted to cast it aside and leave, but that would only amount to childish pique.

Hayase: “So—what’ll you do?”

Otsuta: “You’re better off than me… Well—with Ogenbou working properly now—we’ll manage awhile longer.
“I… thought once the early boat cucumbers came in—I’d fix those incense cakes you like so nice—feed ’em to you proper—get praised… Ah—no use whining now.”
“But really—you! So bold ordering me about—yet too shy to tell maids what’s what… From now on—order ’em freely—don’t hold back.”
“……Don’t catch cold sleeping.”
“Bought mountain lilies—wanted to see ’em bloom quick—blew on the buds to fatten ’em—water ’em for me… Then—”

Hayase: (Looking down and nodding repeatedly, unable to bear it) “I don’t have a household either.”
“What’s the jest in parting with you?”

“My, why?”

“Even without that scandal—being branded in the papers as a thief’s accomplice, a swindler—how could I keep living here shamelessly? The tenement’s abandoned. I’ll flee to Shizuoka. I’ve thought it through—I’ll lay low for a while.”

“It’s so far... Is Shizuoka beyond Hakone? You waited here for me, yet even right after I descended those stone steps, I felt this unbearable restlessness—when will I ever see you again?” She bowed her head to her knees.

Hayase: “Otsuta—that’s exactly why you worry me so. Even if you forget everything else, don’t you dare leave Edo’s soil alone. Shizuoka being farther than Hakone… Ah, no parents, no siblings, not even an uncle or aunt—you relied on me alone! If I’d had just one cousin, I wouldn’t be suffering like this!… Hey, Otsuta—what’ll you do now?”

Otsuta (raising her face): “You’re the one who should mind what you drink and eat. Don’t fret over me. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved styling hair. After quitting my trade—as you know—I can manage an *Ichougaeshi* without help, even copy Ogen’s *Shimada*. As a hobby, I did peach-split styles for geishas and got flattery for it. Since the loop-chignon lady in Hatchōbori does hairdressing now, I’ll ask her to take me on as a combing assistant.”

Hayase: “Idle hands, huh?”

Otsuta: “Yes—I’ll train.”
“……Until I die before you, I’ll style people’s hair.”
“Feeling like I’ve become a nun—(wrapping a cloth around her hair in an older-sister headscarf)—I wanted to show you a round chignon, but perhaps this way suits me better.”

Hayase (pulling off the headwrap and rising decisively): “Come—let’s return together.”

Otsuta (helping him into his overcoat) “Um... Is it all right for you to return home tonight?”

Hayase: “You agreed readily enough, Otsuta—so you were planning to trudge straight to Hatchōbori right away?”

Otsuta: “Yes, that’s right…… Well then, I’ll get to feed the sparrows one more time—they’ve grown so accustomed, coming right into the latticed window, utterly adorable…… It’s been so hard parting until now.”

Hayase: “I won’t say anything. Come on—at least on the way back, say whatever selfish thing you want.”

Otsuta (hesitating): “Take my hand.”

Though this floating bed of waterfowl parts from the water, if one does not depart the field of good and ill—

In this interval, Hayase took her hand; Otsuta turned back, and Hayase too turned back with her, bowing down.

Now preparing to depart, Otsuta abruptly pulled her body away to one side.

Hayase: “Where are you going?”

Otsuta: “I will walk each side alone—one by one—to properly dwell on how it feels after we’ve parted.”

Hayase (nods.
(The stage splits to both sides.)

Otsuta: “But if I can no longer bear it and collapse, please come running to me.”

Hayase (nods.)

“We’re going back through the cut-through path—not slicing through our feelings, but like ripping our bodies apart to separate.”

Hayase (nods.)

Otsuta started to walk away heavily, then stopped while clutching the ache in her chest; Hayase turned sharply to face her.
Both gazed into each other's faces.

Truly, the sorrow of Cold Mountain as well—as if declaring "thus"—piles up with the falling snow...

To offstage.

Ah, the memories that linger.

The man walked briskly; the woman walked in silence.

――Curtain――

Taisho 3 (1914), October